As gasoline prices rise, there has never been a better time to think about driving more sustainable.

Regardless of the vehicle you are driving, here are techniques to help you save fuel and minimize your impact on the environment.

Do you really need to drive?
The shortest journeys of less than three kilometres cause the most pollution and are inefficient in terms of fuel consumption. A straining cold engine will produce 60% more pollution than a warm one. Yet it is these shorter journeys that are ideal for walking or cycling.

Plan your route wisely
A bit of forethought can save much wear and tear - for the car and the driver. Try to take the most direct route, go off peak if possible: trip plan! Sitting in congestion means you are often doing zero kilometres per litre. If you have to commute by car, think about car sharing, Park & Ride schemes or public transport.

Have your vehicle serviced regularly
This helps maintain efficient running and good economy. Inefficient, under-serviced engines can reduce fuel economy by 10% or more. Catalytic converters are environmentally friendly - but only if they are properly maintained.

Check your tires
Correct tire pressures will keep wear down and fuel economy up. Under-inflated tires need replacing more often (itself an environmental problem) as well as being dangerous. (Anybody who has cycled on under-inflated tires will appreciate how much extra effort is involved!) Make a point of checking them at least once a week.

Obey the speed limits
Try to "feather" the throttle as you reach your cruising speed. Doing 90 kilometres per hour uses 25% less fuel than 110 km and a smoother driving style can bring significant fuel saving. But never coast to save fuel; vehicle control must not be compromised.

Reduce the drag factor by removing roof racks and carriers when not in use.
Driving with the window open also increases drag and lowers fuel economy. Remove unnecessary and heavy materials from the trunk. Avoid using wide tires that add rolling resistance. Limit your use of air conditioning (which lowers fuel economy) by using the vent settings as much as possible instead.

Use less fuel and buy green fuel.
Don't idle your engine after stopping for more than 10 seconds! Some gasoline stations sell ethanol gasoline.

Use "accelerator" sense
Do you go straight from accelerator to the brake? Rather than having to brake as you hit traffic, gently let the speed of the vehicle bring you to a halt as you merge with traffic. There is no point in rushing and then having to brake to come to a sudden halt.

Back in the vehicle when you park.
When you start off again, the engine will be cold and at its most fuel inefficient. If you can drive smoothly away without having to reverse when the engine is cold, not only will you save fuel, you will also have better visibility.

Consider buying a hybrid vehicle for your next car purchase
A hybrid vehicle uses an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. With a hybrid vehicle, the electric motor kicks in during idling and slow speeds, such as with city traffic driving, saving on gasoline and reducing air emissions.