* Driving style: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds consume fuel more quickly.
* Terrain: Driving uphill or in stop-and-go traffic reduces fuel efficiency.
* Vehicle condition: A poorly maintained engine might use more fuel than a well-maintained one.
* Fuel gauge accuracy: The gauge itself might not be perfectly calibrated.
Generally, most vehicles have a reserve of about 1-2 gallons of fuel after the light comes on. With a 2003 Chevy Malibu's fuel tank size likely around 16-18 gallons, this translates to roughly 30-70 miles. However, aiming for the lower end of that range (30-40 miles) is significantly safer to avoid running completely out of gas.
Running out of fuel can damage your fuel pump, leading to expensive repairs. It's always best to refuel as soon as possible after the low fuel light comes on.
