Your fuel light is ON…..how many times has your fuel light been on and you meant to go to the filling station but had to run that last errand or said that you’d do it after work ? As is often the case when it comes to taking care of your vehicle, procrastination does not pay off. Here are a few reasons why you should not run your gas or diesel vehicle low on fuel:
- Fuel keeps the fuel pump going so running it low or dry can cause the pump to suck in air. This creates heat and can lead to premature fuel pump failure (p.s. they are not cheap)
- Debris in your fuel tank will settle in the bottom of the tank, and that is what your car will use when it is low. This leads to a clogged fuel filter or other fuel system issues
- You may end up paying more for fuel at a different station simply based on location & need. You waited too long, now you are forced to pay whatever that station’s price is because you need fuel
Newer vehicles come equipped with range indicators to give you a general idea of how many miles you have until you are out of fuel. While this is a nice feature, do not let it make you lazy ……it is best to keep at least ¼ of a tank of fuel in your vehicle and keep the fuel light OFF. If you are going on a trip, fill up before you hit the road because you never know when you will or will not run across a station. And if you are driving a diesel vehicle, you may not want to hang out with the 18 wheelers at an interstate travel plaza in small town USA. It is best to be in control of your vehicle and the situation – monitor your fluids, check your tire pressure and keep your fuel tank filled. You can pay now or you can pay later.
