Summer driving season is upon us, and as the heat goes up, so do fuel prices. Although this summer’s prices are not expected to hit last years ridiculous 4+ dollars a gallon, prices have been slowly creeping up throughout the spring.

It's still better than prices a year ago, but it's a sharp U-turn from the relative bargain prices that consumers paid for much of the winter. Regular-gasoline prices have surged past diesel, which is now about a dime cheaper. Diesel stood at $2.517 a gallon on Tuesday. Meanwhile, premium has gone up 45 cents to $2.881 in the past month.

During the cheap winter months, many consumers may have forgotten the gas saving skills they learned last summer. There are a few basic rules to make sure you keep gas costs down: Go easy on the throttle, braking hard or slamming the gas pedal use more of it. Drivers also should stay current on proper maintenance. Keeping your tires properly inflated is important.  Aerodynamics are important so if it’s possible avoid stacking items on your roof.