With gasoline prices refusing to come down, more drivers are looking for ways to get the most out of every gallon of fuel. But they may not like what experts recommend: Change your behavior.

"There is a direct correlation between fuel economy and the driver's behavior and vehicle care," said Stephen Hunter, Ford Motor Co. hybrid vehicle engineer.

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From keeping a car well-maintained to driving at a more controlled pace, motorists can have a noticeable impact on the kind of mileage they get. According to Eric Kaufman, engineering manager for fuel economy and drive quality at General Motors Corp., motorists need to look at vehicles, as well as driving, the way experts do: in terms of energy consumption.

A careful, "fuel-conscious" driver of a traditional gas-powered vehicle might be able to save a considerable amount of energy -- "as much as a tank of gas every other month," Mr. Kaufman said.

Expert tips for improving fuel economy start with the obvious:

Plan trips and driving routes to avoid traffic congestion. Backed-up traffic and redundant trips cause motorists to be on the road longer, burning more fuel.

Avoid excessive idling. "Warming the car up before departure, or idling for more than 30 seconds is a waste of fuel," Mr. Hunter said. "Modern cars actually reach operating temperature faster if you start the car and leave immediately."

Accelerate evenly and drive smoothly so you keep abreast of traffic but aren't braking frequently. "Any time you hit your brakes, you're throwing energy away" in a traditional gas-powered vehicle, Mr. Kaufman said.

Note: Gas-electric hybrids with regenerative braking are different. They recapture braking energy and store it on board for use later, so hybrid drivers should feel comfortable braking at a steady rate.

Use cruise control when traffic conditions allow because it "will smooth out the transitions" and help maintain an even speed, Mr. Kaufman said.

Look ahead and drive strategically. "Avoid big changes in speed, such as jumping on the gas to pass two cars, just to get caught in traffic again," Mr. Hunter said. "These won't save you much travel time (and) will drain the gas tank faster."

Don't carry more than you need. For example, rooftop cargo carriers, no matter how aerodynamic, will detract from fuel mileage by creating drag. Get rid of things you don't need for your trip, such as sports equipment stored in the trunk. Mr. Kaufman estimates there's a "2 percent penalty" in fuel economy for every extra 100 pounds of cargo and people in a vehicle.

Keep your vehicle properly maintained. This includes keeping the air filter clean, getting regular oil changes and, especially, routinely checking to ensure tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires can tax fuel economy by as much as 10 percent, Mr. Kaufman said. And according to AutoZone, a parts store, a new oxygen sensor alone can improve fuel economy in an older car by up to 15 percent.

People driving pickup trucks might consider adding a tonneau cover over the pickup bed in back. A hard tonneau can lessen the drag from air being buffeted into and around the open bed, Mr. Kaufman said.

Generally, it's better to keep the windows closed as you travel. Open windows create drag because the air cannot flow smoothly around the vehicle.

But accessories such as air conditioning and even headlights and a rear defroster are energy users; limit their use if possible, Mr. Kaufman suggested. For example, once a back window is free of ice, turn off the rear defroster. On mild summer days, try turning off the air conditioning once the inside temperature is comfortable.

Beware of modifications. According to Mr. Kaufman, installing wider or bigger tires can drop fuel mileage by changing the vehicle's aerodynamics, and both typically add to its mass at each corner. With more mass to move, the engine needs to use more fuel. Bold light racks look cool on the roof of some sport-utility vehicles and trucks, but they can contribute to drag.

Don't use lift kits to boost the height of your SUV or pickup. Besides the fact that a vehicle's height is designed for fuel economy and safe handling by the manufacturer, Mr. Kaufman noted that for fuel economy, "lower is better."

And if you're traveling someplace new, get directions ahead of time so you don't waste time -- and fuel -- driving around trying to find your destination.