What does it mean when the fuel light comes on in the car?
4 Answers
When the fuel light comes on in the car, it indicates that there is not much fuel left in the fuel tank. The meanings of the warning lights on the car dashboard are as follows: 1. Engine fault light comes on: It seems quite common for the engine fault light to stay on, and sometimes it may flicker on and off. In most cases, this is due to a malfunction in the three-way catalytic converter. There are several reasons that can cause the three-way catalytic converter to fail. First, the quality of the fuel being used is poor, preventing the fuel from burning completely and leading to carbon buildup inside the engine. Second, the oxygen sensor inside the three-way catalytic converter is damaged, causing the engine to not operate properly. Third, the three-way catalytic converter itself may be clogged, resulting in the car's emissions not meeting the expected standards. 2. The oil pressure indicator light stays on: In relatively older German cars, it is common to see the oil pressure indicator light staying on. When the oil pressure indicator light remains on, it means the viscosity of the oil is no longer suitable for the car's current condition, indicating that the oil should be replaced as soon as possible. Additionally, excessive oil pressure could also be caused by a lack of oil.
The first time I saw the fuel light on, I panicked like crazy. Later, I learned that it's just a reminder that your tank is running low. Different car models can still run 20-30 kilometers after the light comes on, but it's best to refuel immediately in such situations, especially when driving on highways—you can't afford delays then. Keeping the fuel light on for too long isn't good for the car either. The fuel pump relies on gasoline for cooling, and too low a fuel level can cause it to overheat and shorten its lifespan. After learning the hard way, I developed a habit: refuel when the gauge hits a quarter, avoiding small gas stations and sticking to proper fuel. Keeping a roadside assistance number in the car is also important—just in case you break down in an unfamiliar place, help is just a call away.
Having driven for over a decade, I know the fuel light is the final warning of an empty tank. Theoretically, you can drive 30-50 kilometers after it lights up, but it really depends on road conditions and driving habits. I immediately navigate to the nearest gas station and turn off the AC to save fuel. Repeatedly letting the fuel light come on does the most damage to the fuel pump, with repairs often costing over a thousand. Here's a tip: in winter, never let the tank drop below half to avoid condensation mixing with the fuel. Now, I fill up whenever my tank is below a quarter—it protects the fuel pump and saves me the hassle of frequent refueling.
Those who frequently drive long distances know how critical it is when the fuel light comes on. I've been in situations where there was no gas station in sight, and had to rely on fuel-saving techniques: maintaining a steady speed of 60 km/h, minimizing brake usage, and turning off in-car electronics. Now, I always plan my route in advance, checking the intervals between gas stations along the way, and refuel when the tank is one-third full. I also keep a 5-liter emergency fuel reserve in the trunk, stored in a dedicated metal container—never in plastic bottles. If you do end up stranded, don't panic: set up the warning triangle, turn on the hazard lights, and then call for help.
