With gas prices on the rise, more consumers are looking for ways to save without giving up driving entirely. And there are some useful tips out there.

We all understand that catching the bus, carpooling, and buying a more fuel-efficient vehicle make the biggest difference for our wallets and the environment. But the fact that the number of registered vehicles continues to climb — up to 834,238 on O'ahu alone — suggests people are unwilling or unable to completely get rid of their cars.

Riding a bicycle provides another option and Honolulu's bus system allows commuters to carry their bikes closer to a location where cycling is more practical.

Still, state tax data show gasoline consumption continues to rise despite prices pushing toward $4 for a gallon of regular. There were 23.8 million gallons of gasoline sold on O'ahu in February compared with 19 million gallons the same month a year earlier, the data show.

There are some other ways to save, including shopping around for a better gas price. And some Web sites make that easier. If you go to www.HonoluluGasPrices.com, you can find where volunteers have posted the lowest and highest prices they found in the marketplace recently.

While you can find Costco and the military exchanges listed there, you may be surprised to find a fair number of neighborhood stations that don't require special membership. And they may be more geographically desirable, too.

That becomes a lot more important when we return to the basic premise that we're trying to save money and gas, so driving halfway across the island to save 4 cents a gallon might not be the wisest move.

For at least one friend, the lure of cheaper gas keeps her coming back to her Costco membership even now that there's a Sam's Club closer to where she works. Year in and year out, Costco's cheap gas remains a draw.

At the American Automobile Association the staff track fuel information all year round every year and offer a variety of tips.

For example, under-inflated tires can cut fuel economy by as much as 2 percent per pound of pressure below the minimum recommended level, said AAA spokeswoman Elaine Beno. Worn spark plugs and dirty air filters also increase fuel consumption.

She suggests reading the owner's manual for the recommended fuel for the vehicle. "If it says regular unleaded gasoline is recommended, using anything else is a waste of money," she said.

Beno suggests consumers look into gas rebate plans such as credit cards that provide a rebate every time you fill up.

Driving style also can make a difference. Remember drivers' ed? Some of that still applies: Maintain steady speeds because accelerating eats more fuel. You can even use the cruise control on open roads. Minimize braking. If you notice the traffic slowdowns and red lights, you can slow gradually and avoid sudden stops. Slow down and drive smoothly, avoiding "jackrabbit starts."

Use the air conditioner only when you really need it. Air conditioning reduces fuel economy by about 5 percent or more if the vehicle is an older model.

But didn't we read that opening our windows is worse? Beno said the rule of thumb on hot days is to open your windows when you are driving slowly (less than about 45 mph), but close them and turn on the air conditioner at higher speeds. Driving with the windows down can increase the aerodynamic drag, which increases proportionately with speed.

Another good tip is to clean out your car, not just for the reduced clutter factor, but because hauling extra weight in the passenger compartment or trunk takes more gas.

Reducing extra weight can save up to 2 percent fuel economy for every 100 pounds removed depending on the weight of the vehicle. Beno also suggests storing the roof rack, if you're not using it regularly. Carrying things on the roof increases aerodynamic drag and reduces fuel economy — so take off the surf racks if you haven't taken out your board for the past two years.

Be creative. Is carpooling an option even a few days a month? You can vent about work on the way home to your friends and give your spouse a break, too.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.