There’s nothing worse than driving along without a care in the world, then all of a sudden, ping! That dreaded orange symbol appears on your dashboard, notifying you that you’re running low on fuel.
Most of the time, this isn’t a problem. However, if you’re in the middle of nowhere and miles away from the nearest petrol station, it can be a stressful situation.
In this blog, we’ll explore why you should never ignore your fuel warning light, what you should do, and how to avoid getting caught short. We discuss:
- What your petrol warning light means and how to respond safely
- Don’t ignore your fuel warning light
- How much fuel do you really have left when the light comes on?
- What to do when your fuel warning light comes on
- Does driving with low fuel damage my engine?
- How to avoid the situation altogether
- Leasing a car can help
We’ve all gambled with the fuel warning light from time to time. If you’re on the way home, you might put it off as tomorrow's problem, or if you’re on the way somewhere, you think you’ll just about make it.
However, running your car close to empty isn’t just inconvenient, it’s also damn risky:
- Fuel gauges are estimates - They’re an estimate, not a precise measurement. Actual fuel levels could be a bit lower.
- Damage - Sediment at the bottom of your tank could get sucked into your engine, potentially leading to damage and expensive repairs.
- Dangerous - Running out of fuel in a busy area can put you and other road users at risk.
“It’s best to refuel when your tank drops below a quarter full. Waiting until the light comes on is already cutting it too fine.”
It’s an urban myth that your fuel warning light comes on too early. Yes, it doesn’t mean you have zero fuel, but it does mean that the clock is ticking.
What to expect:
- Most cars will have around 30 to 50 miles of fuel when the fuel warning light comes on (this is an estimate).
- Smaller and more economical cars, such as mild-hybrids, may give you a bit more, while larger vehicles like SUVs and pickups may offer slightly less.
However, this is only a rough guide, and there are plenty of other factors influencing how long fuel lasts:
- Driving style.
- Road and weather conditions.
- Whether you’re in stop-start traffic.
- How much weight is the car carrying.
Stay calm
Don’t panic. The fuel warning light means you’re running low, but you’re not going to be stranded.
If you’re on a motorway, stick to the left lane, look out for the next service station and plan to stop at it.
If you’re in town, search for the nearest petrol station and take the quickest possible route. Make sure you don’t faff around.
Drive economically
Until you’re at the nearest petrol station, it’s essential that you do all in your power to make your fuel stretch.
- Ease of the accelerator
- Reduce your speed
- Switch off any unnecessary electrics
- Avoid heavy braking or rapid acceleration
This might be a bit of a pain, but trust us, every little helps.
Refuel as soon as possible
Don’t put it off. If the fuel warning light comes on when you’re near home, head to the nearest petrol station as soon as possible. It’s better to do it ASAP than to be stuck at the roadside.
The Highway Code states…
You should ensure that you have sufficient fuel for your journey, especially if it includes motorway driving.
Therefore, if your car obstructs the road as a result of an avoidable breakdown, or if running out of fuel is deemed careless or dangerous driving, you could be liable for a fine of £100 and three penalty points.
In short, yes, driving with low fuel can damage an engine. While modern cars are undoubtedly more resilient than others, running your tank close to empty can cause a few issues.
- Fuel acts as a lubricant, and when levels get too low, the pump has to work harder and risks overheating.
- Sediment can enter the system, reducing performance and potentially leading to costly repairs
- Running low on fuel can allow air into the fuel lines, which can cause misfires, poor engine performance, or make the car difficult to start. This is very rare, but not impossible.
As the age-old adage goes, prevention is better than cure. If you’ve experienced the stress of refuelling before you run out, you’ll know it's not a fun experience. Here’s how to avoid it:
- Make refuelling a habit - Don’t wait until the warning light comes on. If you drop below a quarter, top up.
- Know where your local fuel stations are - If you’re a commuter, learn where all the petrol stations on your route are.
- Schedule regular stops - On long journeys, plan to refuel at regular intervals.
- Understand your car's range - When you collect a lease car, make sure you understand its miles per gallon.
When you lease a new car, you’re typically driving a brand-new or nearly new model. That means your fuel gauge, range indicator, and overall fuel efficiency are in top condition.
Plus, if you opt for a maintenance package, you can drive worry-free knowing things like fuel filters and injectors are regularly checked and serviced. It’s a reassurance that you don’t get elsewhere, and it can help you avoid many motoring headaches.
