How Far Can You Drive When the Fuel Gauge Light Comes On?
2 Answers
When the fuel gauge light comes on, you can generally drive about 30 kilometers. It is recommended to check the vehicle condition and fuel level before driving and prepare gasoline in advance. If the fuel gauge light is already on, maintain a steady speed on the highway, avoid sudden braking or driving at low speeds, and find the nearest gas station as soon as possible to refuel. After the fuel gauge light comes on, there is usually at least 8 liters of fuel left in the tank. For vehicles with larger engine displacements, the remaining fuel may be even more. Theoretically, you can drive at least 50 kilometers. However, considering factors like traffic congestion, vehicle load, and driving skills, a conservative estimate is around 30 kilometers. Hazards of running low on fuel: The fuel in a car enters the engine for combustion with the help of the fuel pump. After prolonged operation, the fuel pump becomes very hot, so it requires fuel for lubrication and cooling while transferring fuel. When the fuel level in the tank is too low, especially on slopes, the fuel pump may fail to draw fuel, which can lead to severe damage or even burning out the fuel pump.
Oh, with my old car, I've tried a few times when the fuel gauge light came on and could still drive about 40-50 kilometers, but that was on the highway. Most cars are like this—smaller tanks give you less range, bigger ones more. The manual says you can generally go 30 to 80 kilometers, but I always rush to find a gas station as soon as the light comes on. Remember to drive slower to save fuel; headwinds or uphill driving burns it faster. Also, don’t wait too long—the fuel pump can easily get damaged, and repairs are crazy expensive. It’s better to develop a habit of filling up when the fuel is low, or you risk stalling halfway, which is too dangerous. I’ve learned from experience—now I always check the fuel gauge before heading out to avoid trouble.
