If you are like many, the rising cost of gasoline may have you and your family in a financial crunch. Whether it's getting back and forth to work, on weekend getaways or just to the grocery store, you will be glad to know that there are several ways to save money when it comes to your necessary commutes.

Carpool. If you live near colleagues who just happen to be traveling to work at the same time as you, it may be a good idea to carpool and save on the cost of gasoline. For instance, one colleague can drive one week and another the next. Depending on how many people you are commuting with, you could save a significant amount of money on gasoline costs and general everyday wear on your vehicle.

Drive slow. The harder your vehicle has to work, the more gasoline it will use. Not only is driving cautiously the safest thing to do, but it's also an economical choice. When you accelerate and/or brake quickly, you will use more gasoline. Therefore, avoiding sudden actions could save you some extra bucks on the highway.

Scale down. We all know that some automobiles use more gasoline than others, so scaling down to a smaller vehicle will help you to save at the pump. When shopping for a more economical choice in automobiles, look for one that has good gas mileage per gallon.

Fill up when prices are down. You can save a significant amount of money by filling up your vehicle when gas prices are at a low point. Depending on your automobile, it may be difficult to let go of this much cash all at once, but it will save you money in the long-run.

Don't leave your motor running unnecessarily. Many people, especially during the warm summer months, will leave their automobile and air conditioner running while they go into the store. Instead, roll down the windows or just wait until you return to the car and turn the air conditioner back on. Remember, it's important that you never leave children or pets inside of the vehicle.

The information contained in this article is designed for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional financial or motor vehicle operational advice. For more information on your automobile's gas mileage, refer to the owner's manual that accompanied your vehicle.