How many kilometers can a car still run when the fuel gauge reaches the red line?
4 Answers
Generally, when the fuel gauge needle reaches the red line, the car's fuel tank has about 10% of fuel left, which can allow the car to continue driving for an average of 20-60 kilometers, depending on the specific model. Here are two suggestions regarding refueling: 1. Do not wait until the warning light comes on to refuel: Because the fuel pump is located in the fuel tank and relies on gasoline for cooling and lubrication, insufficient fuel will adversely affect the normal operation of the fuel pump and reduce its service life. 2. It is not recommended to fill the tank completely when refueling: Since gasoline expands when heated and evaporates into gasoline vapor under high temperatures in summer, space is needed to accommodate this. If the tank is filled to the brim without any space, gasoline vapor or even liquid gasoline may enter the carbon canister for storage. When the carbon canister is full, it will escape into the air, which not only wastes fuel but also pollutes the environment.
Every time I drive and see the fuel gauge needle drop into the red zone, I get nervous. From a safety perspective, it's best not to risk continuing to drive at this point. Different car models have different designs, but generally speaking, when the fuel tank reaches the red line, there are about 5-10 liters of fuel left, which can last for approximately 20-50 kilometers, depending on whether your car is fuel-efficient or not. I've seen some people on the highway stubbornly pushing their luck to find a gas station, only to have their engine suddenly stall, causing panic. The key is to consider the driving environment—city driving with frequent traffic lights consumes more fuel and leaves less margin, while highway driving is smoother and may allow you to go a bit further. My suggestion is to develop the habit of refueling when the tank is half full, rather than waiting for the alarm to sound. Because the fuel tank warning system can sometimes be inaccurate, especially in older cars. Safety first—once you notice low fuel, head to the nearest station to fill up immediately. Don't risk leaving your car stranded on the roadside just to save a little time or money.
I have over 20 years of driving experience and have driven various types of vehicles, from sedans to SUVs, all of which have encountered situations where the fuel gauge hits the red line. To be honest, it's hard to say exactly how far you can go on the remaining fuel—it really depends on the car's condition and road conditions. I remember once driving an old Toyota to the suburbs and managing to go 30 kilometers after the fuel gauge hit the red line before refueling; the car was quite durable. But later, when I switched to a new small-displacement car, under the same circumstances, it only lasted 15 kilometers. This is related to the fuel tank size and fuel consumption—a car with a larger tank might have more fuel left, and a fuel-efficient engine can last longer. I recommend understanding your car's fuel tank capacity—generally, small cars have 40-50 liters, with the red line corresponding to 5-10% remaining, which translates to about 20-40 kilometers. When driving, try to keep the RPM steady and avoid pushing the throttle too hard to save fuel and extend the distance. However, don't always test the limits—I've seen many beginners end up calling for a tow truck because of this, which is both costly and inconvenient. In short, the safest bet is to refuel as soon as you notice the fuel is low.
Starting from basic car knowledge, when the fuel gauge reaches the red line, it indicates a very low fuel level, and the remaining distance you can drive varies by vehicle. The total fuel tank capacity is generally around 40-60 liters, and when the needle hits the red line, there are approximately 5-10 liters left. Based on average fuel consumption (e.g., 8 liters per 100 kilometers), this translates to about 10-30 kilometers of driving. Pay attention to your driving style: aggressive acceleration or traffic congestion increases fuel consumption, reducing the remaining range; smooth highway driving may allow you to go a bit further. I recommend consulting the vehicle manual or user app, as some cars come with a remaining mileage display to help estimate. However, don’t rely entirely on these systems, as they may be inaccurate due to sensor issues. For peace of mind, refuel as soon as the fuel level gets low to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
