Ameer Randolph
Running out of fuel is a common concern for drivers. While it is not illegal to run out of fuel, any careless or dangerous driving that results from it could result in a penalty. Running a fuel tank dry can also cause significant damage to the engine, fuel pump, and fuel filter. When the fuel light comes on, it is generally estimated that there is between 10% to 15% of fuel left in the tank, which is why it is recommended to fill up as soon as possible. However, some drivers have reported driving for over 10 miles after the fuel light has come on, with some even claiming to have driven for almost 100 miles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How much fuel is left when the light comes on | 10% to 15% of the tank's capacity |
| How much distance can be covered | 25-100 miles |
| What happens if you run out of fuel | It is illegal to run out of fuel and cause disruption. The police can issue an on-spot fine of £100 and three penalty points. |
| What happens to the engine if you run out of fuel | Running out of fuel can cause significant damage to the fuel system, particularly the fuel pump and fuel filter. |
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What You'll Learn
The light is not a perfect system
Secondly, the distance one can drive after the low fuel light turns on is not an exact science. While some sources suggest that one should have anywhere between 25 to 60 miles left after the light comes on, others suggest that this distance could be much higher, with one user reporting that they were able to drive almost 100 miles on the highway after the low fuel light turned on in their 2003 Corolla. Thus, the low fuel light should not be used as a replacement for the fuel gauge, but rather as a gentle reminder to check the fuel gauge and fill up as soon as possible.
Thirdly, the low fuel light system does not account for the variability in driving conditions and driving styles. For example, the low fuel warning light turning on when there are 50 to 80 kilometres of remaining range in the tank is based on highway-cruising kilometres, not stop-start urban kilometres. Therefore, the distance one can drive after the low fuel light turns on will vary depending on factors such as traffic, terrain, and individual driving habits.
Finally, the low fuel light system does not take into account the potential for human error or risk-taking behaviour. Some individuals may choose to ignore the low fuel light and continue driving, hoping to reach a service station before running out of fuel. This behaviour can lead to dangerous situations, such as being stranded on the side of the road or causing an obstruction on the motorway, which could result in legal consequences. Additionally, running a fuel tank completely dry can cause significant damage to the engine, fuel pump, and fuel filter, leading to costly repairs.
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It's illegal to run out of fuel
While it is not technically illegal to run out of fuel on a motorway, it is still highly discouraged due to safety risks and potential costs. Solicitor Martin Langan clarifies that although regulations permit stopping on the hard shoulder if you run out of fuel, doing so knowingly with insufficient fuel could be considered "driving without due care and attention" or "driving without reasonable consideration for other road users."
The potential dangers of running out of fuel on a motorway are significant. As Neil Greig of IAM RoadSmart points out, many fatal crashes on motorways involve stationary vehicles. If your vehicle suddenly slows down or stops due to a lack of fuel, you could be held responsible for any accidents that occur as a result, and you may face charges of careless driving.
The financial implications of running out of fuel on a motorway can also be substantial. In addition to the cost of refueling or towing your vehicle, you may be subject to fines and penalties. The fixed penalty for careless driving in the UK is £100, along with three points on your driver's license. More serious cases may result in court appearances, where offenders could face unlimited fines and up to nine points on their license, with fines potentially reaching £5,000.
To avoid these risks and costs, it is essential to ensure that your vehicle has sufficient fuel before entering a motorway. While it may not be illegal to run out of fuel, it is your responsibility as a driver to prioritize the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other road users. By taking preventive measures, you can help ensure that your journey remains safe and hassle-free.
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Running out of fuel can damage the engine
Running out of fuel can cause damage to your car's engine. While it is rare that running low on fuel will damage your car, doing so frequently can damage essential components of your engine. An engine needs four things to function: oxygen, a spark, compression, and fuel. Without one of these, the engine shuts down.
The most obvious part of your car that is affected by running out of fuel is the fuel pump. Fuel pumps are designed to be cooled by the fuel as it is sucked through the pump on its way to the fuel injectors. When the tank is empty, the engine will start to draw in air along with the last dregs of fuel. This can throw off the fuel-air mix needed for combustion. This can put the engine under a lot of stress and cause difficulty in getting the engine to start again.
