Why It’s Risky to Drive on an Empty Gas Tank and What to Do About It

Whether you’re planning a long road trip or a short errand, you should always check your vehicle’s fuel levels. If you discover during your journey that you’re close to running out of gas and try to make it to the closest station by driving on empty, you can do major damage to your vehicle. 

Our tow truck drivers at Barnett’s Towing have seen a lot of customers end up needing tow trucks because they ran out of gas or thought they could make it to the next filling station. While we’re happy to offer a safe, friendly tow to a service center, you can avoid the cost of vehicle towing by being prepared. Here is a closer look at why it’s so risky to drive on an empty tank, and what you should do instead. 

Dangers of Driving on an Empty Tank

Driving on an empty or near-empty tank can be risky and cause damage to your vehicle:

• Fuel Pump Damage – The fuel pump requires enough gasoline in the tank to remain submerged. If there isn’t enough gas, it may overheat or experience friction as it pumps. This can cause wear and tear or failure. The pump may also begin sucking in air, which can cause your vehicle to stall.
• Fuel Filter Damage – Your fuel tank will accumulate sediment and debris over time. When you drive on a near-empty tank, there is a high risk that these contaminants will be drawn into your vehicle’s fuel filter, which can clog it up or damage it.
• Engine Damage – Poor fuel delivery to your engine can cause misfires, overheating, and stalling. 

How to Avoid Running Out of Gas

You shouldn’t let your tank get so low that there is a danger you will run out of gas before you get to the next fueling station. Always be aware of your fuel level when you get in your vehicle, and if it is low, drive to a gas station right away. A good practice is to never let your vehicle’s fuel level drop below ¼ of a tank. When your fuel warning light comes on, make your way to the nearest filling station. If you are going on a long road trip, plan your refueling stops ahead of time.

What to Do if You Run Out of Gas 

If you run out of gas, get your vehicle to the side of the road or somewhere else that is safe to stop. You can then either leave your vehicle there and walk to the nearest gas station if it is safe to do so, or call Barnett’s towing company. Our local towing service will tow your vehicle to the closest gas station or service center of your choice. However, because the cost of vehicle towing is more than the cost of filling up your tank, you’re better off being prepared. 

If you’re Googling ‘tow truck near me in Arizona’ because you ran out of gas, our team at Barnett’s Towing can help. We offer 24 hour emergency vehicle, truck, and car towing services throughout Arizona, including Tucson, Phoenix, Sierra Vista, Benson, Casa Grande, and Eloy. Call us today or contact us online to learn more about our towing services in Arizona.