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But there are some other problems that can lead to wasted gas—to the tune of hundreds of million gallons a year.
Loose gas caps, under-inflated tires, faulty thermostats, worn spark plugs, malfunctioning engine controls and poor wheel alignment are just some of the conditions that cost consumers millions of dollars in wasted fuel.
One study showed that 17 percent of the vehicles on U.S. highways have either misused or missing gas caps, causing 147,000,000 gallons of gas per year to vaporize into the atmosphere. And yet, losing nearly 150 million gallons of gas out of the filler cap is literally a drop in the bucket.
Even worse offenders are under-inflated tires and incorrect wheel alignment. These conditions increase rolling resistance. Like driving with the parking brake not fully released, it can cost a mile or two per gallon on a car that normally delivers 20 miles per gallon. Dirty oil may cost you a mile per gallon; a slipping automatic transmission can lose another mile per gallon and a faulty thermostat can lose as much as two miles per gallon. The fuel penalty for one misfiring spark plug is two or three miles per gallon.
If your car has several of these problems, just think: the cost of wasted fuel easily could exceed recent jumps in gas pump prices.
Before your family takes that long road trip this summer, it might be a smart idea to take your car in for a checkup.
Published 07/06/07
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Are you wasting gas? Of course not! You drive at reasonable speeds, you don't leave the car idling for long periods, and you change your car's oil regularly. 
