Running out of gas is a common problem that many drivers face, and it can be a frustrating and stressful experience. While some drivers make it a habit to always run their gas tank empty, others find themselves in this situation due to poor planning. So, how many miles can you drive on empty? The answer to this question depends on your vehicle’s make and model.
Most vehicles can still travel between 30 to 45 miles or more when their fuel gauge shows “Empty.” This is because the gas tank is designed to retain about 10% to 15% of fuel before it triggers the empty sign from the fuel gauge on the dashboard. However, some vehicles can travel farther than others, particularly hybrid vehicles.
For instance, the Chevy Silverado can travel 33 miles after the gas light comes on. Smaller vehicles like Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta can drive for 47 miles and 43 miles beyond the “empty” mark, respectively. Modern vehicles are built with more advantages than their older counterparts, and one of those benefits is the ability to go farther on empty than the old ones.
What Happens When Fuel Tank Is Empty?
When a gas tank is empty, the car’s engine will automatically start to suck in the air alongside the little quantity of fuel remaining in the tank. This is what eventually causes the car to stall and most likely keeps you stranded on the road. In some cases, tiny particles in gasoline can find their way into the fuel pump and clog the component. When this happens, it will suddenly damage the fuel pump and further affect the fuel gauge readings.
Can You Drive on 0 Miles Till Empty?
Yes, you can drive on 0 miles till empty for about 30 to 45 miles. Some cars may go a bit farther or less, depending on the car’s make or model. However, it is essential to avoid situations that put you at risk of being stranded on the highway due to low gasoline.
Do Cars Have Extra Gas After Empty?
Vehicle manufacturers build in a gallon of about 3.8 liters or more of fuel reserve above the empty line. This means that even when the vehicle reads empty, it may not exactly be. Vehicle manufacturers also designed the fuel gauge to give signals about low fuel levels long before a car runs out of fuel because they know that people find it hard to bring out money to refill their fuel tank often.
How Accurate Are Miles to Empty?
Most vehicles’ miles to empty guide are inaccurate, revealing an error of about 2.3 percent. According to AAA Motor Club, the error varies between 6.4 percent and 2.8 percent. Many drivers rely on miles to empty to determine the time to refill their gas tank, but others also believe that vehicle estimates are incorrect. However, you could trust the fuel gauge forecast or your driving experience in knowing when to refill.
How Many Miles Is the Reserve Tank?
Some vehicles can travel up to 30 miles to 50 miles or more on reserve before the gas tank becomes empty. Vehicles like the Nissan Altima can travel between 81 miles and 114 miles if you’re asking, “How many miles can you drive on an empty Nissan Altima?” Typically, when your vehicle is on reserve, it doesn’t mean that the tank is really empty. This is because manufacturers designed a “margin of safety” in most vehicles so that people don’t become stranded before they realize that their gasoline has been exhausted.
Final Thoughts
It is essential to ensure that you always have enough fuel in your car to avoid running out of gas. While it is possible to drive on an empty tank, it is a bad driving habit to maintain. Constantly driving on an empty tank can damage your car faster than you expect. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain at least 1/4 of your gas tank’s full capacity to protect your fuel pump and save you from being stranded suddenly.
