Here's how it can cause problems:
* Fuel Pump Damage: This is the most common concern. The fuel pump is usually submerged in the fuel tank. The fuel acts as a coolant for the pump. When the fuel level is low, the pump is less effectively cooled, leading to overheating and potential burnout. This can be a costly repair.
* Debris Ingestion: The bottom of the fuel tank often contains sediment and debris. When the fuel level is low, the fuel pump is more likely to suck up this debris, damaging the pump itself or clogging the fuel filter.
* Air Intake: Running very low can cause the fuel pump to draw in air, leading to air bubbles in the fuel lines. This can disrupt fuel delivery to the engine, causing sputtering, misfires, and potentially damaging the fuel injectors over time due to inconsistent fuel flow.
* Fuel Injectors (indirectly): While low fuel itself isn't likely to directly *damage* the injectors, the consequences of running out of fuel (like a damaged fuel pump) will impede the fuel supply. This lack of consistent fuel delivery can lead to injector issues, but usually not as a primary cause. If the injectors aren't getting a consistent supply of properly filtered fuel, it can stress them out over time, but this is a secondary effect.
In short, while running very low on gas might not immediately destroy your fuel injectors, it significantly increases the risk of damaging the fuel pump and other parts of the fuel system, indirectly affecting the injectors' longevity and performance. It's best to avoid letting your fuel gauge get close to empty.
