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The fuel light elicits one of the most worrying moments when driving. It can spell doom when driving in the countryside or a location you may not be familiar with. Fortunately, most vehicles can move for considerably long distances with the fuel light on. However, running on an empty tank may cause the fuel pump to suck the oil debris at the bottom of the tank into the engine or get overheated. You may also stop in the middle of the highway and get inconvenienced or robbed. Your fuel tank should stay at least a quarter full unless it is necessary to drive when empty.
What Is The Distance That You Can Cover On An Empty Tank?
The distance you can drive on an empty tank depends on the model of your vehicle. Most vehicles show the fuel warning when the tank is a 16th full. Models like Ford (F-150, Fusion, and Escape), Toyota Corolla, and Jeep Wrangler can run up to 80 miles when the fuel light is on. (Assuming you are driving at an average of 70 mph). High fuel economy models such as Nissan Altima and Chrysler 200 can run about 100 to 114 miles on an empty tank. Many Kia and Hyundai models have low mileage on an empty tank at between 30 and 40 miles. Silverado from Chevrolet only covers 25 miles when the light is on. Other popular models from RAM, Honda, and Toyota oscillate between 40 and 75 miles.
Can You Trust the Vehicle to Run on an Empty Gauge?
Many modern models estimate the distance they can cover with the remaining fuel using an instrument on the dashboard. Most people use the feature besides the fuel gauge. However, this distance is based on the current driving conditions and may change if things change. For example, if you are stuck in traffic, the distance you could have traveled on an empty tank may become considerably shorter.
Therefore, it is recommended that you look for the nearest gas station and fuel your car as soon as you get a fuel warning light. Conditions on the road may change and cause you to stall at dangerous sections where you may cause accidents.