Even with low prices, here are some ways to milk more miles from the gas you buy

Gas prices are expected to be lowest they've been in about six years this summer. But that doesn't mean you need to be wasteful when headed to the beach.

The U.S. Department of Energy said Tuesday that it expects the average cost of gas to be $2.45 a gallon from April to September.

Here are some tips to get more mileage out of the gas you buy.

— STAY COOL: The air conditioner wastes gas, but so can keeping the windows down. In hot weather, the Energy Department recommends keeping windows open when driving at lower speeds and the air conditioner on low when driving faster.

— PRICE CHECK: Smartphone apps such as Waze, Gas Guru and GasBuddy can find the gas stations near you with the lowest prices.

— DON'T SPEED: Every 5 miles per hour that you drive over 50 miles per hour is equivalent to paying an additional 17 cents per gallon for gas, according to the Energy Department.

— KEEP YOUR TIRES INFLATED: When tires don't have enough air, it forces the vehicle to use more energy to move. Tires that are properly inflated also last longer.

— KEEP IT LIGHT: Don't leave heavy items you don't need in the trunk. Additional weight is a gas sucker, especially for smaller cars. And keep cargo or containers you don't need off the roof. It slows a vehicle down, requiring it to use more energy to move through the air.

— TURN IT OFF: When you're parked and sitting in the car, turn the engine off.