What to Do When Your Car Runs Out of Gas While Driving
4 Answers
Find the nearest exit to get off the highway. When you notice your car is running low on fuel, it's best to choose the closest exit to leave. Call your insurance company. In case of emergencies, you can contact them for assistance as they have rescue measures in place. Ask passing drivers for help. If you're lucky, you might encounter kind-hearted individuals willing to lend a hand. Highway rescue hotline: 12122. Alternatively, check your map to locate nearby gas stations and try contacting them.
I remember one time when I was driving to the countryside for a trip, halfway through, I suddenly realized the car was out of gas, and the engine just shut off. I quickly pulled over to a safe spot by the roadside and turned on the hazard lights to warn other vehicles. Then, I took out my phone and called a friend who lived nearby. He happened to have a spare gas can and came over to help add some fuel, after which we went together to the gas station to fill up. This incident taught me a lesson—now I always check the fuel gauge before driving and make sure to keep at least a quarter tank of gas. If no one is around to help, you can call your insurance company for roadside assistance or download a fuel app to find services. Features like fuel level reminders in map apps are very practical. Safety is the top priority; don’t wander around on the highway—park properly and wait for help, which is the best approach. Prevention is better than cure, so developing a habit of refueling regularly saves a lot of hassle.
I think running out of gas while driving is extremely dangerous, and the key is to handle it immediately. Once you notice your car is almost out of fuel, promptly find a safe location to stop and turn on the hazard lights, such as the shoulder or a rest area. Then, calm down and assess your surroundings. If there's a gas station nearby, you can walk to buy fuel, but be mindful of traffic safety. A better approach is to directly call for roadside assistance or contact your insurance company for help. I've been in a similar situation before, and since then, I've made it a habit to refuel in advance—filling up when the fuel gauge reaches half to avoid emergencies. Regular car maintenance is also crucial, as running out of gas with a dead battery can be even more troublesome. Developing good habits is far better than dealing with emergencies, especially during nighttime driving when risks are higher. Safety should always come first—don't take unnecessary risks.
Running out of gas midway is something I've learned to handle simply from experience. First, pull over safely with hazard lights on. Then seek help from people or tools, like calling a friend to bring fuel, or waving down passing vehicles if without a phone. Once in the suburbs, I pushed my car to safety while waiting for help. For prevention, I now set weekly fuel level reminders on my phone. Driving with critically low fuel harms the engine, so don't wait for the warning light to refuel. Frequent refueling reduces risks, ensuring a more worry-free drive.
