In today's world, saving money is often a top priority for consumers, and bills paid at the gas pump are no exception. Drivers can follow a few simple tips to help save money on gas.

Lighten the load. How much weight is being carted around in a vehicle can directly affect the amount of gas it consumes. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk or cargo area of a truck or SUV. Consider removing extra accessories, like roof racks or hitches.

Accelerate slowly. Resist the urge to gun it when beginning to move after a stop light or stop sign, as rapid acceleration wastes gas. Press the accelerator pedal gently to increase speed gradually and conserve fuel. Similarly, coast to a stop, rather than slamming on the brakes.

Don't idle. Turn off the engine if the car will be idling for more than a minute. Modern engines do not need to be warmed up for more than 30 to 60 seconds, even when the weather is cold. Driving will warm up the car faster than idling while parked, provided the car is driven moderately until the temperature gauge shows the car has reached the right temperature.

Consider whether to use air conditioning or put the windows down. While it's true that the air conditioning will drain fuel when in use, driving with the windows open makes the vehicle less aerodynamic by causing drag. Some experts recommended leaving the windows down during slower city driving and using the air conditioning for higher speeds on the highway.

Keep tires properly inflated. Poorly inflated tires can make a vehicle less efficient by causing more friction between tires and the roadway. Check the PSI rating for the tires and inflate accordingly. Many modern vehicles automatically alert drivers when tires are low on air.

Drive a consistent speed. When driving on the highway, switch to cruise control to maintain a consistent speed. This action can reduce drag, which in turn reduces fuel consumption.

Stick to a maintenance schedule. Maintaining a vehicle by getting routine oil changes, fluid checks and other simple upkeep helps a car or truck run properly, which can help conserve fuel.

These are just a few strategies drivers may employ to conserve fuel.