How Does a Car Indicate It's Out of Fuel?

[Lloyd]

When a car is out of fuel, the fuel gauge on the dashboard will display 'E' and flash, accompanied by an alarm sound. 'F' represents a full tank, while 'E' indicates no fuel. The fuel gauge is divided into four major sections, with the section closest to 'E' further divided into four smaller segments. When the pointer reaches the last small segment, most cars can still travel approximately 30 kilometers. Different car models have varying fuel tank sizes, with small sedans typically ranging from 50L to 55L, while SUVs and off-road vehicles have larger capacities. Here are some refueling tips: 1. Refuel when the tank is down to one-quarter full; don't wait until it's empty. 2. Avoid overfilling the tank; leave some space. 3. Do not mix different types of fuel; never add diesel or kerosene to gasoline. 4. Follow the fuel specifications indicated on the fuel tank cap. 5. Choose medium to large gas stations; using low-quality sulfur-containing gasoline can poison the oxygen sensor.

[DeAllie]

That was the first time I drove alone on a long-distance trip. Halfway through, I noticed the car had no power no matter how hard I pressed the accelerator, and it was shaking slightly. I looked down at the dashboard and saw the fuel gauge needle had dropped to the very bottom of the red zone, with a big red 'E' glaring at me. A small yellow icon shaped like a fuel pump was also lit up nearby. I quickly pulled over and checked my phone, only to realize it was the low fuel warning light, indicating the tank was almost empty. Later, the roadside assistance technician told me that when this light comes on, you can usually drive another 20-30 kilometers, but you shouldn't push it too far, or you might damage the fuel pump. Since that incident, I've developed the habit of refueling when the gauge shows a quarter tank left—waiting for help on the roadside is just too much hassle.

[Eddie]

Having repaired cars for over a decade, I've encountered numerous drivers seeking help due to running out of fuel. Most vehicles provide dashboard warnings before fuel runs critically low: the fuel gauge needle first drops to the lowest position or displays the letter 'E', accompanied by an orange fuel warning light resembling a small gas pump icon. Some premium models like the Audi A6 may additionally display remaining mileage via a pop-up on the center console screen, sometimes with an audible alert. Older vehicles might only indicate via the fuel gauge without light warnings, requiring extra attention. It's advisable to refuel when the gauge reaches one-quarter level rather than waiting for the warning light, since the fuel pump relies on gasoline for cooling. Excessively low fuel levels can cause pump overheating and costly damage.

[LaMalachi]

My hatchback has been running for five years. One time during rush hour traffic, I felt the car jerking and saw the fuel gauge needle hitting the bottom, with the 'E' letter lit in red and a fuel pump icon flashing. I immediately turned on the hazard lights and pulled over, then used an app to call for fuel delivery service. Since then, every Monday when I get in the car, I first check the fuel gauge. As long as it drops to the quarter mark, I make sure to refuel on the way. I heard that frequently running the tank empty can cause impurities to clog the fuel lines, which can be a hassle to fix. Now, with plenty of gas stations in the city, developing the habit of refueling in advance has made life much easier.

[OLawson]

A veteran driver who has owned five or six cars tells you that low-fuel warnings have changed significantly over the years. In the 1990s, the old Jetta relied solely on a mechanical fuel gauge—when the needle swung to the far-left red 'E' zone, it meant the tank was nearly empty. Nowadays, modern cars like my hybrid SUV not only flash a red warning light on the digital dashboard when fuel is low but also display a "Low Fuel" text alert, with the central screen directly showing the estimated remaining range in kilometers. Last year on the highway, when the fuel light came on, I drove the indicated 50 km to the nearest service station. The lesson learned: don’t wait for the alarm—refuel when the gauge hits the last bar, as constantly letting the pump suck air can shorten its lifespan.