Is It Harmful To Drive A Car When The Gas Tank Is Almost Empty?

Is it dangerous to drive a car with a low gas tank?
Latest update date: February 16, 09

Gasoline cars are a popular means of transportation, using an internal combustion engine to convert chemical energy from fuel into mechanical energy, creating movement. During operation, the amount of fuel in the gas tank gradually decreases and can lead to exhaustion.

Running out of gas Not only does it cause serious damage to vehicle parts, reducing performance, but it also causes costly repairs and poses many potential dangers when participating in traffic.

To avoid unnecessary damage, pay attention to signs that your car is running low on gas, such as the gas warning light, jerking, loud gas pump noise, and unstable engine operation.

The secret to driving safely, saving fuel and avoiding running out of gas on the road is to regularly monitor the gas gauge, plan your trips wisely, maintain your car carefully and practice economical driving skills. Only then can you avoid serious consequences during the use of your car, leading to a loss of money and health.

According to a survey by the Vietnam Automobile Association, up to 68% of drivers have run out of gas on the road at least once. This shows that this is a common problem that many drivers may encounter.

If you are still subjective about the above situation, this article will help you understand the potential harms of driving when the gas is almost out. Follow now to equip yourself with the right knowledge for your car.

Is it dangerous to drive a car with a low gas tank?
Is it dangerous to drive a car with a low gas tank?

What Are The Harmful Effects Of Driving A Car When The Gas Tank Is Almost Empty?

Driving with an empty fuel tank not only damages important parts of the vehicle such as the fuel pump, injectors, catalytic converter, engine, and performance, but also poses many potential dangers when participating in traffic.

1. Damage to the fuel pump

The fuel pump plays an important role in transporting fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. When the fuel runs out, the fuel pump must operate in a fuel-starved condition, leading to overheating, increased friction and reduced fuel pump life.

  • Overheating: Fuel cools and lubricates the fuel pump. When fuel is low, the fuel pump will overheat, damaging internal components such as the rotor, impeller, and bearings.
  • Increased Friction: Low fuel economy increases friction between the moving parts of the pump, leading to rapid wear. This can reduce pump pressure and affect engine performance.
  • Reduced life: Operating under harsh conditions will significantly reduce the life of the fuel pump. Typically, a fuel pump can last from 100.000 to 150.000 km, but if the vehicle is regularly driven on empty, this life can be reduced to only 50.000 to 70.000 km.

According to statistics from auto maintenance centers, the cost of replacing a fuel pump can range from 2-5 million VND, depending on the type of vehicle and the extent of damage. For some high-end cars, this cost can even be up to 10-15 million VND.

- Is It Harmful To Drive A Car When The Gas Tank Is Almost Empty?
The fuel pump can be damaged when running low on fuel.

2. Injector blockage

When the fuel tank is empty, the injector can accumulate dirt, blocking the injector holes, leading to reduced engine performance and not being able to spray the required amount of fuel. Specifically:

  • Dirt build-up: When fuel levels are low, dirt that has accumulated at the bottom of the tank can be sucked into the fuel system. These particles can stick to the injector surfaces or clog the microscopic nozzle holes.
  • Nozzle blockage: Dirt can clog the tiny nozzle holes of the injector, affecting the fuel injection process. The nozzle holes of the injector have a diameter of only about 0.1-0.3mm, so they are easily clogged by small particles of dirt.
  • Reduced performance: Clogged injectors will reduce engine performance and increase fuel consumption.
  • Affects the air/fuel ratio: Clogged injectors will not be able to spray the required amount of fuel, changing the air/fuel ratio. This can lead to the engine running rough, jerking or even not being able to start.

Cleaning or replacing injectors can cost between 1-3 million VND per injector, depending on the level of damage and the type of vehicle. For some high-end vehicles, this cost can be up to 5-7 million VND per injector.

- Is It Harmful To Drive A Car When The Gas Tank Is Almost Empty?
Driving a car when the gas is low can cause the fuel injectors to clog.

