Mercedes-Benz
of Danbury

Feb 22, 2023

 

With a hectic schedule and rising fuel costs, we know that your fuel tank is often a pain. It’s so easy to let your fuel gauge get all the way to E, but this is an unhealthy habit that you have to break for both your and your vehicle’s sake. Find out why you should avoid letting your ride run on empty using our list below! And, if your vehicle is in need of some serious maintenance, be sure to schedule your service appointment here at Mercedes-Benz of Danbury, CT today!

Is it dangerous to drive with the low fuel warning light on? 

  • When this light illuminates, your ride is low on fuel. This is not only a hassle, but it puts you into a dangerous situation if you’re out on the highway or in a remote location. 
  • It’s also dangerous for your vehicle. Running low or completely out of gas can cause damage to your catalytic converter which may then need to be repaired or replaced. When you run low on fuel, the contaminants or debris that have sunk to the bottom of your tank are now being sucked into your fuel pump. This can also cause issues that will end up being expensive to repair. 

How far can I drive on empty? 

  • Depending on your driving habits and current road conditions your vehicle’s fuel-efficiency may vary. You may be surprised how few miles you can travel once your light is on and we recommend reading your owner’s manual for answers. And don’t push it. It’s better to fill up the tank when you only have a quarter of a tank left! 

 

How trusty is your distance to empty? 

  • Most modern vehicles have a distance to empty gauge but this is a dangerous practice if you try to wait until the very last mile. The distance to empty is simply an estimate and not a definitive answer to how many miles you have left. So, the actual mileage could vary.