Playing chicken with the low fuel light is always risky, especially when you’re driving through the countryside and hoping to make it to the next town before your luck runs out.

If you gamble and lose, you’re either in for a long walk or a long wait until someone comes to your aid.

What happens when you run out of petrol?

When you run out of petrol, your car doesn’t just stop dead. Before this, your car will likely show signs of fuel starvation, which can include the engine coughing and sputtering, intermittent power surges, and maybe even engine backfires.

You’re especially in trouble if your brakes and steering rely on hydraulic assistance, which dies when the engine cuts out. You’ll need to work much harder to turn the wheel and apply the brakes.

Can running out of fuel damage your car?

Running out of petrol certainly is not good for your car. Even running extremely low on petrol isn’t great, because the fuel pump will suck up the dregs at the bottom of the tank, which can be full of sediment and debris. It could just clog the fuel filter, or it could actually damage the fuel pump or clog the fuel injectors.

The fuel pump also relies on fuel for lubrication or cooling, increasing the likelihood of damage to the pump if you completely run out of fuel. Worse yet, debris from the damaged fuel pump could get into your car’s fuel system. Air could also get sucked into the fuel lines.

Running dry is even more of a concern if you drive a diesel car, as high-pressure direct injection doesn’t tolerate air in the system. The whole system will need to be primed to remove all traces of air, plus you risk damage to the diesel injection pump and fuel injectors.

What do I do if I run out of petrol?

If you’ve gambled and lost, the best thing you can do is admit defeat and pull over before the tank actually runs dry. This reduces the chances of damaging the car and increases the likelihood that the engine will start again when you pour more fuel into the tank.

Make sure you pull over in a safe place, well out of the traffic, and switch on your hazard lights so other drivers know that you’re not going anywhere.

Check whether your auto club or roadside assistance provider will come to your rescue. If you’re not a member, you’ll find that some roadside assistance services will still do call-outs, but make sure you check the price first. Also, ring the nearest petrol station and see what they’ll charge to come to your rescue.

If you’re not too far from a petrol station you might decide to walk, buy a jerry can, fill it with petrol and lug it back to your car.

Keep in mind, if you’ve damaged the fuel pump, clogged the fuel injectors or sucked air into the system, then you might not be able to start the car even when you do fill it with petrol. It might need to be towed to a mechanic.

Extracted in full from:  https://www.drive.com.au/caradvice/what-actually-happens-when-you-run-out-of-petrol-while-driving/

 

 

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