Warning to motorists who continue to drive when low fuel light appears

Daily Record

2 days ago

Petrol and diesel drivers must fill up their tanks or run the risk of being stranded or even damaging their engines
A warning has been issued to millions of drivers who continue to drive when their low fuel light appears. Motorists who carry on with their journey when they have 50 miles or less left should act urgently, according to experts..
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Gordon Wallis, a fuel expert at Your NRG, explained the risks of driving with an activ e fuel warning light. He said: 'When your fuel gauge hits 50 miles left, consider refuelling. This allows plenty of time to find the best fuel prices, rather than being rushed into a decision as your tank nears empty.
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'Running out of fuel completely can damage the fuel pump itself, especially if it runs dry as it can be a costly fix. It's generally best to maintain at least a quarter tank of fuel to avoid these risks. Focusing on maintaining a healthy fuel level, rather than constantly topping up or running on fumes, is a more practical approach to fuel efficiency.
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'By keeping your tank at least a quarter full, you can avoid any risks associated with low fuel levels and get rid of any potential efficiency drawbacks from a full tank."
You may get uneasy while watching the price go up and up on the fuel pump, but filling the tank up all the way is the most efficient way to save money in the long run, reports Birmingham Live.
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AA President Edmund King previously said: 'There can be some genuine reasons for running out of fuel such as a faulty gauge or undetected fuel leak.
"On occasions cars may get stuck in jams for hours due to bad winter weather or miles of disruption leading to Channel ports which could result in running out of fuel. Hence we advise to always have at least one quarter of a tank of fuel.'
It may seem like a great idea to wait until your gas tank is empty to fill it back up, but doing so can cause serious damage.
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If your gas tank is empty, your vehicle's fuel pump will try to suck up what little gas remains at the bottom of the tank, along with dirt, debris, and particles. This clogs up the fuel filter, eventually leading to fuel pump assembly failure. It is better to refill when you have a little under a quarter of a tank left in your fuel tank.
Compare the Market recently analysed drivers' fuel habits.
The price comparison site surveyed 2,000 UK drivers to reveal how many miles they think they have left when the fuel light is on, then compared that number to the actual number.
Around 36% of the drivers surveyed had run out of fuel whilst on a car journey, while most people also tend to wait an average of six days to fill up their vehicle after the warning light comes on.
Car insurance expert Julie Daniels said: "Running an engine with little to no petrol can cause severe mechanical damage to your car, so motorists should always keep an eye on fuel levels. If you do find yourself driving with your fuel light on, avoid driving at high speeds, turn electronics (such as your radio and air conditioning) off, and fill up as soon as you pass a fuel station."