What Happens to a Car When You Run Out of Fuel?

If you’re one of those people who always fill up their tank to the brim, you might as well skip this article and check out some of our other posts. However, if you’re like us and you often find yourself driving with the yellow dashboard light poking your eyes out, then this article is definitely for you.

According to statistics, more than 50% of drivers constantly test the limits of their vehicles by driving on reserve. Here’s a quick look at what happens to your car when you run out of fuel. You can also use this article as a guide on how to safely start your vehicle again.

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Be Running Out of Fuel

Driving on the reserve fuel is a bad habit we’re all guilty of. We’ve all been there. The fuel gauge almost shouting that the tank is low on gas, but we’re still delaying the inevitable trip to the nearest gas station and instead choosing to squeeze out every last drop of fuel. Luckily, most of the time, we somehow manage to reach the station before we completely dry out the reservoir. 

But what happens if we push our luck too far and run out of gas without a jerry can in sight?

It’s essential to know how to act in this scenario in order to avoid causing severe damage to your car. Believe us when we say, being stuck in the middle of nowhere will be the least of your problems if you’re not familiar with the possible repercussions of completely running out of fuel. 

If you bet on yellow and push the limits of your fuel reserves, chances are you’ll end up with an empty tank. When this happens, there’s a lot of things that can go wrong. Depending on whether you’re driving a gasoline- or diesel-powered car, the severity of the consequences will vary considerably. 

The most common issue is air and debris being drawn into the engine. Now, this might not be a severe problem for an engine that runs on gasoline in the sense that it will just stop running. However, the residue from the bottom of the tank can clog up the fuel filter, affecting performance in the future. 

What Happens When Engines Running on Diesel Run Out of Fuel?

Diesel-powered vehicles have a couple of things going for them. Fuel economy is definitely one of them, but testing their limits is the last thing you want to do else you’ll end up with a hefty repair bill. Running out of diesel can cause damage to the fuel injectors, as well as the pumps and seals.

How to Start Your Car After Running Out of Gas?

As we mentioned above, in order to start a gasoline-powered vehicle that recently ran out of fuel, all you need to do is simply refuel it, and it should be able to push through the accumulated air and start with a couple of pumps of the accelerator.

However, their diesel counterparts have a harder time starting and are much more susceptible to getting damaged in the process, especially if you are persistent in trying to start them by yourself. In this scenario, professional help is necessary. The scope of the repair job will depend on whether the injectors and fuel pump need to be replaced.

In the event drying out your tank without a can of spare fuel in the trunk, the best course of action is to call a reputable towing company to assist you. If you’re stranded somewhere in Melbourne Area, Melbourne Towing Guys is always available and ready to help you out. All you need to do is contact our 24/7 emergency line, and we’ll send someone to pick you up.

A Full-Service Towing Melbourne Company in Melbourne Northern Suburbs.

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Need to tow your vehicle immediately?

Melbourne Towing Guys located near the Canterbury. Please check below map. 

Melbourne Towing Guys

12 Esperance Rd

Mount Waverley VIC 3149

(03) 7037 7636

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