Pushing past the fuel light

I almost panic when I see that little fuel light come on. It's one of the biggest danger warnings when you drive as much as I do. I'm curious, how many of yall have pushed it to the last drop? Just how many miles are left after the that little panic light comes on?

 

I've gone another 50 miles after the light came on, but I was watching it the whole time...
Only once did I run it dry, but just my luck: that was the one time I wasn't counting miles.

 

At least now I know i got another 50 miles in the tank for emergencies. And hopefully you guys can avoid getting stranded now that you know too!

 

In my truck, the fuel light means 60 - 70 miles to E, and E means I have 2 - 2.5 gallons left..... I can drive for days wih the light on.

 

I try not to, but I'm a courier and when I'm busy I can really stop for fuel until it's really needed. Many many miles every day.

 

The light comes on and I have 4 gallons left. Kind of annoying really, but if towing that could be only 40 miles.

 

I always heard that it was hard on your fuel pump when running your truck with low fuel. Not sure if it's true or if it is true, why it is true though. Maybe something having to do with running air/fuel through the pump rather than just fuel or affecting the cooling of the pump maybe???

 

From my understanding, the fuel pump uses the fuel itself as the lubricant for it's internals. So yes, running it dry would cause some harsh wear on the pump and potentially premature failure. I would not recommend it at all. Just one of those stupid things you do when you're getting to know a new vehicle.

 

I was always told that one the light turns on then you have about another 60-70 miles. I'm guessing that's highway, not stop and go. I know for my truck that once the light comes on, I fill up on average of 16-17 gallons. and the tank holds 21.1. Soo

 

Yup that, there is still at least 3 gallons when the light comes on so even with my pathetic 12 mpg it's more than enough to find a gas station.

 

Back in the late 90's, I worked for VDO Controls. I can tell you with certainty that the fuel (at least the ones we made then) used fuel to cool the system. Believe it or not, The electrical controls on the pump used to get quite hot but explosion risk wasn't an issue due to the lack of oxygen in the tank. Some of the life cycle high current tests would get the pump to glow. I religiously fill up at 1/4 tank...

 

That's pretty intresting reading.

 

I always fill up at 1/4 tank. Usually put 12-13 gallons in the truck at that time.

Kind of amazing to realize that 1/4 tank means 8 gallons left. 8/21 of a tank is like 38% of the tank.

I can appreciate them giving you a buffer so you think to fill before you're actually empty. But I'd rather know how much gas is really in the dang tank.

 

Yes.

And hard cornering can cause starvation. Not that that is a normal truck experience.

And on a vehicle a bit older, there will be some sediment in the tank bottom. Start sucking that up and multiple issues can arise.

There was a day not that long ago that a fuel light was unheard of. People were responsible for looking at the gauge. Still not a bad idea.

My fav though are the folks that complain about 'I want real gauges, not idiot lights', yet whine if there is no low fuel light.

 

Like the tire pressure alerts? lol Used to be a guy just looked at his tires as he approached his vehicle. If they are low enough to trigger the alert you should notice something is wrong...

 

You betcha!

 

Interesting thread. Good info from multiple members here and good info to know as well!