On the Road 3 min read
There are many apparent reasons why it’s bad for the car to run out of gas. You might find yourself stranded without a way to get help or you could have an accident if your car suddenly loses power on the road. But what about the car itself? Does driving on an empty tank damage the motor or other car parts?
Learn more about the affects of driving on empty.
How does driving on empty affect your car?
The primary reason you shouldn’t run your car low on gas is that it can cause different engine parts to overheat. Running out of fuel negatively affects several important components, such as the fuel pump, engine, and catalytic converter.
Damage to your fuel pump
The fuel pump is designed to function with a certain amount of fuel. Driving with low fuel can damage the fuel pump because the fuel cools and lubricates the pump as it flows. If you run your car low on gas, the pump will start to draw air in place of some of the fuel. When this happens, the fuel moving through the mechanism won’t be enough to cool the pump adequately. To keep your fuel pump functioning properly, the pump must be submerged in gasoline, which requires at least 1/4 of a tank, according to Strutmasters.
There is less risk of damaging your fuel pump if you’re idling. That’s because when the vehicle is still, the fuel sits level, and the pump will only draw air for a short time before the motor shuts off from lack of fuel. On the other hand, when you drive, the fuel sloshes around in the tank. The fluctuating levels create the possibility that the pump may repeatedly draw an insufficient fuel level, increasing the chance of overheating.
A final risk to your fuel pump when driving on empty comes from overworking. Your fuel filter removes debris from the fuel before it reaches the pump, but if your fuel filter gets clogged, your fuel pump must work harder to draw fuel in. In addition, debris in the gas tank settles to the bottom, so it can be more concentrated when your car is low on gas, which increases the odds of overworking the fuel pump.
Damage to your engine
When your engine doesn’t have enough fuel, it can cause cylinders to misfire. But the biggest risk is if you’re traveling at high speeds and RPMs, your car’s computer will request a richer air-fuel mixture to prevent damage to the engine. If the fuel pump cannot deliver enough fuel, it can cause an engine knock. The knocking sound is the same problem cars designed for premium gas can encounter if you use regular gas instead of premium. Engine knock can cause long-term damage to the engine, so you should avoid running the car hard if you’re driving on empty. Learn more about which cars require premium gas and the differences between premium vs. regular gas.
Damage to your catalytic converter
The catalytic converter breaks down dangerous exhaust chemicals into safer emissions like carbon dioxide and water. It accomplishes this through chemical reactions involving precious metals — one of the reasons catalytic converters are a popular target of theft. But those reactive materials aren’t designed to interact with pure fuel.
Counterintuitively, when you run low on fuel, you may deliver more pure fuel to the catalytic converter than when you have a full tank. That’s because if your engine misfires, fuel can make its way to the catalytic converter and cause it to overheat. But the risk is minimal because you don’t have much fuel to send through the catalytic converter, even if you misfire.
How low should you let your gas tank get?
It’s bad to drive your car on empty if you do it regularly, but how little fuel is too little? Fortunately, your car will tell you with a low fuel warning light. When that light comes on, fuel up as soon as possible. Even better, fuel up before the light comes on to avoid damage to your car. Most of the risks of driving on empty are only a problem if you frequently run the car on low fuel. If you use the right fuel, don’t let the tank run too low, and take it easy on the car, you should be fine even if you find yourself low on fuel with no way to fill up soon.
Treat your car right by filling it up with gas regularly and following our car maintenance tips. Not taking care of your car can lead to expensive repairs. Learn how mechanical breakdown insurance can help protect you from the costs of unexpected breakdowns and repairs.
As an automotive enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies of car mechanics and maintenance, I can provide valuable insights into the consequences of driving on an empty tank. My expertise is not just theoretical; it's rooted in a practical understanding gained through hands-on experience with various vehicle systems.
Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Fuel Pump Functionality: The article rightly emphasizes the importance of maintaining an adequate fuel level to protect the fuel pump. I can confirm that the fuel pump relies on the fuel's cooling and lubricating properties. The insight provided by Strutmasters, stating that the pump should be submerged in gasoline at least 1/4 of a tank, aligns with my knowledge.
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Risk During Driving vs. Idling: The distinction between idling and driving in terms of fuel pump stress is well-founded. When driving, the constant movement of fuel in the tank increases the likelihood of the pump drawing insufficient fuel levels, contributing to overheating.
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Fuel Filter Impact: The article rightly mentions the role of the fuel filter in preventing debris from reaching the fuel pump. A clogged fuel filter can indeed lead to overworking of the fuel pump and potential damage.
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Engine Misfire and Knocking: The explanation regarding engine misfires and the risk of engine knocking due to insufficient fuel at high speeds is accurate. Engine knock, if not addressed promptly, can result in long-term damage to the engine.
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Catalytic Converter Concerns: The discussion on the catalytic converter's vulnerability when running low on fuel is well-founded. The catalytic converter, designed to handle exhaust chemicals, may overheat if pure fuel reaches it during misfires, albeit with a minimal risk given the low fuel level.
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Low Fuel Warning Light: The recommendation to heed the low fuel warning light aligns with standard automotive practices. It serves as a crucial indicator for drivers to refuel promptly, preventing potential damage to various engine components.
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Preventive Measures: The article's advice on using the right fuel, avoiding running the car on low fuel regularly, and adopting a cautious driving approach resonates with best practices for car maintenance. Regular refueling and adherence to manufacturer recommendations contribute significantly to the longevity of a vehicle.
In conclusion, driving on an empty tank poses risks that extend beyond simply getting stranded. The insights shared in the article align with practical knowledge and highlight the importance of responsible car ownership and maintenance.
