As the price of gas continues to rise, many drivers are increasingly frustrated by the dollar figures on the gas pump. If gas prices make you cringe, it may be time to change the car you’re filling up.

When you’re shopping for a new car, fuel efficiency is more than just a passing consideration; surveys have found new car gas mileage is the most crucial element for people shopping for new cars. Since it’s so important, here are a few simple tips for shopping with miles per gallon (mpg) in mind.

1. Do your homework. There is no shortage of places online to research new cars. Compare cars between different years and model types. If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your prospective vehicle, you can check out its carbon footprint on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.

2. Think green. If you spend a lot time on the road, looking at hybrid vehicles may be the way to go. Hybrid vehicles combine a gas engine with an electric motor. In slow-moving traffic – like in a neighborhood or an urban area – a rechargeable-battery powered electric motor drives the car. At higher speeds – such as highway driving – computers automatically switch on the gas-burning engine, which then takes over as the primary driving force of the car. A great benefit to the hybrid is that when you’re stuck in stop-and-go rush-hour traffic, the gas engine shuts off and the car works on battery power.

3. Buy smaller. There may be cases where you need a minivan or a larger vehicle to shuttle the family around. But if you go that route, prepare to spend more at the pump. The average 6-cylinder SUV or minivan gets an average of 15 mpg, compared to a midsize car’s 22 mpg. An average compact car gets an even more impressive 25 mpg. If you can go smaller with your new car, your wallet will thank you.

There are plenty of ways to find cars with best gas mileage. You may quickly find that buying that new car will make your trips to the gas pump a lot more palatable.