You know your car well. You’re familiar with that feeling when the fuel gauge hits “E,” and you think, “I’ve still got a bit to go.” But what really happens when a car runs out of gas? It’s more than just an inconvenience; running out of fuel can actually cause damage to your vehicle.
Modern cars rely on sophisticated systems to deliver fuel to the engine. When the tank runs dry, these components can suffer. Let’s delve into what occurs under the hood when your car runs out of gas and, more importantly, how to prevent it from happening in the future.
The Domino Effect of an Empty Gas Tank
Running out of gas can trigger a chain of events that negatively impact various parts of your car. Here’s a breakdown of the potential problems:
Fuel Pump Damage: Running Dry Can Lead to Overheating
The fuel pump, located inside your gas tank, is responsible for pushing fuel to the engine. This constant flow of gasoline also serves a crucial cooling and lubrication function for the pump itself. When your fuel tank is empty, the fuel pump can start working harder to draw fuel, leading to overheating and potential damage. Operating without sufficient fuel as coolant can significantly shorten the lifespan of your fuel pump.
To protect your fuel pump and avoid costly repairs, it’s a good practice to refuel before your gas tank dips below a quarter full. Maintaining this fuel level ensures the pump remains submerged and properly cooled.
Fuel Injector Clogging: Sediment and Impurities Enter the System
Gasoline, even when filtered, can contain tiny particles and impurities that settle at the bottom of your fuel tank over time. Your fuel filter is designed to trap these sediments, preventing them from reaching the engine. However, when your fuel level is extremely low, the fuel pump may start drawing fuel from the very bottom of the tank, sucking up these accumulated impurities.
These impurities can then be pushed through your fuel lines and into the fuel injectors – delicate nozzles that spray fuel into your engine for combustion. These injectors can become clogged by sediment, disrupting the fuel delivery and affecting engine performance.
While the symptoms of a clogged fuel injector or a struggling fuel pump might not be immediately obvious after running out of gas, engine starting problems or rough idling after refueling can indicate these issues.
Priming the Fuel Pump: A Potential Quick Fix
If your car won’t start after running out of gas, try “priming” the fuel pump. Turn the ignition key to the “On” position (without starting the engine) and then back to “Off” several times. This action can help the fuel pump remove any air that might have entered the fuel lines when the tank was empty.
Professional Fuel System Inspection and Cleaning
If priming doesn’t solve the problem, a fuel system inspection and cleaning by a qualified technician might be necessary. They can effectively clean clogged fuel injectors and restore proper fuel flow. Ignoring clogged injectors can lead to premature replacement, a repair you’d want to avoid, especially since modern fuel injectors are designed to last for a considerable mileage, often around 100,000 miles.
Immediate Effects When You Run Out of Gas While Driving
Beyond potential long-term damage, running out of gas while driving presents immediate and potentially dangerous situations:
Sudden Vehicle Stall: A Major Safety Hazard
The most immediate consequence of running out of gas is that your engine will suddenly stop running. It’s as if you’ve turned off the ignition while driving. This abrupt engine shutdown can be incredibly dangerous.
A sudden stall can be startling and distracting, potentially causing panic, especially in heavy traffic. Furthermore, you might not be in a safe location to pull over when the car suddenly loses power. This situation increases the risk of accidents.
Reduced Braking and Steering Power: Requiring More Effort
Your brakes and steering are power-assisted for ease of use. However, these power assist systems rely on the engine being operational. When you run out of gas and the engine stalls, these systems are compromised.
While your brakes will still function, the brake pedal will become significantly harder to press. Power brakes use hydraulic pressure to amplify braking force, and without the engine running, this assistance is lost. You’ll need to apply much more force to the brake pedal to stop the car effectively.
Similarly, your power steering will cease to function. Steering will become much heavier and require considerably more effort to turn the wheel. Anyone who has tried to steer a car with the engine off knows how challenging this can be, particularly in an emergency situation.
What to Do Immediately After Running Out of Gas
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of running out of gas, follow these steps to ensure your safety:
Safely Pull Over to the Side of the Road
The priority is safety. Stay calm and immediately look for a safe place to pull your vehicle off the road. Avoid stopping in traffic lanes or blind spots. If possible, exit the highway or move to a wide shoulder or parking area away from moving vehicles.
Favor the right side of the road, the breakdown lane, as it minimizes exposure to fast-moving traffic, unlike the left side passing lane. Look for straight stretches of road and wider shoulders for safer parking.
Activate Your Hazard Lights
Turn on your hazard lights immediately. These lights signal to other drivers that your vehicle is stationary and potentially a hazard. Hazard lights are especially crucial if you cannot move your car completely out of the flow of traffic.
Call for Assistance
If you have roadside assistance coverage through your car insurance or vehicle manufacturer, now is the time to use it. They can often provide fuel delivery services. If you don’t have roadside assistance, consider contacting a service like Firestone Complete Auto Care Roadside Assistance or reaching out to a friend or family member to bring you some fuel.
Alternatively, if it’s safe to do so, you can walk to the nearest gas station. Many gas stations sell small emergency fuel cans that you can use to bring back enough fuel to reach the gas station for a full refill. A gallon of gas should be sufficient to get you to the nearest station.
Preventing an Empty Gas Tank: Simple Habits
The easiest way to avoid the problems and dangers of running out of gas is to simply keep your tank adequately filled. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Know Your Route and Gas Station Locations: Whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip, familiarize yourself with gas station locations along your route. Plan refueling stops proactively, especially on longer journeys.
- Adhere to the Quarter Tank Rule: As mentioned earlier, try to never let your fuel gauge drop below a quarter tank. This practice not only protects your fuel pump but also provides a comfortable buffer, preventing you from getting caught out with an empty tank unexpectedly.
Post Run-Out Inspection
If your car has run out of gas, particularly if it has happened more than once, it’s wise to have your vehicle inspected by a professional. Visit your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Complete Vehicle Inspection. They can assess for any potential damage caused by fuel starvation and recommend any necessary repairs, ensuring your car remains in optimal running condition.
