What to Do When Your Vehicle Runs Out of Fuel Mid-Journey?
2 Answers
Solutions for running out of fuel mid-journey include refueling at a gas station, calling a tow truck, borrowing fuel, requesting roadside assistance, or adding alcohol. Below are specific methods to address this situation: 1. Refueling at a gas station: First, obtain a certificate from the local police station. The certificate must include your name, ID number, purpose, and company name, along with the company's official seal. 2. Calling a tow truck: You can hire a professional tow truck to take your vehicle to the nearest gas station. Alternatively, you can ask a private car to tow yours, but be mindful of traffic regulations and safety concerns. Note that when the engine is off, the brakes lose power assistance. 3. Borrowing fuel: Find another vehicle and transfer fuel from it to yours. Ensure safety during the process and avoid open flames. 4. Roadside assistance: Contact a 4S shop or a roadside assistance company. Some insurance providers and even credit card centers offer this service. You can call these service hotlines to arrange fuel delivery. 5. Adding alcohol: Most gasoline types contain alcohol components. As a last resort, you can mix alcohol with gasoline. However, this method may damage your vehicle, and the fuel system must be cleaned afterward.
When driving, I often remind myself not to run out of fuel, as being stranded without gas can be very dangerous. The first thing to do is to pull over immediately, ensuring not to block the road, and move the car to a safe area, such as the roadside or emergency lane. Turn on the hazard lights right away to alert other drivers, and place a warning triangle 50-100 meters behind the car to prevent rear-end collisions. Confirm if it's really out of fuel? Check if the fuel gauge warning light is on. Then call for help—dial 122 for roadside assistance or contact family or friends to bring fuel. I keep a small empty fuel can in my car for emergencies. As a preventive measure, I always check the fuel level before hitting the highway, ensuring at least a quarter tank remains, and never rely solely on navigation estimates. Running out of fuel mid-journey can lead to breakdown risks, especially at night or in bad weather, increasing fatigue and accident risks. It's advisable to plan refueling ahead next time.