How Long Can a Car Run on Reserve Fuel?
3 Answers
When a car is running on reserve fuel, it can typically travel about 80 kilometers. Here are some methods to reduce fuel consumption: Maintain proper tire pressure: For car tires, both underinflation and overinflation are detrimental. Underinflation increases friction resistance and accelerates wear; overinflation makes tires more prone to blowouts and causes greater damage to shock absorbers. Pay attention to refueling techniques: When refueling, try to choose cooler times like early morning or evening. Due to the principle of thermal expansion and contraction, fuel volume is slightly greater during these cooler periods compared to hotter midday temperatures. Over time, this practice can lead to significant savings.
I remember last time when the fuel light came on, I deliberately tested it. I drove at a steady 60 km/h on the national highway for about 60 kilometers before refueling. Generally, when the car warns of low fuel, there are still about 7 to 10 liters left in the tank. How far you can actually go really depends on the situation. When I drive my SUV in city traffic jams, it can last at most 40 kilometers, but on the highway at a steady speed, it can go 30% further. I suggest you keep an eye on the fuel consumption gauge to estimate. For a regular sedan, you can roughly calculate 1 liter of fuel for every 10 kilometers. The key is to leave a margin. Once, I almost ran out of fuel on an unfamiliar road, and that experience taught me never to push the limits. Running out of fuel can damage the fuel pump.
It's hard to give an exact number, but I often tell people that reserve fuel is like a fuse. Most cars will trigger the warning light when there's about 5% fuel left, which equates to roughly 5-10 liters depending on the vehicle size. With my 1.6L compact car, I can squeeze out about 50 km in city driving and up to 80 km on highways. However, winter heating drastically increases consumption, instantly reducing range by 20%. The worst part is that running on empty can draw sediment from the tank - I once spent 800 yuan replacing a clogged fuel filter because of this. Every owner's manual specifies the reserve capacity, but I recommend not exceeding 50 km before refueling to be safe.
