(BPT) - The holidays are for giving, but with all the driving around for shopping, parties and family events, you may end up giving more at the gas station due to Grinch-like fuel costs. Holiday jeer can quickly become holiday cheer, though, by simply practicing some gas-saving tips.

“There are all sorts of ways to make sure you’re getting the best fuel efficiency out of your car,” says Andrew Briggs, director of product planning for Yokohama Tire Corporation, makers of a variety of truck and car tires. “One of the best – and easiest – is to properly inflate your tires. Tires that are under-inflated by eight pounds per square inch (psi) can reduce vehicle fuel economy by as much as 2 percent. By keeping the right air pressure, you can begin cutting down on your annual fuel costs.”

Briggs says that even though tires are engineering marvels affecting everything from braking distance and accident avoidance to ride comfort and fuel efficiency, they are easily overlooked – especially when it comes to checking tire pressure. “It’s natural to forget, but for the best gas-saving results, checking your tire pressure should become a monthly routine. It only takes five minutes. If you’re not doing it once a month, chances are you’re driving on under-inflated tires and burning money.”