Driving With The The Low Fuel Light On......

[supton]

As a rule I don’t let the gauge go below E. My wife, not so much. (she reads the manual and when it says the tank is 18 gallons, and if at E it takes 15 gallons then she knows she can go a lot further.)

Unlike many, we often go through a tank, sometimes more, in each of our vehicles per week. And our travels take us by a fuel station on most if not all trips. So we fill up when we feel like, which is between E and 1/8.

Only pump we lost was on a model known for the issue and it still went 255k on the original.

 

[ZZman]

I often let it run until the light comes on. Gotta get the old gas out....

The other day I pulled a Kramer. I drove on E with the fuel miles left reading zero.

 

[svtrit]

I worked with a guy whose son liked to fill up after the light was on, generally driving for a while with the light on.

Then he ran out of gas in the path of a tornado with no option of escape. He’s lucky to be alive.

 

[tblt44]

My Daughter always runs to the light comes on or untill she needs someone to bring her gas because she's stranded on the roadside.
After 2 fuel pumps I can't get it thru her hard head to fill up at 1/4 tank.

 

[kschachn]

There is one train of thought that says that running low means you may pick up more of the sediment and water that can sit at the bottom, but also that frequently running to empty reduces the chances of building up a sediment or water.

As you say I don't see how this could be the case. Considering that both water and sediment have a higher density than gasoline they are always at the bottom of the pump well.

 

[raaizin]

I figure with the record gas prices some folks may be struggling to fill their tanks. I have a 2005 Corolla with 90,000 miles. Chicago gas prices have hit over $5 a gallon. I'm curious just how damaging this is to the fuel pump? I imagine running out of gas repeatedly could be damaging? Thanks

I dont understand this logic. You arent saving anything you will use the same amount of fuel no matter how long you wait to refuel. In actuality you are better filling up earlier in a rising price environment as it will only get more expensive next fi;;-up All you are doing is causing yourself stress by constantly looking at your gas gauge.

 

[svtrit]

I dont understand this logic. You arent saving anything you will use the same amount of fuel no matter how long you wait to refuel. In actuality you are better filling up earlier in a rising price environment as it will only get more expensive next fi;;-up All you are doing is causing yourself stress by constantly looking at your gas gauge.

I had a friend in high school/college like this. His money was spent in other liquids.

He never thought to do the $2.00 fill ups (back when gas was $0.89/gallon) after a full tank full. Only when empty.

Priorities. We all have our vices we won’t give up, even when short cash. My vice is 1/2 tank full ups.

 

[PF52]

Another thing worth noting is that low fuel light is calibrated differently on different vehicles. On my Durango when the light comes on I have exactly 5 gallons left. In my Dodge Dart when it comes on I have approximately 1.5 gallons left.

Ain't that the truth. On my Cobalt, I think the light only comes on when there is about a cupful of gas remaining.... At least that is what it seems like. The gauge has to be on "E" for quite awhile before that light will light up. I've only even seen it come on a small handful of times in sixteen years.

On the other hand, I remember a friend who had a vehicle (it was either a Bronco II or an Explorer) and the light would come on at about the halfway mark on the gauge. He said it was annoying.... It would glow and bug him just like the check engine light would. Much too soon in his and my opinions.

On my oldest car, the gauge isn't very accurate. The tank will run dry at about the 1/4 mark. Actually, it's gotten worse over the years.... Now it runs out when the gauge says about 3/8 remaining. I've found that out the hard way, by having the car die on the road, out of gas. In twenty years, I have replaced the fuel tank twice, which fortunately is easy on that car. But it is one that I REALLY need to refill at the halfway mark! If I ever have to drop the tank again, I am going to replace the sending unit.

 

[weasley]

As you say I don't see how this could be the case. Considering that both water and sediment have a higher density than gasoline they are always at the bottom of the pump well.

The thinking is that if you let the fuel level get really low, as it sloshes around the tank at the bottom it stirs up any sediment and water and increases the chances of it being picked up by the pump.

 

[SuperSalad]

The thinking is that if you let the fuel level get really low, as it sloshes around the tank at the bottom it stirs up any sediment and water and increases the chances of it being picked up by the pump.

My friend's son's caseworker had it happen once. It is a widely believed fact.

 

[DriveHard]

only fill up when below quarter tank unless I find a sale, or it is convenient (already stopping for a coffee or something)

 

[supton]

The thinking is that if you let the fuel level get really low, as it sloshes around the tank at the bottom it stirs up any sediment and water and increases the chances of it being picked up by the pump.

So you should do it often and keep the tank clean, no? Either do it always, or never do it, I guess.

