Here are ways to reduce the costs of driving a vehicle

With the state of California tripling the vehicle registration fee and the cost of gasoline rocketing upward, consumers are looking for ways to cut their driving costs. It costs a lot to drive.

AAA’s "Your Driving Costs" study (April 2003) priced the average cost per mile at 51.7 cents. These costs are based on motorists driving 15,000 miles per year with an average driver spending $7,754 on auto-related expenses. Operating costs—gas, oil, maintenance, and tires were estimated back in April to cost 13.1 cents per mile. Fuel costs were calculated using $1.461 as the average cost per gallon. With cost per gallon exceeding $2.10, that calculates to a whopping 50 percent jump! Ownership costs—insurance, licensing and registration, depreciation and financing costs $15.86 per day.

That’s a lot of money to run errands, commute, or chauffeur the kids to school, sports and other activities.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service, the nation’s largest and original nonprofit credit counseling organization, offers drivers these money-saving driving tips.

Rideshare. This isn’t a new idea. Using any mode of transportation other than one person driving alone can cut your costs dramatically. Carpool, vanpool, use any form of transit (bus or rail), even walking, jogging, and bicycling will all cut your driving costs.

87 or 93 or higher. Are you filling up your car with 93 or higher octane fuel? If so, you could be spending a bundle that you don’t need to spend. Check your owner’s manual to determine the fuel octane your car needs. With the higher octane fuels often 10 to 20 cents or more higher, you could have some substantial savings.

Get a tune-up. A simple tune-up can improve gas mileage by as much as 20 percent. A clogged air filter alone can cause up to a 10 percent increase in fuel consumption, and who can afford that?

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires require more energy to roll, which not only wastes fuel but wears the tires faster. According to the EPA, one tire that’s underinflated by only two psi will result in a 1 percent increase in fuel consumption. Underinflated tires can also build up excess heat, which can lead to tire failure.

Check tire pressures monthly when the tires are cold. Recommended tire pressures can be found on a label inside the car—usually in a doorjamb or inside the glove compartment.

Turn off your engine. If you’re waiting in line at a drive-through window, you’re getting zero miles per gallon. Why not park your car and walk inside instead? You’ll save gas and the walk may do you good. And if you think warming up the engine is necessary, think again. With most gasoline engines, it will warm up just fine by driving rather than letting the engine sit and idle. Speaking of idling—anything longer than 30 seconds—turn off your gasoline engine, it’s more efficient.

Smooth and steady driving makes for the best fuel efficiency. Avoid hard acceleration and braking if you can. Get up to cruising speed without straining, and stay there. Maintaining a steady pace is efficient, while varying your speed wastes fuel. According to the EPA, the most fuel-efficient speeds are between 25 and 60 mph. Smooth acceleration and braking not only saves fuel but extends the life of the engine, transmission, tires and brakes.

Carrying extra weight around cuts down on fuel efficiency, so clean out your trunk and unload your roof rack. Yes, even the empty bike rack cuts into your fuel economy.

Shop for insurance. Same customer, same car, but the rates can vary by as much as 100 percent. Use your shopping skills to shop around for the best insurance rate quotes that you can find.

Carry ample liability insurance, but if your car is getting on in years, you may not need so much collision and comprehensive coverage. Consider raising your deductible to a level you are comfortable with, e.g., $500 or $1,000.