Summer driving season is upon us, and as the mercury rises, so do fuel prices.

Regular unleaded gasoline has gone up nearly 41 cents a gallon in the past month across the nation to an average price of $2.619 on Tuesday. That’s up nine cents in just a week, according to www.fuelgaugereport.com, a service of AAA.

It’s still better than prices a year ago, when a gallon of regular cost $4.023, 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, enthusiasts with thirsty sports cars that require top-shelf fuel could be in for a pinch this summer, as premium has gone up 45 cents to $2.881 in the past month.

With this in mind, experts offer some common-sense solutions to help consumers cope if fuel prices continue to rise. Most basic and perhaps hardest for enthusiasts is to take it easy on the throttle, and using cruise control can help.

Drivers also should stay current on proper maintenance. For example, BillShrink.com, a Web site that compares gasoline, cell phone plans and credit cards, estimates that basic upkeep--such as changing the air filter--can improve fuel efficiency by 10 percent.

Traveling light, and not stacking luggage on the roof, is another good tip. Ford estimates that storing stuff up top hurts aerodynamics and trims fuel economy by as much as five percent. Maintaining proper tire pressure, closing windows and turning off the air also can help bolster mpgs, if not comfort.