We’re all getting clobbered by the high fuel prices. Instead of just whining and sniveling, I’ve been asked to provide some fuel-saving tips, so here you go:

Keep your Dodge and Cummins diesel running its best by following the manufacturers’ maintenance schedules. Replacing a partially clogged air filter can boost mileage while keeping dirt from wearing out your engine prematurely. When changing engine oil, you can also improve your gas mileage by 1-2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended viscosity grade of motor oil rather than a “heavier” one. Synthetic lubricants not only keep your truck running longer, but reduce friction and fuel consumption. Synthetic transmission fluid or gear oil, wheel-bearing grease, differential oil, and transfer case lubricants all help. Be sure to follow factory recommendations for grade, viscosity and intervals to protect your warranty.

Inflate your tires properly and check them often. Raise your truck to check for misadjusted wheel bearings and dragging brakes, turning the wheels by hand to detect tight bearings or brakes. Highway treads roll easier than mud-and-snow types, so consider changing if possible. Avoid carrying unneeded items in your truck. Check for items that you haven’t used in a while, especially heavy stuff, and leave it home.

Every time you apply the brakes you are dissipating energy that you paid for when you bought fuel, so look far ahead, and anticipate traffic signals and flow. Extended warm-ups and excessive idling are not necessary and waste fuel. After starting, allow the engine to run long enough to circulate oil thoroughly and stabilize the idle, then take it easy until the engine is fully warmed up before using full throttle. Accelerate moderately and use the highest gear you can, without lugging the engine. Keep your foot steady on the accelerator, constant changes waste fuel, and cruise control can also save fuel.

Wind makes a huge difference in fuel mileage, so slow down when there are strong headwinds. Higher speeds decrease fuel mileage drastically, because wind resistance increases with the square of the increase in speed. Roof-mounted wind deflectors on pickups can help mileage when towing a trailer. Mileage usually drops off rapidly at speeds above 60 mph, and as boring as it is, driving at 55 instead of 65 or 70 mph can often save 20 percent or more.

If you’re shopping for a new truck, keep in mind that manual gearboxes usually get better mileage than automatics and select the best axle ratio for your load and use, don’t settle for whatever the dealer has on the lot. Generally the “taller” the ratio is numerically, the better the mileage, just be sure the truck’s ratings are sufficient for your intended loads.

Keep mileage records, which help you compare changes in driving styles and indicate if mileage drops off for any reason. Filling to the same level each time will improve the consistency of your results.

Many devices claim to improve mileage, but most are more hype than reality. You can learn more about fuel-saving products online at: www.consumerenergycenter.org/myths/gasoline_saving.html and www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/reports.htm.

Most stations generally raise or lower their prices in the morning around 10 AM and expect a rise on Friday morning as prices are often moved up for the weekend. Some stations are faster to raise prices when they are going up than others. If you find that the price has gone up when you go by a station, try and find one of those slower movers in your area so you can still purchase the cheaper fuel.

When going on a trip, plan your route carefully, travel early in the day when winds are calmer, avoid rush hours, and check with highway department Web sites (or by phone) for detours, road closures, construction, etc. Avoid buying fuel at exit ramps for major highways, especially during holiday travels. These stations may be convenient but they know they have a captive audience. Try to fill up at your local station where the prices are lowest before you leave town. You can also save money by shopping for the lowest fuel prices online at www.gaspricewatch.com or www.gasbuddy.com.

Perhaps you have some tips of your own that you’d like to share. Let’s hear from you!