Does Running Out of Gas and Stalling Harm a New Car?
3 Answers
Running out of gas and stalling doesn't significantly impact the car, but you should avoid frequently letting the fuel tank run dry. In fuel-injected vehicles, the fuel pump is located inside the gas tank and relies on gasoline for cooling. Regularly running out of fuel can severely shorten the fuel pump's lifespan. It's best to refuel when there's about a quarter of the tank left. Here's more information about the fuel pump: 1. Introduction: A car fuel pump has four wires - two are for the fuel level sensor (commonly called the float), one supplies power, and one connects to the fuel gauge. The other two wires are for the fuel pump itself, with one supplying power and the other being the ground wire. 2. Function: The fuel pump's role is to draw gasoline from the tank and deliver it through the pipelines and fuel filter to the carburetor's float chamber. Thanks to the fuel pump, the gas tank can be positioned at the rear of the vehicle, away from and lower than the engine.
I've dealt with similar situations before and seen many new cars develop issues due to stalling from fuel starvation, primarily damaging the fuel pump. The fuel pump is submerged in the tank and relies on fuel for cooling and lubrication. When the tank runs dry, it operates without lubrication, easily overheating and burning out. New car engines are still in the break-in period, with components being more sensitive. Fuel starvation can affect operation and even trigger electronic faults. If this happens, don't rush to repeatedly start the engine—it's better to add fuel directly or call a tow truck. Doing this long-term not only leads to high repair costs—replacing a fuel pump can cost hundreds to thousands of yuan—but also shortens the car's lifespan. Developing a habit of keeping at least half a tank of fuel can prevent this issue. When the fuel light comes on, refuel as soon as possible—don't gamble with luck. Road safety comes first; sudden stalling is too dangerous.
When I first got my new car, I also experienced running out of gas and stalling—it felt terrifying as the car just stopped moving. Later, I heard that it could damage the fuel pump, which overheats and burns out when running dry. A friend of mine had to spend a lot on repairs because of this, and new car insurance might not cover it all. Now, I always try to keep the tank above a quarter full. Spending a little extra on gas is much cheaper than dealing with repairs. Setting reminders on gas station apps is super convenient to avoid forgetting. With a new car, you need to be extra careful—the engine and electronic components are still breaking in, and low fuel can cause issues. Developing good habits saves both hassle and money.
