There are two kinds of people. There are those who panic if their fuel light ever comes on, and there are those who constantly drive their cars with the fuel gauge on “E.” It can certainly be tempting to see how far your car can go before buying more fuel, but consistently running on empty can cause costly damage to your vehicle.
What Does The Light Mean?
First, what does it mean when that warning light on your dashboard comes on? Your car’s fuel light will come on any time the gas reaches reserve levels, typically around 10–15% of your tank’s total capacity. The distance that you can still drive at that point depends on a combination of factors including driving speed and your car’s fuel efficiency.
Risk Of Being Stranded
The most obvious risk of driving your car on empty is that you could end up stranded without gas. Besides being a massive inconvenience, being stuck on the side of the road is a major safety concern. If your car does shut down while you’re driving, maneuver your vehicle as far away from traffic as possible. Avoid standing anywhere near oncoming vehicles while waiting for assistance.
Risk Of Damaged Catalytic Converter
Driving with low fuel levels can cause damage to the catalytic converter. An important part of your car’s emissions system, the catalytic converter changes pollutants in your car’s exhaust into more neutral substances like carbon dioxide and water vapor. Because of the precious metals inside the catalytic converter, repairs are often very expensive.
Risk Of Damaged Fuel Pump
If there is any debris in your fuel tank, it will settle out toward the bottom. As the tank begins to empty, it’s much more likely that any sediment could clog the fuel filter or get stuck in the fuel pump. Gasoline also serves to lubricate the fuel pump. If you regularly run your tank dry, your fuel pump will wear out much more quickly, leading to costly repairs.
Experts recommend keeping at least a quarter tank of gas in your car at all times. While it may cost more money today, it can save you from making expensive repairs in the future.