Most of us have run out of gas in our cars, but it’s a bad habit that you probably need to break. Driving on low fuel may not immediately cause catastrophic damage to your vehicle, but over time this habit can cause premature wear and tear. And if you run out of fuel completely, it can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your engine or fuel system. Plus, low fuel means you’ll have to deal with the anxiety and stress associated with potentially running dry in an unfamiliar location, miles away from the nearest gas station.
A good rule when it comes to your fuel level is to never let the indicated level drop below a quarter of the tank. If you can help it, keeping more than half a tank of fuel is ideal for keeping the fuel pump cool and in good condition, preventing sediment from being sucked in, and keeping you better prepared for emergencies. Doing so means you’re more likely to have enough fuel to weather unpredictable weather, long traffic jams, or unexpected alternate routes that add extra miles to your trip. And if these benefits aren’t enough to keep you using higher levels of fuel, the impending repair costs might just change your mind.
How debris can cause damage
When the fuel filter becomes clogged, fuel pressure can drop, causing your engine to idle rough, malfunction and often result in a related check engine light. Frequent driving with low fuel levels can also overheat the fuel pump and shorten its life. Depending on the make and model of car you own, a fuel pump costs about $400 to $900 (not including labor), and replacing the injectors can cost between $500 and $2,500.
Risks associated with cold weather
Additionally, a low fuel level in the gas tank during cold weather increases the chance of condensation entering the fuel lines. If condensation gets into the fuel lines, it can eventually freeze and expand enough to clog the lines. And clogged fuel lines prevent gasoline from getting to your engine, making the car unable to drive at all.
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