Buzz
Your car’s dashboard is filled with useful info, but the one thing most people focus on is the fuel gauge. When it’s full, you’re set. With half a tank, you’re good for local trips, though maybe not for a cross-country adventure.
But sometimes you glance at the gauge and spot the dreaded 'E' for empty. While it doesn’t mean you’ll suddenly burst into flames, you might wonder just how much further you can go. So, how much driving can you actually do once that gas light flicks on?
A one-size-fits-all answer doesn’t exist, as it all depends on your car’s model, fuel efficiency, and your driving speed. Generally speaking, when your gas light comes on, you’re down to about 10-15% of your tank, says car safety expert Robert Muñoz in a discussion with Reader’s Digest. That could be anywhere from one to four gallons, translating to 20-30 miles, or up to 50 miles if you’re in a larger vehicle.
Although this seems like a reasonable safety margin, it’s not an excuse to disregard the gas light. Running on low fuel can damage your fuel pump, which has to work harder and get hotter with less gas. Additionally, a low tank can stir up debris that clogs the fuel filter. The more often you drive on empty, the higher the risk. Worst case? You could stall or cause engine damage.
Also, if you plan to leave your car unused for an extended period, it’s not advisable to ignore the light. It’s best to keep the tank full when storing your vehicle. This helps prevent moisture from accumulating in the tank, which could harm the fuel injection system.
In short? When your tank is running low, top it off as soon as possible. If a gas station is too far, it might be safer to pull over and call for help. And moving forward, try not to let the light come on in the first place.
