What number to call when running out of gas on the highway?
3 Answers
When your vehicle runs out of fuel while driving, you can call the highway emergency hotline 12122 or dial 110 for assistance. You may also contact your insurance company for help. More details are as follows: 1. Before hitting the road: Perform vehicle checks, ensure the fuel tank is full, and top up the windshield washer fluid as well. 2. While driving: Running out of fuel or having warning lights illuminate - though not frequent occurrences - are situations many drivers have encountered. If you can't locate a gas station, you can request fuel delivery services. For instance, contact your 4S dealership or road assistance companies to arrange fuel delivery.
Last time I was driving on the highway, suddenly the fuel tank warning light turned red and the car stalled immediately. I was totally panicked. It happened on the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway, with heavy trucks roaring past all around me. Terrified, I quickly turned on the hazard lights and pulled over to the emergency lane. At that moment, I knew the national emergency number in China is 12122, so I took out my phone and called. The operator was super professional—they asked for my location and immediately dispatched roadside assistance. They also reminded me to lock the doors and stay inside the vehicle because high-speed traffic makes it dangerous to walk around. In less than half an hour, the rescue vehicle arrived, gave me some emergency fuel, and escorted me to the nearest service station. Since then, I've learned my lesson—I now check the fuel level every 200-300 kilometers and keep my insurance company's hotline saved in my phone as a backup in case 12122 is busy. It's also wise to check gas station locations on map apps before trips to avoid such emergencies.
As a young person who frequently drives long distances, I have to say running out of gas on the highway is really frustrating. First, don't panic—turn on your hazard lights and pull over safely, then remember to call 12122 for help (this is a dedicated emergency hotline). I usually use the Baidu Maps app, which has an emergency assistance feature that automatically sends your location with the rescue request. If you have good phone signal, you can directly request a tow truck or fuel delivery service through the app. Additionally, if you have car insurance or membership services like PICC or AAA, they often provide 24/7 roadside assistance numbers—prioritize calling them. To prevent this situation, always check your fuel gauge before driving and make it a habit to fill up before hitting the highway. Refuel promptly when passing gas stations instead of waiting for the low-fuel warning. Many young people now use phone apps to manage trips—setting alarms to remind you to check fuel levels is also helpful. Above all, stay calm and focus on getting assistance.
