Hey, man, your fuel light’s on! When’s the last time you sipped gas, dude? Yup, they do sound like replicas from a so-stupid-it’s-good buddy comedy. However, we’re not going to talk about forgotten movie genres. Nope, our today’s topic is a bit more serious.
There are a number of folks asking Google: How far can I go with my gas light on? Needless to say, that’s probably how you ended up here, too. Now, let’s stop beating around the bush. In the text below, you’ll find the in-depth answer you need and much more.
Most car models will allow you to go about 30-50 miles with your gas light on. However, it’s best you find a gas station ASAP. Running your vehicle on low fuel might do some damage to the engine. Make sure you always have at least 1/4 full tank. That will keep your tank cooled & moisturized at all times.
Now, that wasn’t so in-depth as you’ve probably hoped it’d be. Luckily, there’s much more from where that came from!
Table of Contents
What is a gas light?
There’s a good chance this term doesn’t need any explanation. Still, it’s always best we know what we’re working with. Here is the informal definition of a gas light.
Do you know that little gasoline pump sign that lights up when you’re low on fuel? That’s right, we’re talking about your vehicle’s gas light. Nowadays, gas light (or gaslighting) has something you’d call a slightly different connotation. It’s used to describe an action we won’t waste words on.
Anyway, when the gas light’s on, it signals your car has about 10-15% fuel left in the tank. The best thing you can do is to stop for gas at the nearest station. However, that’s now always doable; the gas station might be miles away. So, should one panic?
To answer the previous question: it depends on the type of car you’re driving. Some cars won’t have an issue running for a decent mileage while the light’s on, some will. To be more precise, the whole thing will depend on:
- Your car’s gas (fuel) economy.
- The speed you’re driving at.
- The location (highway vs. city).
Generally speaking, most cars will make it to the nearest station with consequences. If, of course, for some reason, the station isn’t 100 miles away or something. Let’s further elaborate on that!
How far can I go with my gas light on?
In other words: how far away can that gas station be? First thing first, we hope the lines above didn’t scare you. Always remember that a low-fuel light isn’t an immediate threat. It’s more of a warning. However, you don’t have an alternative except to find the nearest station.
Most cars will let you drive for about 30-50 miles (46-80 kilometers) from the moment the light turns on. Of course, this is just a cruel estimate. The number of miles you can cross spring low gas levels depends on your car’s model. To find out that number, consult your owner’s manual. Among other things, you’ll also see the type of gas your vehicle demands you use.
Choosing to ignore the warning isn’t a good option. Carelessly driving around with low gas levels can be dangerous. More precisely: it can result in premature harm to your vehicle’s components. Not to mention your risk of running out of gas in an area that’s a bit far from a gasoline station.
It’s recommended you consider the number of gas stations existent on your route. Unless, of course, you’ve got gasoline stored in your vehicle’s emergency kit. Then you’re alright!
Wait, will low-fuel-level driving damage my car?
Unfortunately, that’s most likely to happen if you continuously drive it on low fuel. Even though you can drive it on low fuel – you’ll probably experience some consequences. The main thing is: your fuel pump transports the gas to your engine. It’s the very same gas that keeps the pump cool & moisturized. When you’re driving on low fuel, the fuel pump could overheat & eventually fail.
As if that’s not enough, here’s another thing. Driving on low fuel levels enables various debris to “contact” your engine or gas pump. Any dirt inside your fuel will end up on the bottom of the tank. That’s why the same dirt’s likely to finish in your pump if the fuel levels are low. Keep in mind these are expensive particles of your vehicle to replace or repair.
Driving on low fuel levels, although not prohibited, isn’t at all recommended. If possible, avoid it completely! You’ll have a stress-free ride, and you won’t waste money on numerous repairs.
Can people drive past zero fuel left?
There are stories of folks driving even up to 20 miles with “zero fuel left”. However, one shouldn’t mess around with this. Your best bet is not to take any chances. It’s better you learn how to save some gas when you’re about to run out of it. Check out the next paragraph!
How to save on gas when you’re running low?
Of course, running out of gas isn’t something you can avoid all the time. Still, there are tips you can employ when you’re near running out of fuel. Here we’ll show you some.
Drive like your grandma
Unless, of course, your grandma is a high-speed adrenaline junkie. Anyway, avoid driving at high speeds. Not only do you risk various road accidents, but you also waste a lot of gas.
Also, if you’re on the lookout for a brand new car, ask for one that’s known for its fuel efficiency. For instance, it won’t hurt you to take a look at the marvelous Hyundai Enlatra.
Use mobile apps to scan your area for gas stations
Nowadays, there are mobile apps for just about anything. That being said, there are those that help users find the best gas prices near them. They’ll show you the map of the city you’re located in and the gas prices around you. By being equipped with this app, you’ll be able to locate the nearest station ASAP.
Switch off your A/C
Little did we know A/C system can put some good pressure on your engine. In other words: they decrease your vehicle’s fuel economy. Once you see that fuel light come on, turn off your car’s A/C.
That way you’ll save some fuel; enough to get you safely to the station. And that’s really all you’ve got to care about!
Pay attention to your gas tank
Pay close attention to your car’s gas tank. Ensure that it’s always at least 1/4 full. There’s a good reason why that should be so. It will enable you to have enough fuel to reach the nearest station. Additionally, it will ensure your gas tank’s always properly cooled & moisturized.
Is there something called a gas cap light?
Yup, you’ll be glad to know there is! As if you can’t guess, it signals a different kind of issue. More precisely: it warns us that the car’s computer has noticed a leak in the system. Usually, it just means you’re sporting a loose gas cap.
If you notice this light’s on, just pull over and tighten the loose gas cap. Also, don’t worry if the light’s still on after you’ve tightened the cap. It will take a day or two for it to go off. If it doesn’t, scan the gas cap for damage and buy a new one if needed.
Now, there’s a chance you might notice nothing’s wrong with the cap. If that happens, make sure you have a certified professional take a look at it. Here’s your new motto: Better safe than sorry.
Is it safe to run your car with the gas cap light on?
Now, let’s imagine you see the gas cap light’s on. You’ll probably feel a slight decrease in the vehicle’s performance. Also, your car will release harmful stuff into the surrounding environment. However, none of that stuff will appear inside the vehicle. If you were to smell gas inside the car, click here to see what’s there to be done.
All in all: it’s not so unsafe to drive without it. Still, it’s best you try to fix the issue ASAP. Your gas cap light might indicate there’s a leak somewhere.
While we’re on the subject, are you wondering does gas evaporate if there’s no cap? If that’s so, you’ll be happy to know we already wrote about it here.
A quick summary
Since we’re pretty near the end margins of this piece, let’s do a summary. So, how long can you go with your gas light on? Well, most car models will run about 30-50 miles on low gas. Still, it’s best not to count on it. Instead, you’ll want to find the nearest gas station as soon as possible.
Driving with the gas light on might do your engine some damage, so it’s best you avoid it. There are many ways you can save on gas if the issue occurs:
- Don’t drive like a madman!
- Use mobile apps to scan for the nearest gas stations!
- Switch off your A/C!
- Avoid the scenario by keeping your gas tank always 1/4 full!
That’s about it for today, folks! For more gasoline-related tips and info, visit our blog page.
