Even the most fuel-frugal car can get miserable fuel economy because of one element the most talented auto engineers can't overcome: the driver.
According to a report issued by the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute, a motorist's bad habits can reduce a car's fuel economy by as much as 45 percent. By that measure, a compact sedan that's EPA-rated at 30 mpg could wind up getting a full-size SUV-like 17 mpg.
Specifically, the report cites gas-wasting driving habits like excessive time spent idling, aggressive and high-speed driving and excessive use of cruise control and air conditioning.
Then there are mechanical miscues such as incorrect engine tuning, tire pressure, and motor oil use as being detrimental to a car's fuel economy. What's more, the study found that tactical decisions including route selection, road grade profile, traffic congestion and improper load weight can also help drain the gas tank at a higher-than-average rate.