3. Catalytic converter failure

Running on empty fuel can cause overheating, damage the catalyst, increase harmful emissions into the environment and affect engine performance.

  • Overheating: Lack of fuel can cause the catalytic converter to operate at abnormally high temperatures. The normal operating temperature of a catalytic converter is around 400-600°C, but when lacking fuel, the temperature can rise to 800-1000°C.
  • Catalyst damage: High temperatures can damage internal catalysts (usually platinum, palladium, and rhodium), reducing their ability to treat exhaust gases. These catalysts can melt or clump together, reducing their active surface area.
  • Increased toxic emissions: A damaged catalytic converter will not be able to effectively convert toxic emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC) into less toxic substances.
  • Impact on engine performance: A damaged catalytic converter can create back pressure in the exhaust system, reducing engine performance and increasing fuel consumption.

According to studies, a properly functioning catalytic converter can reduce harmful emissions by up to 90%. However, when it fails, this efficiency can drop to just 30-50%.

The cost of replacing a catalytic converter can be up to 10-20 million VND, depending on the type of vehicle and the extent of damage. For some high-end or imported cars, this cost can even be up to 30-50 million VND.

4. Affects engine & vehicle performance

When a car is running low on fuel, the engine can experience serious problems such as lack of lubrication, increased temperature, reduced power, ECU damage and sensor failure, leading to poor performance and high risk of damage.

  • Lack of lubrication: Gasoline also acts as a lubricant for some engine parts, especially those in the fuel system. Lack of gasoline can increase friction and wear, especially on parts such as pistons, cylinders, and valves.
  • Increased temperature: Lack of fuel reduces the engine's cooling capacity, leading to increased operating temperature. The normal operating temperature of a gasoline engine is usually between 90-105°C. When lacking fuel, the temperature can rise to 120-130°C, causing overheating.
  • Reduced power: The engine will run erratically, jerk and may suddenly die. Engine power can be reduced by 10-20% when the fuel level in the tank is too low.
  • ECU Effects: Lack of fuel can cause the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to operate incorrectly, resulting in improper air/fuel ratio adjustment.
  • Sensor failure: Sensors such as oxygen sensors, fuel pressure sensors can be damaged due to operating under fuel-poor conditions.

According to experts, regularly running a car on empty can reduce the life of the engine by 10-20%. A normal car engine can operate from 200.000 to 300.000 km before needing an overhaul, but if you regularly run the car on empty, this number can drop to only 150.000 to 200.000 km.

5. Potential dangers when participating in traffic

In addition to the technical harm, driving with low gas also poses many serious dangers such as sudden engine failure, loss of control, causing traffic jams, and the risk of rear-end collisions. This can directly threaten traffic safety and the lives of road users.

  • Sudden engine failure: The vehicle can stall at any time, which is especially dangerous when traveling on highways or steep slopes. According to statistics, the average speed on highways in Vietnam is about 100 km/h. At this speed, a vehicle stalling suddenly can cause a serious accident.
  • Loss of control: When the engine stops, the power steering and brakes also stop working, making it difficult to control the vehicle. The force required to turn the steering wheel can increase 3-4 times, while braking force can decrease 30-40%.
  • Causing traffic congestion: A car breaking down in the middle of the road can cause congestion, increasing the risk of accidents for other vehicles. According to the Traffic Police Department, each year there are about 5.000-7.000 cases of cars breaking down in the middle of the road, of which about 20-25% are due to running out of fuel.
  • Risk of rear-end collision: A vehicle that stops suddenly due to running out of gas can be hit by vehicles behind, especially in low visibility conditions or at night.

Statistics show that about 5% of traffic accidents involving cars are caused by the car running out of fuel suddenly. This number increases to 8-10% for accidents that occur on the highway.

- Is It Harmful To Drive A Car When The Gas Tank Is Almost Empty?
Running out of gas on the road poses many potential risks of accidents.

