With so many people hitting the byways and highways this summer for vacation, work, barbeques and family outings, vehicular travel is sure to rise. So, why spend more than you have to on gasoline?

The following tips, from the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), will help save more of your money for fun times at the beach or mountains as you head out on your summer vacation.

Before setting out

Check your tires. Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. Out-of-line wheels, as evidenced by uneven tread wear, should be aligned by a professional.

Follow the service schedules listed in your owner’s manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended, and have engine performance problems (e.g., rough idling, poor acceleration) corrected at a repair facility. Given today’s high-tech engines, it’s wise to have this type of work done by auto technicians who are ASE certified in engine performance.

On your trip

Break the speeding habit. Speeding to your destination can decrease your miles per gallon by 15 percent or more.

Sudden accelerations guzzle gas, too. Anticipate traffic patterns ahead, and adjust your speed gradually. Use cruise control where feasible.

Use windows and air conditioning wisely. Your mileage should improve if you keep the windows closed at highway speeds, since air drag is reduced. This is true even with the air conditioning on -; assuming that the system is in good working order. But try to avoid using your air conditioner in heavy, stop-and-go traffic.

When you get back

Make sure you remove all vacation items and clutter right away to reduce the weight your vehicle’s engine must push.

And take off that rooftop cargo carrier. Like closed windows, this will reduce air drag and increase your mileage.