How many kilometers can you drive after the fuel light comes on?
3 Answers
Generally, a car can continue to drive approximately 50 to 90 kilometers after the fuel light comes on. However, it is advisable not to continue driving when the fuel light is on. You should promptly find a nearby gas station to refuel the car to avoid sudden breakdowns due to fuel depletion or damage to the fuel pump caused by extremely low fuel levels. When refueling, it is crucial to ensure that the correct fuel type is used and avoid mixing different fuel grades. 92-octane gasoline consists of 92% isooctane and 8% n-heptane, while 95-octane gasoline contains 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. Isooctane helps prevent engine knocking. Different engines have varying requirements for anti-knock values, and mixing fuel grades may lead to engine knocking, excessive carbon buildup, accelerated spark plug wear, and ultimately cause vehicle malfunctions.
I remember last time when my fuel gauge light came on, I specifically tested it, and the difference between different car models was quite significant. My compact sedan ran 58 kilometers after the light came on before refueling, with 5 liters of fuel remaining before filling up. However, my friend's large SUV could only last about 40 kilometers, and larger fuel tanks tend to have more remaining fuel when the light comes on. Generally, it's recommended to treat the fuel light as a final warning and find a gas station immediately, because fuel consumption can skyrocket during aggressive driving or traffic jams. Especially in summer when the air conditioning is on, you might cover one-third less distance than usual. Some older cars with inaccurate fuel gauges are even more dangerous—I once almost got stranded on an elevated highway.
When the fuel light comes on, it's best not to exceed 80 kilometers, but don't panic if it happens. Once on the highway, my fuel light suddenly lit up with 35 kilometers left to the service area. I tried turning off the AC and maintaining a steady speed. By the time I reached the gas station, the dashboard showed 15 kilometers remaining. Remember to drive smoothly to avoid sudden braking, as overtaking or climbing hills consumes extra fuel. Make it a habit to refuel when the tank is a quarter full—don't always push the limits. Doing this frequently not only damages the fuel pump but may also draw in impurities from the bottom of the tank.
