Edmunds.com recently tested several of the most often cited gas-saving tips to see which are "urban legends" and which actually save consumers money at the pumps.

The tested tips and results were:

  Tip:          Use cruise control to save fuel.
  Test Result:  True -- at a surprisingly significant level.

  Tip:          Driving with open windows is far less efficient  than using air conditioning.
  Test Result:  Negligible -- both methods produced roughly the same mileage per gallon.

  Tip:          To dramatically improve mileage, you must buy a more fuel-efficient vehicle.
  Test Result:  False -- there are huge savings to be had for drivers who change their driving style from "lead-foot" to "feather-foot."

  Tip:          Properly inflated tires are more efficient than tires with low pressure.
  Test Result:  True -- and there are other significant benefits, too, including safety and tire longevity.