Low-fuel light on? Here’s how much further you can drive

If you own a car, you’ve likely played chicken with your low-fuel indicator. While it can be thrilling, running out of gas is never fun, and can be dangerous if you come to a stop on a highway or a deserted stretch of road.

What’s more, the sediment that settles at the bottom of your fuel tank can damage the fuel pump, fuel lines and filter, and the engine and the catalytic converter. To ensure proper lubrication, air to fuel ratio and cooling is why you often hear it’s best to keep your tank at least one-quarter full.

While doing so is ideal, swinging by a gas station as soon as the warning light comes on is not always practical. The U.S.-based website Your Mechanic went to the trouble of reading the owner’s manuals of the 50 top-selling automobiles in North America. This handy chart from Your Mechanic includes estimates for driving distances you can expect from common vehicles. Some models can travel surprisingly far, but where you drive (city vs. highway), the weather conditions (snow vs. dry roads) and your driving style (a heavy foot) will have an impact on the estimate for your vehicle.

Sources:

YourMechanic.com - How far can you drive your vehicle on empty

YourMechanic.com - Why you should always keep a 1/4 tank of gas in your car

Conversion table:
1 gallon = 3.78 litres
1 mile = 1.61 km

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