Prices at the gas pump are hitting record highs nearly every day and are expected to top the $4 mark this summer.

From Kiplinger’s magazine reporter Stacy Rapacon, here are ways to keep more cash in your pocket when you pull in to fill up:

¢ Time your purchase. The best time of day to fill up your tank is before dawn or late at night. Stations usually raise prices during the day.

¢ Keep your car in healthy shape. Proper maintenance of air filters, spark plugs and fluid levels is best for your car and wallet. Proper tire pressure is very important for good fuel economy. Every pound-per-inch under the manufacturer’s recommendation for your tires loses you a mile per gallon per fill-up. Also, large loads make it harder for vehicles to speed up; trim the excess luggage from your car, like those golf clubs in the winter and those snow tires in the summer.

¢ Get a gas rewards card. Carrying the right credit card can earn you rebates on gas purchases.