There is a chance that you may or may have never run out of gas while on the road before. It is certainly possible that it could be something that has happened to you more than once before. Hence, what happens when your car runs out of gas? The answer to this is dependent on several factors such as the model and year of your car. The implication of this situation can certainly be more than being out of gas or being stranded. Take a walk with us in this article as we show you the consequences of your car running out of gas.
What happens when your car runs out of gas?
Modern-day cars operate on fuel injection principle and as such, they run a fuel pump which is submerged in the fuel and cools down the pump. In a situation where you run out of fuel, the engine will simply stop to function. This can be quite dangerous because it would mean losing the power to assist breaks and steering. All you need to do here is to pull over as gently as possible and all will be fine.
The bottom line is that as soon as the engine of your car dies, it means that you will lose all the power assistance with the brakes and steering. This does not mean that you won’t be able to brake and steer, it will, however, be quite difficult than when the engine is running. Things such as the power windows will still function alongside the other electrical components until the battery runs down.
Possible Dangers Of Running Out Of Gas
It is generally not good for your car to run out of gas. This is because it could lead to several issues that could have lasting effects. For instance, running out of gas could lead to the failure of the fuel pump. The reason for this is that in some cars, the fuel tends to lubricate and cool down the fuel pump. Therefore, if there is no longer fuel in the pump, it would seize. This is why experts suggest that you do not leave the car ignition running if you are out of gas. Another issue that may arise includes the presence of sediments in the fuel tank or even issues that relate to the shortage of fuel within the system.
What Should I Do To Prevent My Car From Running Out Of Gas?
More often than not, the instances of cars running out of gas are such that they can be averted if proper care is taken. Here are a few things you can do to prevent your car from running out of gas:
1. Test your tank
Have you ever what level of emptiness is empty? The reality is that quite several cars can go quite a distance on E before they go off. It, therefore, suffices to say that the emptiness of a car’s tank is a variable that is dependent on a few factors.
2. Make projections
If you do not want to run out of fuel while on a long journey, you can take steps such as downloading applications that help predict the closest gas station to your present route. Such applications will help tell you when and where the next gas station would be. This should help ensure that you do not pass the last gas station especially if there isn’t another one for a long distance ahead
3. Your range may not be as reliable as you think
It’s not always advisable to trust your fuel gauge regardless of what it may be saying per time. You should know that the numbers indicated on the fuel range do not always drop sequentially. There are however a few things you can do to ensure that fuel is efficiently conserved. For instance, cars are often most efficient when at speeds of between 35 to 45 mph. in this case you should put the state laws into consideration especially if you are on a speed lane. You could also do things such as turning off the stereo, air conditioning, and other devices. Also, make sure that you keep the windows always rolled up to prevent wind resistance on your car.
4. Extra gas could help
In the case of some cars, manufacturers often recommend that you keep at least a quarter of the tank filled with gas while on the road to avert such possibilities. Also, you should be mindful of the fact that some fuel gauges are better than others when it comes to showing how much fuel is left in the pump. Also, if you notice that you are getting low of fuel, there is no reason trying your luck, do the needful by topping up the fuel.
5. Only hitchhike as a last resort
In an ideal society, we ought to be able to trust each other fully! And there are times when we do need the help of other people. Having said this, you must be mindful of the fact that not everyone can be trusted these days. Hence, it is advisable that you only seek for a ride or walk when you notice that there isn’t any other choice available. In this case, you will have to rely heavily on your gut to tell you what to do.
What Should I Do When My Car Runs Out Of Gas?
In a situation where your car runs out of gas, there are a few things you can do to salvage the situation, here is a run-down of some of them:
1. Know where you are
If you find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere and you are not particularly sure of your distance to the closest gas station, you must know where you are. This is where certain navigation applications come in handy. But if you find yourself out of a communication zone, you should be on the lookout for road signs or any sign that could indicate the presence of something helpful.
2. Locate a safe spot
The most important rule is to ensure that you get away from your car. Some cars may not find it easy to locate a car park in the dark in the middle of nowhere especially. It is also advisable that you turn your hazard lights on if you are parked in the middle of nowhere regardless of the time of the day. This would help notify other drivers of the presence of your car on the road.
Upon doing this, make sure that you move your car as far away to safety as possible. While doing this, ensure that you put your car in neutral and make sure you check if it is safe to exit the car. When you notice that it is clear, step away and push the car to a safe part of the road. While doing this, ensure that you have a firm grip on the steering wheel. The moment you are safely out of harm’s way, ensure that you get the emergency brake set and keep the hazard lights on.
3. Reach out for help
The next step involves you calling for help. It is advisable that you call out friends or family who you feel may be able to get you as much fuel that can get you to the nearest fuel station. You can also place a call through to your insurance company roadside assistance number or 911 if you notice that your phone doesn’t have a network so that the cops can be of help.
4. Keep moving
If you can call on the services of a towing service, you should get to a safe space and do so as quickly as possible. But if you are not able to get someone to come to you quickly, you may have to consider taking a walk. It is often not advisable that you remain in the car as it exposes you to some risks and dangers.
Last Line
No one desires to find themselves stuck in the middle of the road with their gas tanks empty. These things do happen from time to time due to reasons that vary. That notwithstanding, some measures should be taken as outlined in this piece. The consequences of running out of gas far outweigh the gamble of finding out. For instance, in most cars, when the gas runs out, it usually becomes quite difficult to restart them when it is refueled. The fuel pump may also have sucked dirt from an empty tank. This would mean that the pump has to be unclogged. In the light of these, it is quite advisable to carry out due diligence when using your car to ensure that your gas tank is always at least a quarter full to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
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