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Why You Shouldn’t Run Car Low On Gas

ByTsukasa Azuma-January 04, 2021

Driving around with the low fuel light is something that we all must have done at least once in our lifetime. The owners of second-hand cars, especially, think that they can always predict how much the car will run on low fuel. Right? The truth is that when you run car low on gas, it has an adverse effect on the car engine. Unfortunately, most of us do not realize that running on low fuel level actually costs us more rather than save money.

A survey in 2015 revealed that around 827,000 drivers ignore their car’s warning light, resulting in running out of gas and ultimately, breakdown. Things don’t end here. 25% drivers believe that they can make up to 40 miles once the light turns on. And, the most shocking thing is that two million drivers say they almost always drive with the light permanently on, in a hope to find cheaper gas.

Why You Should Never Run Car on Low Gas

It Wears Out The Fuel Pump

Never run car low on gas to avoid any damage in future (photo source: Honk For Help)

We all know that the prime function of the fuel pump is pumping the fuel. It gets the lubrication from the gasoline. And, the time there is not enough gas in the tank, the fuel pump can suck in air. Even if you have the latest car with the most sophisticated parts, you are in for some great trouble.

If you run car low on gas frequently, your car’s fuel pump can wear out completely due to overstressing. The most important thing here is that it can happen more often if you continue to drive your car on low gas for a long period.

Fuel Gauge Can Be Inaccurate

Just because your gauge says you have 40 miles until empty, it doesn’t mean it’s 100% accurate. In fact, the accuracy of your car’s gauge entirely depends on a variety of factors such as the economy of car’s fuel, and of course, your driving style.

It is a good idea to consider it as an estimate, rather than an accurate measurement. The reality is that by ignoring this aspect, you are increasing the risk of a stranding your car. Gradually, it leads to accidents as your car suddenly stops on the road. Sounds like a nightmare?

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Blockage In Engine

If you run your car on low gas, it can damage your car engine. (photo source: Getty Images)

If you run car when it almost ran out fuel, it results in sediment (dirt) from gasoline to settle down at the bottom of the gas tank. The logic behind this is simply that the lower you allow the gas level to dip, the more the dirt gets stimulated at the bottom of the tank. This causes your car to use the dirtiest fuel in its tank. Thus, it increases the risk of dirt getting into your car’s fuel line as well as engine. This ultimately causes trouble in the exhaust and can stop the engine. It is, in fact, one of the major reasons why engine stops suddenly.

This video will help you answer that question

So, the next time you see your tank dipping below the danger sign, think about the negative effects it can have on your car. Your gas tank and wallet will thank you in the long run for that. In fact, it is never a good idea to run car low on gas.

Tsukasa Azuma is an awesome car blogger of Car From Japan. He owns a car repair shop at downtown Osaka, and he put all that experience to good use in his sharing posts. Tsukasa’s blog is one of the best resources for information about keeping your favorite imported car running smoothly. Moreover, because of being passionate to learn about the recent happenings in auto industry, he doesn’t only provide great car maintenance tips, he also always updates latest trends in among car brands and share them in his own interesting viewpoint.

Comments

BOYD SHALUVE PHIRIn18:29 September 30, 2017
Reply

True. Thank you for this.

Peter.19:03 September 26, 2017
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Great insight. Thanks for the eye opener.

Trang Tran01:31 September 28, 2017
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Thank you for your comment. Find this article useful? Please share exciting updates with your friends and they will love it!

Kennedy githua23:28 September 24, 2017
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Can I get dashboard clock for Toyota opa

Trang Tran02:36 September 26, 2017
Reply

Sr, currently we dont supply car parts

James kuria kimani21:48 September 24, 2017
Reply

Thanks for your insight. It’s very helpful.
When is the time to change the fuel pump?

Trang Tran02:37 September 26, 2017
Reply

Thank u for your comment. We will research more and update later

Charles Juma Makunja15:05 September 24, 2017
Reply

This forum is a real asset.It has assisted me a great deal in diagnosing faults in my car.Big it up.

Trang Tran02:37 September 26, 2017
Reply

Arigatou. Thank you. Your comments encourage us a lot.