AGC Collision Center

Running Out of Fuel is a Foolish Game

You know that you're low on gas and yet you hesitate to fill up for whatever reason. Instead of doing the smart thing and getting some fuel pronto, you try to make it to your next destination before filling up. For some people, they make it a game to go as far as they can before getting gas. But the question is--just how far can you go before you have to fill up?

At AGC Collision Center, we often post blogs about car safety, because we never want anyone here in Los Angeles, CA or anywhere else breaking down (or running out of gas) on the road. So, here is some information about the importance of not running out of gas or allowing your tank to get low.

When the light on your fuel gauge illuminates, it means that you've reached its reserve level, which is 10 to 15 percent of your tank’s entire capacity. Knowing that percentage will enable you to approximately calculate how many miles you can go until you hit empty.

It’s always important to avoid draining your tank dry and running on simply fumes in order to maintain your vehicle's health, and to keep you and your passengers safe.

For the next time you're thinking about letting your gas tank run dry, here are some reasons to get a fillup:

Spare your fuel pump. Your car sends fuel from your gas tank to your engine and relies on gas being in your tank in order to stay cool and lubricated. Without sufficient gas in your tank, you run the serious risk of overheating your fuel pump and causing it to fail. Once this occurs, you have a much larger problem on your hands, and an even bigger bill to eventually pay.

Your car can stall. If you run out of fuel and your engine also stalls as a result, you can easily become completely immobilized in the middle of the road or highway. This significantly increases your overall chance of getting hit or causing a collision around you.

Avoid breakdowns. Calling for roadside assistance is never any fun at all, especially when you know the problem could have been easily avoided. While excellent companies such as AAA available to help you, you may end up paying for breakdowns in the long run. Insurance companies will always take into account these service calls right around the time when premiums come up for renewal.

Sources: YouTube, AOL and ABC News