The rise in sales of hybrid and other fuel-efficient cars has everything to do with this year\'s increase in gas prices (the average gallon of gas costing $4 a gallon, a whole dollar more than last year).

But the interest to live green, especially when it comes to driving, has made a huge impact on not only how we drive, but how often; if Americans increased the mileage of a gallon of gas by five miles, we would save the United States 1.5 million barrels of oil a day.

Fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness go hand in hand. By following these guidelines, you can be sure to save money and live a more green lifestyle.

First le\'ts discuss Fuel-Efficiency: What is It, and How Can I Get It?

Fuel efficiency is a term that describes how well your vehicle uses fuel (gasoline). If you get good gas mileage, it means that your vehicle runs well enough to get the most distance out of the least amount of fuel.

No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, you can do things as a driver that will improve the fuel efficiency of your car. Regular maintenance, along with these handy tips, will make your car a fuel-efficient machine!

Don\'t Idle if you warm up your car for twenty minutes in the winter, or if you let it run while you run into the gas station, you wear down your car\'s overall life span and add more fumes and gases to the atmosphere.

Check Your Oil and Filters: keeping your engine clean and running not only improves the life of your car, but it can increase your gas mileage and your emissions.

Keep It Slow and Smooth: speeding over 55 MPH on the highway drops your gas mileage by 2%. And if you aren\'t a careful driver, you can decrease the air pressure in your tires and weaken your car\'s frame and parts, contributing to poor emissions and performance for your vehicle.

Keep It Clean and Simple: by removing junk and unwanted items from your car, you keep you car free from weight that could decrease gas mileage (every extra fifty pounds in your vehicle decreases gas mileage by 0.25 %). Planning errands in advance also allows you to drive less and save more: more gas, more money, and more good for the planet!

There are plenty of choices when it comes to buying a fuel-efficient car: hybrid, electric, and manual transmission vehicles all work to give you better gas mileage with less environmental impact.

Some of the top fuel-efficient cars for 2008, according to FuelEconomy, are the Toyota Prius, the Honda Civic Hybrid, and the Mazda Tribute 2WD check FuelEconomy for their latest list of fuel efficient vehicles.

One of the most important things you can do to be a green driver is to do your research: find out where your vehicle is made, and how its materials contribute to both fuel efficiency and environmental safety.

For example, the Ford Prius, which is a hybrid vehicle, has a battery made out of nickel, a mineral that is mined and refined at great cost to the environment when you consider the impact and cost of mining and transport of nickel, it is actually worse to drive a Prius than a Hummer!

Always consider sources like FuelEconomy when you have questions about fuel efficiency and other tips for green driving. And make sure that you check out your options for auto insurance at nationwide.com.