Keep Out Of The Red!!

It goes without saying that every vehicle (with the exception of fully electric vehicles) can run out of fuel. The good thing, however, is that this is one of the easiest things to avoid. All that’s needed is for you to make sure you keep your car fueled. While that sounds easy enough, there are some things you need to know about running out of fuel.

1) Your vehicle is quite helpful in that it provides a variety of warning signs that the fuel is running low. You’ll be able to see the fuel gauge edge closer and closer to the dreaded “E”, and when it gets a bit too close, a low fuel light and a warning chime alert you. However, if all three of those fail to get your attention, the next thing you’ll notice is that your vehicle will start to splutter – if it does this, get to the side of the road as safely and quickly as possible.

2) While the thought of having to potentially walk for many kilometers to the nearest fuel station is bad enough, running out of fuel can do more than simply wear out your shoes. It can also cause damage to your vehicle. When a car or truck runs out of fuel, the fuel pump can fail, as it relies on fuel for both cooling and lubrication. This might not happen the first time, but if running out of fuel becomes a habit, it is likely to happen. Another probability is that the engine in your vehicle will suck up dirt and grit from the bottom of your fuel tank due to the low level of fuel prior to totally running out, and this can do damage to certain components within the engine – leading to costly repairs.

3) If you do run out of fuel, you may just have to walk to the nearest fuel station for a few litres of petrol or diesel so you can get your car moving. If you aren’t familiar with where your vehicle has stopped, make sure you note landmarks and street names so you can make it back to your car safely. Satellite navigation on mobile phones will certainly make this job a bit easier – assuming the power in your phone battery hasn’t reached ‘empty’ too!!

4) You may have a kind soul that pulls over to offer you assistance. In this situation, if the offer is a lift to the nearest fuel station, make sure you listen to your instincts. If anything about the person seems off, just politely tell them someone is already on the way. You just never know what can happen when you get in the car with a stranger – it’s better to walk than put yourself in a dangerous situation.

Running out of fuel is a hassle, and can be embarrassing too. Make sure you listen to your vehicle’s warning systems so you don’t have to deal with it. A friend of mine once told me that he regards the ‘quarter-full’ marker on his cars fuel gauge as being the ‘empty’ mark in his mind, so that he fills up his car at quarter full and never leaves himself open to running out of fuel. What a great idea!!