Whether you’re short on time or cash for the higher gas prices, there are real dangers to driving around with a near-empty gas tank.
According to AAA, they’ve seen a 25% increase in callers seeking assistance after running out of gas.
Here’s why you should fill up before heading out.
Defining an “Empty Tank”
When the needle hits “E,” the fuel light warning light has more than likely already come on. Panic may set in as you begin wondering how many miles you can travel before the vehicle stops running.
What you may not know is that this warning is really signaling that you’ve reached the reserve level of gas in your tank. It means you’re down to about 10%-15% of the gas tank capacity.
While this is a situation you need to take care of sooner than later, you’ll probably still be able to travel about 20-30 miles before the vehicle shuts down.
The best-case scenario is to stop at the nearest gas station before you find yourself stranded.
Vehicle Damage
While every driver has experienced this scenario at least once, it’s best to shoot for filling up when your vehicle hits 1/8 to preferably 1/4 of a tank of gas.
Consistently running your vehicle on reserve gas levels can cause damage to your vehicle over time. Specifically, it can cause clogged fuel filters and fuel pump failure.
The pump inside your fuel tank depends on gas to keep it lubricated and functioning properly. Without enough gas, the pump can overheat or simply fail.
When gas is consistently low and you rely on reserve levels to run the vehicle, dirt, deposits and other built-up gunk can get sucked into the fuel pump and clog. When your fuel pump collects excess dirt and debris, it limits the amount of gas that powers the engine.
Bottom line, gassing up prevents undue damage to the fuel pump and ultimate damage to the engine, affecting its performance, efficiency, and lifespan.
Personal Safety
As you hit the road, you never know when you may encounter a traffic jam or other delays. When running low on gas, it then becomes far more difficult to make it to a gas station to fuel up.
If you run out of gas at night, nowhere near a gas station, or on a busy highway, your personal safety becomes an even bigger concern.
The dangers of crime, exposure to elements, being hit by another vehicle or waiting for help to arrive with fuel are very real and unsettling.
Conclusion
Consistently running your vehicle on empty will end up costing you a lot more than high gas prices. Make fueling up before heading out a priority.
At Downtown Autobody, your safety is our priority. After an accident or if something just doesn’t seem right, visit our auto body experts in Rohnert Park to keep your vehicle running safely.