Fuel prices continue to rise. According to a survey of service stations by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, gas prices are up as much as 38 percent or more from a year ago. It almost feels like you have to get a second mortgage just to fill your gas tank.

Thankfully, you don't have to give up your driving habits or buy a new car to get some relief. There are a number of quick, inexpensive and easy steps you can take to improve you car's fuel economy. Here are a few easy ways to get better fuel economy without changing your lifestyle or buying a new vehicle.

Upgrade your motor oil. There are high-performance motor oils that can make meaningful improvements to your car's fuel economy. For instance, numerous independent studies have documented that Royal Purple® motor oil improves fuel economy by as much as five percent or more. It's also been shown to produce notable horsepower and torque gains, so you can save gas without sacrificing performance. Visit their Web site at www.royalpurple.com to find out more.

Keep the tires of your vehicle properly inflated. The U.S. Energy Department reports that underinflated tires can increase fuel consumption by up to six percent. One study estimates that 50 to 80 percent of the tires rolling on U.S. roads are underinflated. Astonishingly, we could save up to two billion gallons of gas each year simply by properly inflating our tires.

Regularly replace your air filter. A clogged air filter can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent. Air filters keep impurities from damaging the interior of the engine, so replacing dirty filters will save gas and protect your engine.

Follow the maintenance recommendations in your owner's manual. An out-of-tune engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 15 percent. Always follow your car manufacturer's suggested tune-up schedule.

Following just a few of these steps can have a dramatic impact on your wallet. According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation, current average fuel economy for passenger cars is 22 miles per gallon. If you, like most U.S. drivers, travel 12,000 miles per year and have paid $2.65 per gallon, your annual fuel costs would be $1,445.45 (12,000/22 miles per gallon x $2.65).

To learn more, visit the following Web sites: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov); The U.S. Department of Energy's Web site, dedicated to issues related to fuel economy (www.fueleconomy.gov); a Web site that helps consumers find the lowest gas prices in their area (www.gaspricewatch.com); a Web site that has information on Royal Purple lubricants which help reduce fuel consumption (www.royalpurple.com).