Most drivers fear the dreaded ‘Red Zone’ of the fuel gauge, but exactly how much fuel do you have left and how far can you drive when the fuel warning light comes on?
What Happens When The Fuel Warning Light Comes On?
In reality nothing bad happens immediately when your fuel warning light comes on. However, that doesn’t mean that you can just ignore it. The fuel warning light will usually come on when you have 10% or less fuel in the actual tank. This is generally known as the reserve.
How Far Can You Drive On Empty?
Unfortunately there is no definitive answer to this. In some modern cars there will be an estimated range of what is left in your tank. However, this is just an estimate and will be entirely dependent on road conditions and driving style.
As a rough guide you should assume that once the fuel warning light shows you have between 20-50 miles. One thing is certain though, if you don’t fill up with fuel soon you won’t be going anywhere fast.
The Dangers Of Running On Empty
When the fuel level in the tank drops too low, the car will start to draw any debris from inside the tank itself into the fuel system. This can damage both the fuel filter and pump. Worst case scenario a chunk of debris could be pushed into the actual engine causing several hundred pounds of damage.
Modern diesel cars tend to have a safety mechanism, which will shut down the vehicle before any serious damage can occur. Unfortunately petrol vehicles don’t have this safety feature.
Getting Stranded
Whether your 1 mile or 100 miles away from your destination, getting stranded at the side of the road is a situation no one wants to be in, especially if you’re on the motorway with cars and lorries flying past you at speed. The best way to avoid getting stranded is to make sure you have enough fuel to reach your destination.
The AA and RAC attend huge number of callouts each year for stranded vehicles, some of which could be avoided with forward planning.
Getting The Most Out Of What’s Left In The Tank
If the fuel warning light comes on and you’re not sure of distance to the next petrol station try some of these fuel preserving tactics.
- Reduce wind resistance by closing any windows, this includes the sunroof if you have one.
- Drive with a light foot and try to maintain a constant speed.
- Turn off all electric accessories and unplug any charging devices, such as phones.
- Check your tyre pressures, ideally you should have done this before setting off on a journey. Under inflated tyres can actually increase fuel consumption.
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