 

[Quantico]

I run the tank down as close to empty as I can. Why would I waste my time filling up more often? I've never seen a fuel pump fail.

I have. About 5 times. 800 to 1200 dollars to fix.

 

[kschachn]

I regularly run all of my ancient cars down to the low fuel warning and have yet to need a fuel pump replacement on any of them. All experience is local of course but based on that I call nonsense on the notion that it causes failure.

 

[Donald]

I figure with the record gas prices some folks may be struggling to fill their tanks. I have a 2005 Corolla with 90,000 miles. Chicago gas prices have hit over $5 a gallon. I'm curious just how damaging this is to the fuel pump? I imagine running out of gas repeatedly could be damaging? Thanks

Typically running low of fuel will not damage the pump but running out will. The pump is cooled by the fuel running through it not by sitting in the fuel.

The early GM engines with TBI were famous for going through fuel pumps if you ran out of gas. My 1993 Suburban went through 3 that I know of.

You could run a Camry of same vintage out of fuel every week and never have a problem.

 

[Quantico]

The fuel pump neither knows nor cares if the tank is full or nearly empty - all it needs is to have some fuel. The tank and pickups are designed to ensure that the pump is wet all the time, only causing a possible problem if you actually run out of fuel. If you always fill up at 1/4 or 1/2 a tank not only are you filling more frequently (your choice) but also constantly carrying 5, 6, 7 gallons of fuel around with you that you are never going to use. I get the emergency cover thing, and when there's a run on fuel this seems prudent, but under normal conditions I see no reason not to use all the fuel you have paid for and carried around with you - or as much as is possible. I'll happily run to the fuel light on all my vehicles, knowing that even when the gauge says 'E' and the range says 0 there's contingency fuel left. I once drove around 30 miles after the range went first to "0" and then to "-" and still no signs of fuel starvation.

There is one train of thought that says that running low means you may pick up more of the sediment and water that can sit at the bottom, but also that frequently running to empty reduces the chances of building up a sediment or water.

Supply issues inc weather can stop fuel deliveries. I have lived thru about periods of time where fuel was not easy to get within 30 miles of my house.

I have seen one fuel light sense i started driving in 1975. I was in the middle of nowhere. I got gas asap. Was not happy having 1.5 gallon in a car getting 15 mpg.
I tend to over plan. I put new tires on my car instead of waiting for an accident. I change oil before i have crank and cam bearing failure.. i carry a couple hundred dollars just in case. I check tire pressure with a guage. I clean my carry pistols and change out carry anmo yearly. I carry two spare magazines. I dont carry a gun with three rounds figuring I can buy more when I need it.
I replace my brakes fully when down to 1/4 wear left.
I have three vehicles and the lowest fuel level on any of them is 3/4.
I buy a year ahead on engine oil.. air filters.. oil filters. Mobil 1 grease.. shop towels. Toilet paper.. i have three packs of new socks not used yet.. i buy several pairs of boots and shoes ahead.
So I would consider myself well prepared. Some would say to excess.. but when crypto hit milwaukee I had meds not available at any pharmacy.. when we had power out from storms for 5 days I had a generator and fuel.
I just bought a second spare tire and rim for my sequoia for trips and off road stuff. When its freezing ice its about impossible to get the spare tire down...
I ocean sailed all over the world for over 40 years quite often. I never needed to call for a mechanic or tools or fuel or water or spare parts. I was prepared for everything.

I have fuel in my vehicles above 1/4 tank in moderate weather.. and half or above in winter.

Why an adult cant figure out when to buy gas or change tires or brakes is beyond me.

Go to your doctor for checkups.. get your teeth and eyes checked. Keep your car in great condition. Have a couple months food stored at home..
Keeping gas in your car is not much of a barrier in life.

I have worked with people too stupid to fend for themselves. Wearing roommates clothes. Driving parents old car. Borrowing money for a car repair. Its a sign of lack of maturity.

 

[Quantico]

My Daughter always runs to the light comes on or untill she needs someone to bring her gas because she's stranded on the roadside.
After 2 fuel pumps I can't get it thru her hard head to fill up at 1/4 tank.

Dont bring her gas. When you get time take a tire off her car and leave it that way. Just say you needed it.

 

[Blagoje]

 

[Donald]

I go more by the number of miles left rather that gas gauge level.

But you really do not want to run out of fuel in a lot of diesel engines. In many diesel engines the high pressure fuel pump is lubricated by fuel. And super expensive.

 

[RazorsEdge]

I've been seeing alot of people who are over filling their gas tanks trying to get the "cheaper" gas and it's doing damage to their vehicles (charcoal canisters are damaged over time in case anyone is interested).