You may already know that, as a Californian, you usually pay more for gasoline than drivers in other parts of the country. (Click here to compare current and recent gas prices.)

That’s why you should be even more conscious of how to avoid wasting gas. Here are a few reminders on how you can "up" your M.P.G., compliments of TheDailyGreen.com. 

1) Lighten up. Need another reason to clean out your trunk? For every 100 pounds you tote around in your car, your fuel efficiency drops up to 2%. Take out the excess weight and you’ll save money (3 cents per gallon for every 100 pounds removed).

2) Straighten up. If your wheels aren’t properly aligned your car can’t roll down the road as efficiently as possible, and that makes your engine work harder. A wheel alignment can improve fuel economy by as much as 10%.

3) Tune it up. Maintain your engine by having the spark plugs, plug wires, fuel filter, PCV valve and other related parts changed on a regular basis - usually every 30,000 miles. It can mean a 4% improvement in gas mileage.

4) Change it up. Nearly one in four vehicles on the road needs a new air filter. If yours is dirty, replace it. You may boost your gas mileage by up to 10%.

5) Fill ‘em up. Underinflated tires are a leading cause of wasted gas, so “check 5 on the 1st.” That’s an easy way to remember to check the air pressure in all four tires and your spare on the first day of each month.

6) Close it up. If your gas cap is missing or broken, replace it. Without a good cap, gas fumes will escape from your tank, and that hurts both the environment and your gas mileage.

7) Slow up. Reducing your speed on the highway by just 5 miles per hour cuts your fuel use by 7%. So, what’s your hurry?