Ah, running out of gas. For many it’s the most frustrating, forehead smacking mistake a driver can make, but it’s not exactly rare. In fact, over 800,000 people per year end up empty or close enough to stop driving. Many drivers get hardly any warning, or due to a malfunction, no warning at all, before the engine putters to an eventual stop. Whatever the reason, here are four tips to remember for if you run out of gas, just in case.
Reacting Quickly
First off, don’t panic, because you should have a pretty big window to save yourself from any unwanted embarrassment or hassle. You’ll likely realize you’re slowing down and that your engine isn’t responding before you’re empty, so use your limited remaining distance wisely. If at all possible, get on the side of the road and out of the way of traffic and look up exactly where the nearest gas station is. You’ll want to make sure so you don’t miss it and have to turn around.
Going the Distance
There are stories of less car-savvy people running out of gas because they tried to speed to a gas station before they ran out. This obviously doesn’t work, because vehicles lose efficiency the faster they’re going because the engine works harder. Stay somewhere between 35 and 45 miles per hour, if legal and safe, because most vehicles are at their peak efficiency in this range. Turn off your A/C and radio as well, because those consume a bit more fuel. Remove any charging items such as phones from your ports as well, and roll up your windows to cut wind resistance.
Finding a Station
Use your phone, navigation system, or whatever else you have available to look for the closest gas station. If your tank hasn’t completely dried yet, and you’re sure you can make the distance, go ahead. Otherwise, you’ll have to consider other options, such as going to the station on foot. Consider your location and the time of day if you’re going to leave your vehicle to get gas, because some people in bad neighborhoods end up getting robbed while they can’t drive away.
Don’t Run Dry
This has to be emphasized. If you’re not very confident that you’ll make it to a gas station before your tank runs completely dry, don’t risk it. Call for help, have a passenger watch your car while you bring gas back from a station, anything is better than the damage your engine and system will take by operating on no gasoline, even for a few seconds. The damaging residue from the bottom of your gas tank is a major hindrance to your engine’s inner workings, and you do not want that stuff sucked into your intake valves.
Remember that the best thing you can do is stay prepared so that you never have to remember these guidelines. Don’t carry extra gas in a small tank, because that’s a fire hazard. Instead, look for gas stations as soon as you’re under a quarter full, and consider having a roadside assistance service like AAA. Every little bit of preparation helps.
Image via Pixabay
