There are few things dreaded now other than seeing your low fuel light click on your dashboard. It means a trip to the gas station, and with gas prices averaging almost five dollars per gallon, that light might mean a bill over one hundred dollars is coming your way. It’s tempting to push the limits of the small reserve when the sensor triggers or the needle dips below the empty line on the gauge, but you should reconsider. Running your tank empty can lead to mechanical issues that will require engine repairs that top what you’d spend at the pump.

What factors affect how far you can drive with the low fuel light on?

Many factors affect how far you can drive once the fuel light comes on. These include the size, type, and condition of the vehicle, the usual per gallon mileage you get, and how well you’ve maintained your engine. Whatever you do to maintain your engine can affect the gas mileage you usually get, which will significantly influence how far you can drive before your car runs out of gas.

How far can you drive your car after the low fuel light comes on?

The simple answer is, “it depends.” The accepted value is between 25 and 50 miles. Assume you have less than a gallon of gas remaining and consider the usual gas mileage you get while you seek a gas station. Don’t test your luck with this, however, as you can do damage to your engine if you allow it to run out of gas entirely. Plus, no one likes getting stranded without gas. Rather than testing the limits of what’s left in the tank, and to avoid costly engine repairs, consider stopping at the closest gas station once the light comes on or your gauge needle touches the empty line.

Why can’t you use the low fuel light to indicate it’s time to fill up?

Over time, debris and other deposits can build up in your gas tank. Allowing the fuel level to dip down to the bottom of the tank can stir up those deposits and force them into your engine systems. This debris can damage your engine in ways requiring costly engine repairs. Keeping your tank above an eighth of a tank can prolong the life of your engine and help you avoid failures in the engine that need repairs.

Visit Mid-State Transmission and Auto Repair today for all your auto repair needs.