With gas prices soaring all over the US , this topic becomes hot. Here are some tips that will help you to protect your wallet a bit. Right now, the price of gasoline is again setting record highs. The average price for a gallon of regular hit $3.086 in Colorado.

Keep your car properly maintained: If your plugs are clean, your oil is changed regularly, and the car is lubed, you will get better gas mileage. The engine and connected parts will be able to work more effectively and efficiently, and this translates to more miles per gallon. By the way, most of the synthetic motor oils available today will help you save money on gas by allowing your car to run more efficiently for longer periods between oil changes.

Keep your tires properly inflated.

Don't haul anything you don't absolutely need. Check your trunk, glove box and cabin for belongings that do not have any business being in the car on a permanent basis. This does not save you much (unless you have a habit of driving with the full trunk all the time) - but it does save a bit, and it does not cost a dime to implement.

Don't stomp on gas. Acceleration takes a lot of gas. The slower you accelerate, the better your gas mileage is.

Don't slam on brakes. The more you brake, the more you have to accelerate afterwards, and this costs you more in the end. Ideally you want to accelerate once, and then drive at a constant speed.

Avoid excessive idling. This does not mean to turn off your car at the red light or when coasting in neutral. Such things are unsafe, and you'll consume more gas when you start your engine back. But try to avoid parking or standing for any prolonged period with your engine on. Remember that your engine gives you 0 MPG when idling.

Go the speed limit, and use cruise control when possible on longer trips. Slow down: Here's a little fact for you - Fuel economy drops about 10 percent between 55 mph and 65 mph, and 17 percent between 55 mph and 70 mph.

Optimize your route. The less distance you drive, the less gas you use. If you have to visit several places, see how you can route your trip to have the minimum number of miles driven.

Plan your route to avoid traffic jams. You can't avoid excessive idling, braking and acceleration while in a traffic jam, so jams are responsible for a big chunk of gas consumed. You can avoid jams sometimes however if you learn traffic patterns in your area and use them to your advantage.

Pay attention to what is happening in front of you and around you. If you are going to have to stop anyway, why not slow down and stop rather than burning extra fuel to get to the stop faster?