Buzz
A comprehensive guide to help you get back on track quickly.
Running out of gas might happen more often than you'd expect, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. When your car refuses to go any further, it can feel like a major roadblock. Don’t worry, though—help is easy to get, even if you’re not near a gas station. Keep reading to understand what happens when you run out of gas and most importantly, how to proceed.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
- When your car runs out of gas, you lose control of your ability to brake and steer. Your engine will stall shortly after, as there’s no more fuel to keep it running.
- Once the gas runs out, your vehicle will stop suddenly, and your fuel gauge will show empty.
- If you're running low on fuel while driving, pull over safely to the side of the road and activate your hazard lights. Confirm your location and reach out to roadside assistance for help.
What to Do Next
What Happens When Your Car Runs Out of Gas?
Without fuel, your engine will shut down. Gasoline is what powers your car, and without it, the engine will stop running. As your engine cuts off from the lack of fuel, you lose control over your car’s movements until it finally stalls. When the gas runs out completely, your car will stop as abruptly as if you turned off the ignition key.
Signs Your Fuel Is Running Low
Braking and steering become more difficult. Your car’s ability to steer and brake relies on the engine’s power. If you start to notice your brakes or steering aren’t working as they should, pull over immediately—your car could be about to stall.
Your car jerks, or the engine stalls. If there isn’t enough fuel to keep your engine running, you might struggle to start your car or keep it on. This is especially risky if you're on a busy road or highway, so make sure you pull over safely if you’re running low on fuel!
The fuel gauge shows that your tank is empty.
How to Get Assistance
Find a safe place to park until you can refill your gas tank.
Pinpoint your location to get the help you need. Use your phone or the GPS in your car to determine where you are. If you don't have service, look for road signs or nearby landmarks to get a rough idea of your surroundings.
Contact roadside assistance or your car insurance company. If you're covered by a roadside assistance service (such as AAA Road Service) or a program through your insurance provider, reach out for help. They will either deliver enough fuel to get you to the nearest station or tow your car for you.
- If you don’t have roadside assistance or insurance, many states offer free emergency highway response programs. Find the contact number for your local department of transportation (DOT) online.
- If you’re without cell service, try flagging down a passing driver. You can ask them to bring you gas or make a phone call for you. Always be cautious when interacting with strangers and avoid accepting a free ride if it feels unsafe!
- Alternatively, ask a friend or family member to bring you fuel or have them call roadside assistance on your behalf. As a last resort, walk to a nearby gas station and bring back some gas for your car.
Fill up your gas tank and restart your engine.or
Does running out of gas harm your car?
Running out of gas can overheat the fuel pump, potentially causing engine failure.
Low fuel levels can result in clogged fuel injectors. The fuel filter attached to the bottom of the fuel pump removes debris from the fuel. As the gas moves from the fuel pump to the engine through the fuel injectors, low gas levels can push impurities through the filter, clogging the injectors and blocking fuel flow to the engine.
- If your car is having trouble starting or running, here’s a guide to check your fuel pump.
If your vehicle runs on diesel, the fuel system will need to be bled to restart the engine. Diesel engines have two fuel pumps: the low-pressure lift pump pulls fuel from the tank to the high-pressure injector pump. If air enters the injector pump, it can cause the system to become air-locked, preventing fuel from reaching the injectors.
- To bleed the system, start by loosening the bleed screw on the fuel filter. Run the fuel pump (by turning the key to the ‘on’ position or cranking the engine) until fuel sprays out. Then, close the screw.
- Next, loosen the fittings on the fuel injector lines. Crank the engine until fuel sprays out of each injector, then tighten the fittings.
- If your engine has a decompression valve, use it to save battery power during the process, making it easier to turn over the engine.
- To avoid potential issues, have your vehicle inspected at least once every 12 months!
