Ameer Randolph
There are many reasons why a car won't start, and one of the most common is a dead battery. However, low fuel can also be the culprit. Driving with very little fuel can damage your fuel pump, and if your car has been sitting idle for a long time with a low fuel level, you may find that it won't start. In some cases, it may be necessary to add a couple of gallons of fuel and recharge the battery to get the car running again.
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What You'll Learn
A car may not start due to a dead battery
If your car won't start, it could be due to a failing battery or a failing alternator. The alternator is a small generator that creates electricity from a belt directly connected to the engine. As long as the alternator is creating electricity and the battery is good, your car should start and stay running. If the vehicle won't crank or start, but the headlights are still working, look to problems with the starter or other parts of the engine.
There are some telltale signs of a bad battery. Check if the cranking of the engine is sluggish, there's no sound or interior lights when you try to start the vehicle, or your car starts inconsistently. You could also try using jumper cables; if your vehicle starts with jumper cables but won't start again after being shut off, the battery is likely the problem.
If you're experiencing issues, you can get your vehicle inspected for free at some auto repair shops. They will be able to inspect your battery fluid level, the posts (the terminals marked + and -) for corrosion, and cables for snug connections, as well as measure the voltage and cold cranking amps (CCA) along with your alternator’s voltage and current output.
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Low fuel can damage the fuel pump
Running a car with low fuel can potentially damage the fuel pump. This is because the fuel pump is cooled and lubricated by the fuel running through it. When the fuel level is low, the pump may repeatedly draw an insufficient amount of fuel, increasing the chance of overheating and causing engine knock, which can lead to long-term engine damage. Additionally, if the engine misfires due to low fuel, this can cause the catalytic converter to overheat. While the risk of this is minimal, it is still recommended to avoid driving with a low fuel level.
Furthermore, sediment, dirt, and particles at the bottom of the tank can be sucked up and damage the pump or clog the filter when the tank is close to empty. This can also happen when the car is idling, as the fuel sits level, and the pump will draw air for a short time before the motor shuts off. However, the risk of damaging the fuel pump is lower when the vehicle is stationary.
It is worth noting that some fuel pumps are cooled by being immersed in the fuel. In these cases, running the car with low fuel can cause the pump to overheat and shorten its lifespan. This is more common in diesel engines, which can have issues if run dry.
To avoid potential damage to the fuel pump and engine, it is recommended to keep the fuel tank at least half full. This will ensure that the pump remains lubricated and cooled by the fuel and help maintain optimal performance and longevity. Additionally, waiting until the low fuel warning light comes on before refuelling can be risky, as this may indicate that the car is already running on the reserve fuel in the tank. Therefore, it is advisable to refuel before the warning light appears.
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Water in the tank can be an issue
Water in the fuel tank can be a serious issue and should be addressed immediately. It is one of the worst problems a driver can experience on the road and can become dangerous if left unresolved. Water can enter the fuel tank through condensation, especially in high humidity, or infiltration from external sources like rain or flooding. Small openings or weak seals in the fuel tank can also allow moisture to enter, especially if the car is driven in wet weather.
The presence of water in the fuel tank can cause difficulty in starting the vehicle. Other symptoms include a sudden loss of power after accelerating, or no power at all, and the engine revving to higher speeds without any input from the driver. A strong gasoline smell, misfiring, or rough idling may also indicate water in the fuel tank. If left unresolved, water in the fuel tank can lead to erosion of metal components, pinging during combustion, or even engine damage and failure.
To resolve this issue, it is recommended to use fuel additives designed to remove water from the fuel tank. Additives such as HEET or ISO-HEET can effectively remove water and prevent rust and corrosion. It is important to follow the recommended dosage of one bottle to eight gallons of fuel to avoid overdosage. In some cases, it may be necessary to siphon the water out of the fuel tank using an industrial-grade siphon pump or draining the fuel from the drain plug.
As a preventative measure, it is suggested to use fuel additives designed to remove water and protect engine parts like valves and pumps. This is especially important for those who frequently drive in rainy or humid conditions, as water is more likely to enter the fuel tank in these environments.
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Bad gasoline can cause engine misfires
While low fuel levels can cause issues with starting a car, there could be other factors at play. Bad gasoline, for instance, can be a cause of engine misfires and performance issues.
Bad gasoline, or poor-quality fuel, can lead to engine misfires, which are characterized by symptoms such as slow acceleration, a noisy engine, or the Check Engine light illuminating. Engine misfires can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors. However, bad gasoline is also a common culprit. Water in the gas tanks at sketchy gas stations has been reported as a cause for concern, with individuals reporting issues with their vehicles after filling up at such places.
If you suspect that your car's issues are due to bad gasoline, it is recommended to take it to a mechanic immediately to diagnose and address the problem. Additionally, reporting the issue to your county's auditor's office is advised, as it can help identify and address any widespread fuel quality issues.
To avoid problems associated with bad gasoline, it is suggested to avoid filling up your tank when a tanker is present, as this could indicate that the fuel has not been properly settled and separated, potentially leading to water or other contaminants entering your vehicle's fuel system. Utilizing fuel additives can also help maintain the health and cleanliness of your engine and fuel system.
In summary, while low fuel levels may contribute to car-starting issues, bad gasoline is a significant factor that can lead to engine misfires and performance problems. Taking proactive measures, such as using fuel additives and being cautious about where and when you fill up, can help mitigate the chances of encountering issues due to bad gasoline.
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Old cars are more prone to fuel issues
While low fuel levels may cause issues with starting a car, old cars are particularly prone to fuel-related problems. Classic cars, for instance, often face challenges with modern-day fuel. The ethanol-mixed gasoline offered at most gas stations today differs significantly from the pure gasoline these older cars were designed to run on. This can lead to reduced performance, stalling, and even difficulty starting the engine.
Ethanol-laced fuels like E10, E15, and E85 are known to cause fuel phase separation, where the fuel absorbs water and separates into layers. If the fuel pump inlet is in the water-ethanol layer when starting the car, it can damage the motor. This issue is especially relevant for classic car owners who store their vehicles during the winter, as fuel phase separation can occur within 90 days.
To mitigate this problem, classic car owners are advised to fill their tanks completely before storage and add a fuel additive that prevents water separation. However, finding pure gasoline to refill their tanks after storage can be challenging. While options like ethanol-free fuel or Shell's premium fuel for classic cars exist, they may not be easily accessible to all collectors.
Additionally, old gasoline itself can cause issues for classic cars. Over time, gasoline can deteriorate, especially if it is not properly stabilized during storage. This can lead to starting problems, as experienced by the owner of a 1959 Chevrolet Wagon. In such cases, it is essential to replace the old fuel with fresh, compatible gasoline to ensure optimal performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, low fuel can cause a car not to start. Driving with very little fuel can also damage your fuel pump, which may wear out more quickly when there is very little gas in your tank.
A dead battery is usually the most common reason a car won't start. Your battery might be drained because you left a light on in your car, the terminals may be loose, or the battery is old and can no longer hold an adequate charge.
You can see if this is the issue by jump-starting your car. If the car starts, then the battery is likely the issue.
Try adding at least a gallon of fuel to the tank and recharging the battery.
