With gas prices still on the high side, many people are struggling to keep vehicles on the road and money in their pockets. Companies are capitalizing on consumer frustrations by promoting various offers from gas-saving products to fuel-discount programs.

Gas-saving promotions may sound appealing, especially when considering your bank account. However, your Better Business Bureau cautions you to beware of ads claiming federal endorsements because while agencies may evaluate product claim legitimacy, no federal agency actually endorses gas-saving devices or additives. Also, beware of glowing testimonials or too-good-to-be-true results featured in product advertisements because they’re often fictional.

The Environmental Protection Agency has tested more than 100 gas-saving devices and hasn’t identified any that significantly improve gas mileage. If anything, testing has found some products can cause engine damage.

If you’re looking for ways to save on gas, your BBB recommends you:

Buy the gas you need. Check your owner’s manual to determine the right octane level for your car.

Stay within speed limits. Gas mileage can rapidly decrease at speeds above 60 miles per hour.

Avoid sudden starts and stops. This can improve gas mileage by as much as 5 percent.

Use overdrive gears and cruise control. Cruise control and overdrive gears improve fuel economy on the highway.

Use the air conditioner. Open windows create more drag than the air conditioner, reducing gas mileage by 10 percent.

Remove excess weight from the trunk. An extra 100 pounds can reduce a typical car’s fuel economy by as much as 2 percent.

Maintain vehicles properly. Keep the engine tuned, tires inflated and aligned, oil changed and air filters checked and replaced regularly.

Combine errands. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.

Don’t be fooled by gas-saving gimmicks, check them out with your BBB. Visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301 for more information.

John North is president and CEO of the Dayton Better Business Bureau.