Sylvie Willis
Running out of fuel can be a stressful and dangerous experience for drivers. While it may be tempting to keep driving until the tank is empty, this can put the engine under unnecessary stress and cause a build-up of air in the fuel tank and combustion chamber, making it difficult to restart the engine. It is important to know the warning signs of a vehicle that is running out of fuel, such as a sputtering engine, power surges, and a backfiring engine, and to take the necessary steps to avoid running out of fuel, such as planning ahead and keeping the tank at least a quarter full. However, if you do find yourself in this situation, it is crucial to stay calm, turn on your hazard lights, and pull over to the side of the road. From there, you can contact a friend, roadside assistance, or a towing service for help.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Signs of low fuel | Sputtering engine, intermittent power surges, backfiring engine, coughing/stumbling, engine revving |
| What to do | Move to the side of the road, turn on hazard lights, call for assistance |
| Assistance options | Roadside assistance, towing services, friends or family, police |
| Prevention | Plan ahead, keep fuel tank above half-full, keep a small can of gas in the trunk, use fuel-efficient cars |
| Engine issues | Loss of power to brakes and steering, fuel pump issues, clogged fuel filter, engine damage |
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What You'll Learn
Identify the warning signs of a car running out of fuel
It is a common misconception that as soon as your car runs out of fuel, the engine will stop. However, this is rarely the case. Instead, there are several warning signs that your car will exhibit, indicating that it is experiencing "fuel starvation". Here are some tell-tale signs of extremely low fuel:
- Sputtering engine: The engine may start stumbling as if it is struggling to run smoothly.
- Intermittent power surges: The engine may cough and start to buck, and then suddenly rev up. This indicates that the fuel pump is sucking up air due to a very low fuel level or sloshing in the tank.
- Breaking up: This is common when cars run low under hard cornering, such as during a high-performance driving event. The engine's revs may start to break up, resulting in a choppy feel and reduced power output.
- Fuel gauge: The gas needle pointing at or below the "E" mark on the instrument gauge is a clear indication that your car is low on fuel.
It is important to note that running out of fuel can be dangerous and inconvenient. It can cause problems such as a clogged fuel filter and put unnecessary stress on the engine, making it difficult to start the car again. Therefore, it is recommended to keep your fuel tank at least a quarter full to ensure the engine runs on clean fuel and to regularly check your fuel gauge before starting any journey.
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What to do if you're in a remote area
If you run out of fuel in a remote area, it is best to stay inside your car with the hazard lights on and doors locked until help arrives. If you are in an unfamiliar area, do not venture out, as you might get lost. If you are on a busy road, it is best to move your car to the side of the road and then wait inside the car. If you have signed up for a roadside assistance program, keep the toll-free number in your car so that you can call for help.
If you have phone signal, you can use an app to find the nearest gas station and ask a friend to bring you some fuel. Alternatively, you can call a towing service that offers fuel delivery. Make sure they know what type of fuel your car uses. If you are concerned about your safety, do not hesitate to call the police. Even if you are out of service, your 9-1-1 call will be forwarded to the nearest police station.
To avoid running out of fuel in a remote area, make sure to keep your fuel tank topped up to at least a quarter full. Before embarking on a long journey, research the nearest gas stations along your route and pinpoint when and where you will be able to stop to refuel. It is also a good idea to keep a small can of fuel in your trunk as a reserve.
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How to get fuel delivered to your location
Running out of fuel can be a stressful experience, but there are several options for getting fuel delivered to your location. Here are some detailed steps to help you get fuel delivered:
- Contact a Towing Service: Some towing services offer fuel delivery, which can be a convenient and cost-effective option. They will bring enough fuel to get you to the nearest gas station, so you can fill up and be on your way. Be sure to inform them about the type of fuel your car requires (regular, premium, or diesel).
- Roadside Assistance Companies: Companies like AAA, Allstate, USAA, and Geico offer prepaid roadside assistance memberships that often include fuel delivery services. These memberships can range from $52 to over $119 annually, depending on the plan you choose. Mach1 is another on-demand roadside assistance company that provides fuel delivery without a membership fee. Their prices typically range from $45 to $60.
- State-Provided Services: Certain states, such as Indiana and Michigan, offer roadside assistance and fuel delivery for stranded drivers in specific regions. Indiana's Hoosier Helpers provide fuel delivery in central, northwest, and southern Indiana. Meanwhile, Michigan's Freeway Courtesy Patrol covers southeast Michigan and beyond, delivering fuel, oil, and other system fluids.
- Mobile Applications: With the rise of mobile technology, there are now apps like Fuelster that offer on-demand, free, and easy gas delivery. Fuelster currently serves select areas in Los Angeles and Las Vegas from 6 am to 11 pm every day. You pay the same price as the nearest gas station, and they offer various types of unleaded fuel. Additionally, your card is not charged until the gas is delivered, and you can cancel your order at any time before the driver arrives.