Signs That Your Car Is Running Out of Fuel

Cars running low on gas often have signs such as flashing fuel indicator light, gauge needle pointing to E, car jerking, loud fuel pump noise and unstable engine operation.

1. Fuel indicator light

The fuel gauge light is the most visual indicator of your vehicle's fuel level. Usually located on the dashboard with a fuel tank icon, it is yellow or red when lit.

The fuel indicator light works based on the fuel level sensor located in the fuel tank and uses the float principle to measure the remaining fuel. When the fuel level is about 10-15% of the tank capacity, the indicator light will appear.

- Is It Harmful To Drive A Car When The Gas Tank Is Almost Empty?
Yellow fuel indicator light indicates low fuel

2. Fuel gauge

The fuel gauge provides more detailed information about how much fuel is left in the tank. Located on the dashboard, usually on the right or left side, it has markings ranging from F (Full) to E (Empty).

The fuel gauge also works based on the fuel level sensor, but provides more detailed information than the fuel light. Note that the fuel gauge's accuracy can vary by about 5-10%, depending on the vehicle and road conditions.

3. The car jerks

When the fuel level in the tank gets too low, the vehicle may jerk. This is because the fuel pump cannot draw enough fuel to the engine, which can draw air into the fuel system. Symptoms include jerking and shaking, especially when accelerating or going uphill. This condition will get worse as the fuel level decreases and can cause damage to the engine and transmission.

According to experts, if the car jerks due to lack of fuel, you should find the nearest gas station immediately.

4. The gas pump is noisy.

Unusual noises from the fuel pump are an important warning sign. Usually heard from the rear of the vehicle, where the fuel tank is located, the noise is characterized by a high-pitched, continuous noise that is different from the normal engine noise.

This is because the pump has to work harder to suck up the little fuel left, and there is not enough fuel to cool and lubricate. When you can clearly hear the pump making noises, it is a sign that it is working too hard and is at risk of failure.

5. Engine operation is unstable

When the fuel level is too low, the engine will not operate properly. The engine speed will fluctuate, the engine may make strange, uneven noises, and the vehicle may suddenly lose momentum and have difficulty accelerating. This condition can cause many serious problems such as increased fuel consumption, reduced engine power, and increased emissions.

If you notice that the engine is not working properly, especially when the fuel gauge is almost empty, you should immediately find a way to refuel to avoid serious damage that may occur to the engine.

Tips for Driving Safely, Efficiently and Avoiding Running Out of Gas

To ensure a safe and efficient trip and avoid running out of gas unexpectedly, regularly monitor the gas gauge, plan your trip appropriately, maintain your vehicle regularly and practice fuel-efficient driving.

1. Monitor the fuel gauge regularly

Regularly monitoring the fuel gauge is an important habit to avoid running out of gas on the road. Make it a habit to check the fuel gauge every time you get in the car and refuel when the needle is at 1/4 tank to ensure safety. You can also use fuel consumption tracking applications on your smartphone to better manage.

According to a survey, 68% of drivers who regularly check their gas gauges rarely run out of gas on the road.

2. Plan your move wisely

Research your route before you set off, especially for long trips. Locate gas stations along the way and calculate how much gas you need for the entire trip, with an extra 10-15%.

One study found that careful travel planning can save up to 15% on fuel and reduce the chance of having an accident on the road by 20%.

- Is It Harmful To Drive A Car When The Gas Tank Is Almost Empty?
You should plan your trip carefully before going on a long trip.

3. Regular car maintenance

Perform vehicle maintenance according to the manufacturer's schedule, check and replace fuel and air filters periodically, and ensure tire pressure is always at the correct level.

According to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), proper vehicle maintenance can save 5-10% on fuel and extend vehicle life by up to 20%.

4. Practice fuel-efficient driving

Practicing fuel-efficient driving is an important skill that every driver should learn. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking, maintain a steady speed when traveling on the highway, and use ECO mode (if your car has it) to optimize fuel consumption.

Experts estimate that adopting fuel-efficient driving techniques can reduce gasoline consumption by 10-20%.

