GAS PRICES: Average gas prices in Pennsylvania have reached 26 cents higher per gallon than a month ago, according to AAA East Center.

And its not done climbing, the agency said.

With that in mind, AAA shared strategies that can help motorists conserve gas or save money:

• Optimizing your daily driving. Maintain steady speeds. A car uses extra fuel accelerating.  Cruise control may be a fuel saving option for motorists who drive on level roads but not hilly terrain.

• Minimizing last-minute braking. Be alert for slow-downs and red lights and coast up to them, if possible. Drive smoothly, avoiding “jackrabbit starts.”

• Don’t haul extra weight in the passenger compartment or trunk. Reducing extra weight can save up to 2 percent fuel economy for every 100 pounds removed depending on the weight of the vehicle.  

• Using the air conditioner only when necessary. Air conditioning reduces fuel economy by about 5 percent or more in an older model vehicle. The rule of thumb on hot days is to open your windows when you are driving slowly (under about 45 mph) but close them and turn on the air conditioner at higher freeway speeds.

• Read your owner’s manual for the recommended fuel for your vehicle. If it says “regular unleaded gasoline” is recommended, using anything else is a wallet-drainer, and if it says “premium required” you must use it for proper vehicle operation.  However, when your manual says mid-grade or premium “recommended,” read carefully; sometimes it indicates you can use regular unleaded to save money, but you may experience reduced power and/or a small reduction in fuel economy.

• Look into gas rebate programs and other credit cards that provide a rebate every time you fill up.

• For families that have more than one vehicle, select the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets the task at hand.

• Consolidate errands to cut down on driving and number of miles driven. Plan your route and look for a location where you can take care of all or most errands. Avoid excessive idling.

• Properly maintaining your vehicle is critical in reducing gas use.  Under-inflated tires can cut fuel economy by up to 2 percent per pound of pressure below the minimum recommended level.  Worn spark plugs and dirty air filters also increase fuel consumption.