By: Carters Towing
Statistics show that more than 50% of drivers actually test the limits of their vehicles by driving low on fuel. 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 if you do run out of fuel.
Why You Running Out Of Fuel Is No Bueno
Driving on the reserve fuel is a bad habit we have all been guilty of I am sure at some time or another. The fuel gauge is shouting out at you that the tank is low on gas, but we still delay the inevitable trip to the nearest gas station and instead choose 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?
It’s essential to know how to act in this scenario in order to avoid causing severe damage to your car. Believe me when I say that 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 and if you do Carters Towing of Ocala is here for you.
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 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, diesel vehicles 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 of 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 the Central Florida Area, Carter's Towing is always available and ready to help you out. All you need to do is contact us 24/7 @ 352-245-3123 and we will assist you.
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