Need an extra reason to consider earlier fuel fill-ups?
Pulling up to the gas pump with only 1 mile to empty may seem like a perfect calculation to some people. Yes, you’re breathing heavy and sweating. And yes, some of us secretly applaud your effort. But, we may want to re-think to fill-up on fun another way? If being side-stranded on a road isn’t a big enough reason to keep a gas tank filled properly, maybe ruining your valuable vehicle may help change your mind?!
Alright, I admit I’m “one of those!” (Sorry Brian!) I like to think of myself as time-maximizing? But I am learning that every time I let my dial get dangerously close to E, I not only annoy my husband; but I actually irritate my engine; demising the life of my vehicle.
Why does filling up a gas tank seem like such a chore?! Is it the forced pause? Having to pull over to stand still for 10 minutes? Is it hearing the action of the pump as I watch dollar signs move faster than the gas coming in? The fumes perfuming my hair and clothes with toxic vapor? Or the trash overflowing as liter floats across my sandals in the parking lot? Is it being stared down by that creepy person a few pumps over? The fear that creepy person by station #6 somehow entered my car without my noticing? Maybe all the above has you putting off this chore too.
I imagine a little fill-fairy coming to my rescue some week. I imagine the days where full service gas stations were reality… Can we make this a thing? Like what Door-dash or Shipt-shopper is to grocery? Go-go-gass anyone?
Why must I not routinely let my vehicle run close to empty? . . Not only is my heart having to pump harder due to the unnecessary stress in reaching a gas station in time, but so is my vehicle’s fuel pump!
The fuel pump is designed to function on certain levels of fuel. (1/4 tank+) Fuel helps cool and lubricate the pump. When we run our vehicles on low gas, the pump draws in air in place of fuel. This causes your engine to overheat.
Overheating your engine every week isn’t a good idea :)
-Low fumes cause the fuel filter to clog
-Debris settles in gas tank and becomes more concentrated increasing the need for the pump to overwork.
-Engine cylinders begin to misfire
-Engine knock occurs (long-term damage to the car is happening)
How little fuel is too little?
Well, it depends on variables like driving style, Is Brian behind the wheel or me? Is it city/high-way/traffic-jam/or hills? Changing road conditions, and accuracy of gauge, all come into play. Thankfully, most new cars have a fairly accurate gauge. Gas lights typically turn on when there is still 2-3 gallons left in the tank. To keep your engine clean, keep it above 1/4 tank. In other words, don’t let the gas light come on every week!
What can I do if my car starts to sputter?
If you ignored your light and are experiencing low fuel. You can do a few things to help reserve all your vehicle’s precious energy.
Turn off the air-conditioner, turn off the stereo and unplug all devices. Roll up windows to reduce drag. Drive as slow as possible in hope you can reach the gas-station. Pray a fill-fairy comes to your rescue and that a gas station is in close distance. And better hope the weather is good in case you’re walking.
Yes, your modern car and you may get away with running on low-fuel every once and awhile. But this may not be a healthy habit for your engine, for you, or your relationships with your significant other. (At least not on a routine basis.)
