When you’ve been driving your car for a few years, you get to know it like the back of your hand. You’re familiar with what every screech and sound, what sharp turns feel like, when you need an oil change, and in general you can feel when your ride is a little off. Most likely, this came with a bit of trial and error, and one-way drivers often test the limits of their car is with the gas tank. Drivers are often tempted to see how long a tank of gas can last them, and how far they can drive with their ride on “E”. But what happens when your car finally runs out of gas while you’re driving? Will it just simply break down, or will you be able to make it to a gas station?
How Long You Can Drive on “E”
On the dashboard of your car you’ll see your fuel gauge, the tool that helps you see how much gas you have in your tank. When you are running out of gas, you might see something light up that looks like a little fuel pump, or simply a capitalized letter “E”. Both of these signals are warning lights that let you know that you need to get gas as soon as possible, and depending on your ride they might be yellow or orange in color. Most cars will be able to drive a few more miles once this light comes on, letting you get to the nearest gas station with safety. It’s important not to let your car run on “E” for too long, as it can lead to you breaking down on the side of the road in an unfamiliar area, and even cause long-term damage to your fuel tank and engine.
What Happens if I Run Out of Gas While Driving?
When your car runs out of gas in the middle of a long drive, your vehicle will start to stall. And when your tank is empty, your vehicle will shut down completely. When this happens, it can lead to panic, increasing your risk of a vehicle collision. So if you find yourself without any gas in your fuel tank and your vehicle stalls, it’s important to remain calm, turn on your hazards, and get safely off of the road.
Don’t Let Your Ride Run Out of Gas!
Part of being a responsible driver is staying on top of your vehicle’s needs and stopping for gas when needed. While it may be tempting to see how long your car can run without needing to fill up your tank, especially with gas prices on the rise, the risk and cost of repair when your car breaks down far outweigh the price of a full tank of gasoline.
If you find yourself with damage to the fuel tank or engine, be sure to see the pros at Affordable Automotive for the best engine repair in the area!