Gas prices remain high. How to conserve? The Alliance to Save Energy offers several tips to achieve better gas mileage.

• Tuneup: When a vehicle isn't functioning properly, a tuneup can improve gas mileage up to 4 percent.

• Tires: When tires are inflated properly, they last longer and are safer. Also, this can increase gas mileage by 3 percent.

• Motor oil: By using the grade of motor oil recommended by the vehicle's manufacturer, gas mileage can increase up to 2 percent.

• Air filters: Checking and replacing air filters regularly can increase gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.

• Carpooling: Take advantage of carpooling and ride-sharing options. In Roanoke, call Ride Solutions at 342-9393. Check out www.ridesolutions.org for a cost calculator that measures the cost of commuting alone.

• Public transportation: In the Roanoke Valley, consider using Valley Metro bus service. Commuters from Blacksburg or Christiansburg to Roanoke and vice versa can ride the Smart Way Bus for $3 each way, 982-6622. Visit www.valleymetro.com.

• Walking: Walking provides physical exercise, saves money that would be spent on gasoline and reduces pollution.

• Speeding: Driving over 60 mph decreases gas mileage. Every 5 mph driven over 60 mph equals spending about 10 cents more per gallon.

• Idling: Excessive idling wastes fuel. Cars with larger engines waste more gasoline while idling.

• Aggressive driving: Avoid aggressive driving, including quick accelerations from dead stops on interstate entrance ramps.

Source: www.ase.org