Filling up a vehicle today is nothing short of depressing as drivers shake their heads in disbelief while the pump quickly ticks its way past $50. And although there doesn't seem to be much respite in sight - at least not this summer - there are steps you can take, including changing your driving habits, to help improve fuel economy.
 
While you probably realize that your driving style has a huge impact on fuel consumption, you may not be aware how much. According to the Web site FuelEconomy.gov, "aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas.  It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town."
 
Sibyl Ringsdorf, manager of marketing and national accounts at Rostra Precision Controls Inc., a leading manufacturer of cruise control systems, rear obstacle sensing systems and comfort seating systems, says one of the best ways to control driving speed is by using cruise control to help limit unnecessary accelerating and decelerating.  
      
"With the possibility of $4-a-gallon gasoline hanging over our heads, drivers are doing whatever they can to maximize a tank of gas," she explains. "If you're one of the thousands of consumers whose vehicle isn't already equipped with cruise control, it is very easy and cost effective to add a high-quality aftermarket cruise control system to your existing daily driver."
      
Based in Laurinburg, N.C., Rostra Precision Controls offers vehicle-specific cruise control systems for many cars, trucks and SUVs on the road today. The manufacturer's systems feature all traditional speed control functions, including set speed, coast/reduce speed; resume/accel, controlled resume rate and retention of last set speed. In addition, Rostra makes a Global Cruise Control System that is fully programmable, allowing it to fit on more vehicle models, including small gasoline engines and diesel-powered vehicles.
     
To find an application for your vehicle, visit www.rostra.com.