Gas prices have remained well above the $3 mark for quite some time, and it's safe to say the high cost of fuel is likely not going to change any time soon. This is the main reason so many drivers place fuel economy in their list of important features when shopping for a vehicle. The government is also pushing automakers to produce more efficient vehicles, and many brands are improving performance by reducing weight in addition to developing new technology and better parts.

Ford, for example, recently announced its engineers have developed a lightweight carbon fiber-reinforced plastic hood for production cars. This composite material is not new, but it has mainly been used in racing and high-performance sports cars until now. This material reduces the weight of a hood by 50 percent, when compared to the traditional steel hoods used in most Ford cars.

"It's no secret that reducing a vehicle's weight can deliver major benefits for fuel consumption, but a process for fast and affordable production of carbon fiber automotive parts in large numbers has never been available," said Inga Wehmeyer, advanced materials and processes research engineer for Ford European Research Centre. "By partnering with materials experts through the Hightech.NRW research project, Ford is working to develop a solution that supports cost efficient manufacturing of carbon fiber components."

While automakers like Ford work to develop lightweight materials for future vehicles, drivers can take steps to improve the fuel economy of their current vehicles. Removing unnecessary items from a car can reduce its overall weight. They may also want to get a tuneup at the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey Auto Auction. Getting regular maintenance and fluid changes can keep a car running well, so it gets the most of every drop of gas and helps drivers save at the pump.