Gas prices may never drop below $3 per gallon again, but manufacturers are working to develop fuel-saving technology to help drivers save at the pump. One such useful invention is start-stop technology. This allows engines to stop running when the car is idling, say, at a red light or in stop-and-go traffic. The moment the driver touches the gas pedal, the motor roars back to life. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that every hour spent idling uses about a quarter-gallon of gasoline. A minute or two here and there may not seem like much, but this can add up over time and waste fuel.

Start-stop technology sets out to eliminate this issue, and is already used in many different models. AAA reports that it's highly likely that this gas-saving technology will become even more common on the road in coming years. By 2017, research shows as many as 8 million cars on the road will be equipped with devices that reduce engine idling.

"Engine start-stop isn't a brand new technology, but the latest systems benefit from significant advances made in the last few years," said John Nielsen, AAA's director of automotive engineering and repair. "This technology is only going to gain momentum as vehicle manufacturers work to meet the more stringent Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards set for 2016."

The federal government requires all vehicle manufacturers to have a fleetwide fuel economy of 34.1 miles per gallon by 2016, according to Popular Mechanics. Utilizing technology is the main course of action most automakers are taking to ensure they adhere to the regulations, and many companies have been incorporating these advancements into their vehicles for many years.

This means that drivers who want to find fuel-efficient models are not restricted to solely new vehicles. There are plenty of used cars that offer great fuel economy as well as new fuel saving and other technological features. Car shoppers in the New York and New jersey area can head to NJ Auto Auction, which carries a variety of used makes and models at affordable prices.