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Running on Empty: The Consequences of Driving with a Near-Empty Gas Tank

Many drivers have the habit of continuing to drive until their fuel tank is almost empty before finally heading to a gas station to refuel.

Administrator

26 July, 2024

Running out of gas can leave drivers at risk of having to push their car to the side of the road, but it can also cause long-term damage to the vehicle, resulting in a car that won’t start even with a full tank of gas.

Damaging the Fuel Pump

According to experts, attempting to drive on an empty tank can impact the fuel pump, one of the most critical components of a car.

The fuel pump is directly connected to the fuel tank and is responsible for drawing fuel into the combustion chamber. Gas also acts as a coolant for the fuel pump. When there isn’t enough gas, the pump will draw in air. If this happens regularly, it can damage the filter and motor, causing the car to suddenly stall while driving, lose power when accelerating, and experience engine vibrations.

Many drivers have a habit of letting their car’s gas tank run empty before refueling, which can cause the car to stall unexpectedly. (Illustration)

Additionally, the sludge that accumulates in an empty gas tank can be drawn into the pump and supplied to the engine. If this occurs repeatedly, it can clog the fuel pump and injectors, causing system failure.

Negative Impact on the Engine

Driving a car with an empty gas tank can negatively affect the engine, mechanical components, power steering, and brakes. This is because mechanical parts only function efficiently and last longer when the fuel tank is full, and these parts are also susceptible to wear and tear from external factors.

The buildup of sludge in the fuel filter can cause blockages, preventing fuel from reaching the combustion chamber, and increasing the risk of contaminants entering the fuel lines and engine. If left unaddressed, this can lead to issues in the exhaust system, corrosion of engine components, and reduced engine performance.

Increased Risk of Accidents

Some drivers, noticing their car is low on gas, may try to continue driving before refueling. However, they can’t be sure that the remaining gas will be enough to reach the next gas station. Running out of gas completely can cause the car to stall suddenly, affecting schedules and work, and it can also surprise drivers behind them, potentially leading to unfortunate accidents.

Therefore, drivers should check their fuel levels before each trip or use maps to locate the nearest gas station along their route.

How to Tell if Your Car is Running Low on Gas

When a car is low on gas, the fuel indicator light will illuminate as a warning to refuel. Typically, this light turns on when the car has about 10-15% of its fuel capacity remaining. Each car model has a different fuel tank capacity, and the amount of gas left when the light comes on can vary.

The fuel indicator operates based on a float sensor in the fuel tank. As the fuel is consumed, the float drops to a certain level, triggering the light to warn the driver that the fuel is low and needs to be refilled. Additionally, the fuel warning system may vary depending on the slope of the road. Therefore, in some cases, the warning may only be approximate.

Once the fuel indicator light comes on, you can expect to drive approximately 30-70 kilometers, depending on conditions. The warning system typically has two levels: a solid light indicating it’s time to refuel and a blinking light signaling that the tank is almost empty.

To avoid running out of gas and potentially damaging your vehicle, experts advise paying attention to your car’s fuel levels and refueling when the tank is half-full.

According to VTC News

Frequently asked questions

Driving with a near-empty gas tank can lead to several issues, including engine damage, fuel pump failure, and being stranded on the road. Running a car on low fuel can cause debris and dirt to be drawn into the fuel pump, potentially leading to failure. This can result in costly repairs. Additionally, driving with a near-empty tank can cause the engine to misfire and run unevenly, potentially damaging the engine over time.

Yes, running out of gas can potentially damage your car’s engine and fuel system. When a car runs out of gas, the fuel pump can draw in air and debris, which can lead to blockages and damage to the pump and fuel injectors. This can result in costly repairs and even engine replacement in severe cases.

It is essential to plan and be mindful of your fuel levels while driving. Always refuel when your tank reaches the quarter-full mark to ensure you have a safe reserve. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge and be aware of the distance you can travel on a full tank. Additionally, consider keeping a fuel can with a small amount of gas in your trunk for emergencies.

Driving with a low fuel level can lead to several issues. Aside from the risk of running out of gas and being stranded, low fuel levels can cause the fuel pump to work harder, potentially leading to overheating and failure. It can also result in dirt and debris being drawn into the pump, causing blockages and reduced performance.

Running your car on a near-empty gas tank can have negative consequences for your engine. The engine relies on a steady fuel supply to run efficiently and coolly. When the fuel level is low, the engine can misfire, run unevenly, and even stall. Over time, this can lead to reduced engine performance and potential damage to engine components.