Common Questions About Cars When the Gas Tank is Low

1. Does running the car on low gas affect the fuel filter?

Yes. The fuel filter can clog more quickly due to the dirt that accumulates at the bottom of the fuel tank. The filter life can be reduced by 30-50%, from 30.000km to 15.000-20.000km.

2. How long can gasoline stored in a plastic can be used?

Gasoline stored in plastic containers is good for about 3-6 months. After this time, the gasoline may oxidize, lose quality, and may damage the engine.

3. Does running the car on low gas affect the cooling system?

Possibly. When the engine is running unstable due to lack of fuel, the temperature can increase, putting pressure on the cooling system. This can reduce the life of the water pump and radiator by about 5-10%.

4. Should I use gasoline additives to increase performance when I'm running low on gasoline?

Not recommended. Fuel additives are not a substitute for proper fueling. Improper use of additives can damage the engine and void your warranty. Instead, fuel should be filled promptly when the tank is about 1/4 full.

5. Should I use the “Eco mode” function when I am almost out of gas to save fuel?

Maybe. “Eco mode” can save 5-10% fuel by optimizing the response of the accelerator pedal and Car gearboxHowever, this is only a temporary solution and cannot replace timely refueling.

6. Does running on empty affect the turbocharger system?

Yes. Turbochargers need to be lubricated and cooled by engine oil. When the gas runs out, the engine runs unstable, which can affect the oil pressure, causing damage to the turbo. The cost of replacing a turbo can range from 15-30 million VND depending on the type of vehicle.

7. Does running on empty affect the ABS braking system?

There is an indirect effect. When the engine runs unstable due to lack of fuel, it can affect the electrical system, including the ABS system. This can reduce braking efficiency and increase the risk of an accident by about 20-30% in slippery road conditions.

8. What are the signs that your car has been filled with poor quality gasoline?

There are 4 Signs of knowing that a car is pouring with poor quality gasoline:

  • Car is difficult to start.
  • When accelerating, the car jerks.
  • The car broke down in the middle of the road.
  • The car's engine performance gradually weakens.

9. What causes gasoline engines to consume fuel?

Some reasons why fuel-guzzling gasoline engine you should know:

  • Piston rings are worn.
  • Sudden acceleration and deceleration.
  • Cold weather makes the car take a long time to start.
  • Use low octane fuel.
  • Low tire pressure,
  • Not changing the lubricating oil regularly.
  • Spark plugs and ignition coils are damaged and not working properly.
  • Oxygen sensor not working.
  • Air filter expired.

10. Which address provides quality, reputable 24/7 vehicle inspection, maintenance and rescue in HCM?

Thanh Phong Auto is a professional auto service center in Ho Chi Minh City, providing a variety of car care - inspection - maintenance - repair services from basic to advanced. With a team of experienced and well-trained technicians, the company is committed to bringing customers high quality services at reasonable prices.

Thanh Phong Auto's service list includes:

  • Comprehensive car cleaning: from exterior car wash to interior cleaning, engine and other important systems.
  • Regular maintenance: oil changes, filters, inspection and maintenance of major vehicle systems.
  • Repair: diagnose and fix technical problems.
  • 24/7 Rescue: emergency support when your vehicle breaks down on the road.
  • Check your vehicle before and after long trips.

Outstanding advantages when using services at Thanh Phong Auto:

  • Staff are highly qualified and experienced.
  • Use modern technology and equipment in the working process.
  • Ability to handle a wide range of technical problems, from simple to complex.
  • Use only genuine spare parts, quality guaranteed.
  • Professional, friendly and dedicated service attitude.
  • Lifetime and thoughtful warranty.

With the above advantages, Thanh Phong Auto is a reliable address for many car owners in Ho Chi Minh City when they need to take care of and maintain their cars. Contact us immediately if you need to check, maintain and rescue.

Hopefully with the information provided in this article, you have equipped yourself with the necessary knowledge to protect the safety of your vehicle as well as yourself.

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