- Location-Specific Services: Depending on your location, there may be local fuel delivery services available. For example, EZFL is a trusted fuel delivery service in Florida, providing fuel for homes, businesses, and vehicles across the state.
While it's important to know how to get fuel delivered, preventing your car from running out of fuel in the first place is always the best option. Always check your fuel level before heading out, and keep a small can of gas in your trunk as a reserve for emergencies. Additionally, if you're embarking on a long drive or traveling through remote areas, research the locations of gas stations along your route.
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The impact of running out of fuel on your car
Running out of fuel can have a significant impact on your car and, in some cases, can be dangerous and lead to costly repairs. Here are some of the key impacts of running out of fuel on your car:
Engine and Fuel Pump Issues: When a car runs out of fuel, it doesn't immediately stop; instead, it exhibits signs of "fuel starvation". This includes a sputtering engine, power surges, and a struggling engine. As the fuel level drops, the fuel pump starts sucking up air, leading to coughing and surging. Eventually, when the tank is empty, the engine draws in air along with the last bits of fuel, disrupting the fuel-air mixture required for combustion. This can make it challenging to restart the engine, even after refuelling, due to the built-up air in the fuel system. Additionally, running out of fuel can cause the fuel pump to overheat and fail, requiring replacement.
Safety Hazards: Running out of fuel can turn your vehicle into a safety hazard, especially when it happens on busy highways or in the left lane of a highway. The sudden loss of power and engine issues can make it difficult to control the vehicle, potentially leading to accidents.
Steering and Braking Problems: In modern vehicles, a sudden engine shutdown due to a lack of fuel can affect the power steering and braking systems. The loss of vacuum power can make it much harder to steer and stop the vehicle, requiring significantly more effort and distance to bring the car to a halt.
Clogged Fuel Filter: When the fuel tank is empty, the fuel pump can fail and start shedding debris, which then clogs the fuel filter. This can lead to further complications and repairs.
Financial and Legal Consequences: Running out of fuel can result in financial costs associated with towing services, fuel delivery, or repairs if any vehicle components are damaged. Additionally, in some countries, motorists can be fined for careless or inconsiderate driving if their car is causing an obstruction due to running out of fuel.
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How to avoid running out of fuel
Running out of fuel is not only inconvenient and potentially costly, but it can also be dangerous. Here are some tips to avoid running out of fuel:
Plan ahead
Before embarking on any journey, check your fuel gauge and ensure your tank is at least a quarter full. This way, you'll be drinking clean fuel and avoiding the dirty residue at the bottom of your tank. If you're going on a long trip or driving in bad weather, it's best to be fully topped up. Planning your route in advance can also help you avoid running out of fuel. Research and pinpoint gas stations along your route, so you know exactly where you can stop to fill up.
Keep a reserve
Consider keeping a small can of gas in your trunk as a reserve. This way, if you do run out of fuel, you can refuel using your reserves and get to the nearest gas station. Just be sure you know how to locate and fill your fuel tank.
Understand the warning signs
Modern vehicles will usually display several signs of "fuel starvation" before they completely run out of gas. These include a sputtering engine, power surges, and a backfiring engine. If you notice these signs, make your way to the nearest gas station as soon as possible.
Sign up for roadside assistance
Consider signing up for a roadside assistance program, such as the one offered by Nationwide. That way, if you do run out of fuel, you can call for help and have your vehicle towed to a gas station or dealership. Some new cars even come with roadside assistance packages.
Drive an electric or hybrid car
If you're in the market for a new car, consider an electric or hybrid vehicle. Running out of gas is generally less of an issue with these cars, as the electric motor will kick in, and some even have a power steering assist feature.
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Frequently asked questions
First, try not to panic. It is a common misconception that a car will immediately stop running when it runs out of fuel. Modern vehicles will show several signs of "fuel starvation" before they come to a complete halt. These signs include a sputtering engine, power surges, and a backfiring engine. As soon as you notice these signs, turn on your hazard lights and pull over to the side of the road. If you are in an unsafe area, remain inside your locked car and call for roadside assistance or a friend. If you have a small can of gas in your trunk, you can use it to refuel your vehicle. Otherwise, you can call a towing service to bring you enough gas to reach the nearest gas station.
Planning ahead is the best way to prevent your car from running out of fuel. Always ensure your gas tank is at least a quarter full, and try not to let it dip below the half-full mark. If you are going on a long journey or driving in an unfamiliar area, research the nearest gas stations along your route.
If you are unable to reach a gas station and your car comes to a complete stop, your hydraulic power to the brakes and steering will also stop functioning. This means it will take a lot more effort and space to stop your vehicle. It will also be much harder to steer. Additionally, the fuel pump may overheat and fail, requiring a replacement.
