How many kilometers can you drive after the fuel light comes on?
2 Answers
When the fuel light comes on, you can typically drive approximately 40 to 60 kilometers. It is advisable to refuel as soon as possible after the fuel light illuminates to avoid the risk of the car stalling due to running out of fuel. Frequently waiting until the fuel light comes on before refueling may lead to damage to the fuel pump and filter. The fuel level sensor inside the fuel pump is equipped with a float potentiometer, which contains a sliding resistor. When the fuel tank is full, the float's liquid level is at its highest point, and the potentiometer's resistance is at its lowest. Conversely, when the fuel tank is empty, the opposite occurs. The filter is a component that uses filter paper to remove impurities or gases and is an essential part of the engine.
How many kilometers you can drive after the fuel light comes on is something I can share from practical experience. Having driven various cars, I've found that you can usually go about 50 to 100 kilometers, but the exact number depends on your car model and driving style. For instance, my old sedan had a small tank, and when the light came on, I checked the manual—it could roughly go another 70 kilometers. But my current SUV, with a larger tank, seems to last longer. The key is driving habits: if you speed and brake hard, fuel burns faster, reducing the distance; driving smoothly saves more. My advice? Don’t hesitate when the light comes on—head straight to a gas station. Running out of fuel means expensive towing fees and potential engine damage. Safety first—don’t gamble on it. I’ve had friends stranded halfway before.
