Running out of gas may not only be an inconvenience but also potentially put you in a dangerous situation. While no one plans to drive around in a vehicle that has run out of gas, this ugly situation may arise due to miscalculating your fuel range, ignoring the low fuel warning light, or simply forgetting to fill up. Many drivers often wonder what happens if they ever run out of gas while driving or how many miles are left when the gas light comes on. If you have never faced this situation, chances are that it will happen at least once during your driving lifetime. Hence, knowing what happens when you are running out of fuel and how to handle it safely may help prevent a minor mistake from becoming a major problem.
What Happens If You Run Out of Gas While Driving
When you run out of gas while driving, several electronic and mechanical systems may be affected, potentially leaving you stranded and causing long-term damage to critical components. You may experience one or more of the following:
- Engine Shuts Down: Without fuel to ignite in the combustion chamber, the car will lose all power and grind to a halt. In manual transmission vehicles, the engine may sputter before dying, while in automatic cars, it may stall suddenly.
- Loss of Power Steering and Brake Assist: In most non-hybrid vehicles, the power steering and brake assist systems rely on the engine's power. When the engine stops, power steering and brake assist may cease to function, making steering and braking much harder.
- Fuel Pump Damage: Fuel acts as a lubricant and coolant for the pump. If you are running out of gas or the fuel tank is empty, the pump may overheat, leading to premature wear or permanent failure.
- Electronic Components Impact: Some electronic components like dashboard displays, sensors, and the infotainment system may temporarily rely on the battery when the engine is off. However, prolonged use without the engine running due to no gas in the car may damage them.
- Air Entering the Fuel System: When the fuel tank is empty, air may enter the fuel lines. In some cases, this may make restarting the engine more difficult even after refueling, as the air must be removed from the system.
- Catalytic Converter Overheating: If the engine sputters before shutting down, unburned fuel may enter the catalytic converter, potentially causing it to overheat. This may lead to expensive repairs or failure of the emission system over time.
- Check Engine Light Errors: Some modern vehicles have sensors that monitor fuel levels and combustion. When the car runs out of gas, the check engine light (CEL) may turn on, and some systems may need to be reset before the vehicle operates normally again.
What to Do If You Run Out of Gas on the Highway
If your car runs out of gas, you may handle the situation by following these steps.
Turn On Your Hazard Lights
The first thing to do when your car has run out of gas is turn on your hazard lights. This alerts other drivers that you are in trouble and helps keep you safer. It is both a legal requirement and an important safety measure.
Call for Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance is the safest option when you run out of gas. Services like AAA or insurance-based roadside assistance can deliver gas or tow you to a nearby station.
Locate the Nearest Gas Station
You may use your phone or in-car navigation to find the closest gas station. Although walking there is probably the likely option, avoid walking in dark routes or unsafe neighborhoods. Also, be cautious about walking on highways unless there is a safe pedestrian route. Alternatively, you may use a ride-sharing service to get to the gas station.
Carry a Gas Can (If You Must Walk)
Having a portable, approved gas can in your vehicle is important for emergencies such as this. It allows you to carry fuel back to your vehicle safely if you unexpectedly run out of gas.
How to Start a Car Without Gas
Technically, a car cannot start without gas, but if you find yourself in a situation where you have run out of fuel or have refueled the car, you may take the following steps to restart your car:
- Turn the Key to the "On" Position: Before trying to start the engine, turn the key to the "on" position for a few seconds without starting the engine. This allows the fuel pressure to build up in the system.
- Prime the Fuel System: In some vehicles, you may need to prime the fuel system. This ensures fuel reaches the engine properly. You can do this by turning the key to the "on" position and then back off several times. However, you should be cautious, as excessive cranking may damage the starter.
- Attempt to Start the Car: Try starting the car. If it does not start after several attempts, wait a few moments and try again to avoid flooding the engine.
- Pump the Accelerator: Many older vehicles with mechanical fuel pumps may require you to pump the gas pedal a few times while turning the key. However, this step is unnecessary for most modern fuel-injected cars.
If the vehicle still does not start after several attempts, you should call roadside assistance or hire the services of a professional auto mechanic. They may check for air in the fuel lines or inspect the fuel pump and filter to see if they need repair or replacement. The professional can also run a diagnostic test to identify any underlying issues and determine the right fix for the car.