If you own a diesel car, the powerful fuel injectors in diesel engines start pulling in lots of air once there is no more fuel in the tank. This can have a catastrophic effect on different components within the system. When the fuel system becomes completely clogged with air, it damages the injectors and filters. Unlike a petrol engine, which will turn over with a couple of pumps of the accelerator after refuelling, a diesel engine may need a professional with the right tools to get it going again.
Additionally, if you are driving aggressively, braking hard, and making hard turns, the gas in the tank can slosh around. In this case, the fuel pump can start sucking up hot air even though there is still technically fuel in the tank. If this happens frequently, the fuel pump wears out and the engine is not running at the proper air-fuel ratio, causing it to get hot.
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Different cars have different parameters for the light
The low fuel warning light in your car is not a perfect system. It is a reminder to check your fuel gauge and fill up as soon as possible. It is not triggered by a standardised amount of remaining fuel, and different cars have different parameters for switching on the light. Most independent estimates suggest that the lights typically engage when 10% to 15% of a tank's capacity remains. However, some cars may have the light switch on when there is more or less fuel in the tank. For example, the Toyota Yaris's last fuel bar is the fuel light, which flashes instead of being solid when there is 1.2 gallons of fuel remaining, or around 60 miles of range at 50 mpg. Another example is the 2003 Corolla, which has a 12.9-gallon tank and the low fuel light comes on about halfway between 1/4 and E. After the fuel light came on, the driver was able to drive almost 100 miles on the highway and then fill up 14.5 gallons in total.
The distance you can drive after the fuel light comes on varies depending on the car's make and model, driving conditions, and driving style. Some cars may be able to drive for over 100 miles after the light comes on, while others may only be able to drive for a few miles. It is important to note that running a fuel tank completely dry is bad for the engine, fuel pump, and fuel filter, and it is illegal to run out of fuel in some places. Therefore, it is best to fill up as soon as possible after the low fuel warning light comes on to avoid any potential issues and damage to your car.
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You should fill up as soon as possible
It is important to fill up your car with fuel as soon as the low-fuel warning light comes on. While it may be tempting to try to push on to the next service station, the risk of running out of fuel is not worth it. Running out of fuel is illegal in some places and can cause significant damage to your car's engine, fuel pump, and fuel filter. Even if you do not break down, driving with a very low tank can cause damage to the engine and fuel system over time. Small particles of dirt and corrosion that sink to the bottom of the fuel tank can be drawn up into the fuel lines and cause blockages in the injectors, reducing engine performance.
The amount of fuel left in your tank when the warning light comes on varies depending on your car. Estimates suggest that the light typically comes on when there is between 10% and 15% of fuel left in the tank, although some sources suggest it could be as low as 5% or as much as 20%. This usually means you have between 25 and 60 miles left, although some cars may be able to travel up to 100 miles before running out of fuel. However, this is a risky gamble as it is difficult to know exactly how much fuel is left and driving conditions and style will impact how quickly your fuel runs out.
To avoid the risk of breaking down, it is best to fill up as soon as possible after the warning light comes on. With apps like Google Maps, it is easier than ever to quickly find the nearest fuel station. By keeping your tank topped up, you can avoid the inconvenience and potential cost of breaking down and causing damage to your car.
While it may be frustrating to panic and fill up too early, only to realise you still had a few gallons left in the tank, this is a much better outcome than running out of fuel. If you do run out of fuel and need assistance, many breakdown services can help. They can drain and clean your fuel system, provide you with the correct fuel, and even repair any damage caused by running your tank dry. However, prevention is better than cure, so next time your fuel warning light comes on, head to the nearest fuel station as soon as possible.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of fuel left in the tank after the light comes on varies depending on the car model and driving conditions. Estimates suggest that the warning light typically comes on when there is 10% to 15% of fuel left in the tank.
It is not recommended to drive for long after the fuel light comes on as it can damage the engine, fuel pump and fuel filter. Some car owners have reported driving between 25 to 100 miles after the light comes on, but this is not advisable as running out of fuel is illegal in some places and can result in fines and penalty points.
If the fuel light comes on, you should make plans to get to the nearest gas station as soon as possible. Do not wait until your tank reaches empty as this can cause significant damage to your car's engine and fuel system.
