
When the fuel light comes on, a car can generally travel about 50 kilometers. Below are the specific details when the fuel light is on: 1. Remaining fuel quantity: Typically, when the yellow fuel light comes on, there is about 1/10 of the fuel left in the tank. The fuel tank capacity of ordinary sedans is generally between 40-60L, while that of ordinary SUVs is between 50-60L. Based on the remaining 1/10 fuel calculation, when the fuel light comes on, a sedan has approximately 4-6L of gasoline left, and an SUV has 5-6L left. 2. Driving distance: Due to different driving habits and road conditions, poor driving habits, prolonged idling, and frequent stops can increase fuel consumption. Conservatively estimated, if the fuel light is already on, the car can generally travel about 30~50 kilometers.

I've got some real-world experience with how far a car can go after the fuel light comes on. Most vehicles can typically manage 40 to 60 kilometers, but this isn't set in stone. Having driven several different cars myself, I've found that older SUVs might stretch to 70 km on highways, but in congested city traffic, sometimes they conk out after just 30 km. Multiple factors affect this – like your driving style (aggressive acceleration or braking consumes more fuel), road conditions, and whether you're climbing hills or running the AC, all of which reduce range. The vehicle's age matters too; older cars with tank sediment or aging fuel pumps become less reliable. My advice? Don't push your luck – head to a gas station ASAP when the light appears. Delaying risks roadside breakdowns, and safety should always come first. Make it a habit to refuel when the gauge nears empty to avoid headaches.

From a technical perspective, the fuel light typically indicates there are 5-10 liters of fuel left in the tank, depending on your car's manual. Assuming a fuel consumption rate of around 8 liters per 100 kilometers, theoretically, you could drive 50 to 100 kilometers. However, reality isn't that simple because actual fuel consumption is influenced by driving habits—frequent overtaking or a full load increases fuel usage, while low tire pressure or running the air conditioning also consumes more fuel. In city traffic, you might only have about 40 kilometers left, whereas on the highway, the range could extend further. Personally, I prefer using the car's onboard computer or a mobile app to estimate the remaining distance, which tends to be quite accurate. But don't rely entirely on the numbers; if the fuel pump overheats or there's sediment in the fuel line, the engine might stall prematurely. My advice is to avoid testing the limits—refuel sooner rather than later to save the cost and hassle of calling a tow truck on the roadside. It's also a good opportunity to check the fuel gauge system to prevent false alarms.

From my daily driving experience, when the fuel light comes on, you can generally drive about 40 to 50 kilometers in the city, but don't expect much more. Factors affecting this include the road conditions—during traffic jams, fuel consumption increases quickly, and you might only make it 30 kilometers. Also, having more passengers or cargo puts extra strain on the fuel tank. As a city commuter, I make it a habit to find a gas station as soon as the light comes on—the closer, the safer. Regular maintenance to ensure the fuel pump is in good condition is also important to avoid issues.

Never take the fuel light lightly. Typically, the car can run for 40 to 70 kilometers, but this is highly unreliable. Driving with family or on long trips poses even greater risks—if the car stalls in a remote area, calling for help can be difficult and time-consuming. Fuel consumption is affected by driving habits; sudden braking or using air conditioning can reduce the range, and older cars are even less dependable. I recommend finding a gas station immediately when the light comes on, without hesitation, or checking for stations along the route before departure as a precaution. Make it a habit to keep the fuel level above a quarter tank to reduce anxiety and avoid unexpected hazards.


