Gas prices once again hit record highs this week in Rocky Mount, with some stations charging as much as $3.70 per gallon.

If you're like most people, chances are you cringe each time the fuel dial turns toward E.

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Click here to see what gas costs around the Twin Counties

While simply driving less is the best way to cut into growing fuel prices, that's not an option for a lot of folks. There are, however, a number of proven ways to fight back against skyrocketing gas prices. They require discipline. And they require dedication.

But, if it helps cut back on those weekly $70 fill-ups, it's gotta be worth a shot.

1. Take care of your ride: Worn gas caps, underinflated tires, old spark plugs and dirty air filters each put a drain on your tank. The price associated with simple car maintenance more than offsets money drivers could save at the pump. Replacing a clogged air filter alone can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, which translates to about 36 cents per gallon.

2. Remember, this isn't NASCAR: Driving aggressively – accelerating quickly, breaking abruptly and swerving – can lower gas mileage by as much as 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent on city streets, the National Car Care Council estimates. Saving a few minutes of travel time surely isn't worth the extra 18 to 90 cents per gallon.

3. Obey the law: Speaking of NASCAR, one of the best ways to improve gas mileage is to slow down. Vehicles take on a great deal of wind resistance once pushed beyond 55 mph. Researchers estimate each mile-per-hour over 60 mph results in a loss of 10 cents per gallon.

4. Hit cruise, sit back and relax: Fluctuating speeds on the highway is like asking to pay higher gas rates. If your car is equipped, set the cruise control at a safe speed, pull into the right lane and chill.

5. Sweat it out: This might be easier said than done, but minimizing the use of air conditioning has been proven to reduce gas mileage in several car makes. It's debated how great the impact is, but driving with the windows down on the highway could hurt gas mileage, as well. Solution: Ride with the windows down through the city and utilize the air conditioning on the highway.

6. Get rid of the clutter: While piles of fast-food bags and

empty coffee cups aren't likely to impact a car's gas mileage, heavier items will. An extra 100 pounds can cut fuel efficiency by a percent or two. Time to get rid of that junk in the trunk.

7. Learn to multi-task: Try to complete errands in the same trip. It requires more fuel to run your car when you first start it. Once it's warmed up, it's easier for cars to get up and go.

8. Hang with big boys: Ever notice how most semi-truck drivers stay in the right lane and maintain a constant rate of speed? They know how to maximize fuel dollars. Get in line, drive a little slower and enjoy the savings. Riding behind them also reduces wind resistance.

9. Don't just sit there: Avoid excessive idling. Sitting idle gets zero miles per gallon. If you need to idle for more than a minute, turn off the engine. In winter, 1 to 2 minutes is enough warm-up time.

10. Just stop driving: Most people must drive to get to work and other places. But everyone has the ability to cut back. Take public transit whenever possible. Ride a bike or walk anywhere within a few miles of your home. Learn to car pool. If gas prices are a real problem in your budget, complaining won't help. The best way to save is to hang up the keys.

Information compiled from AAA Carolinas, howstuffworks.com and the National Car Care Council.