Will Driving On An Empty Tank Damage My Car?

Picture yourself in this situation: You’re cruising down a deserted highway, the wind in your hair and the music turned up. Suddenly, you notice that your fuel gauge needle is dangerously close to the dreaded “E”. With no gas station in sight, you’re running out of options. You begin to panic as you ponder whether it’s safe to continue driving on an empty tank or if you should pull over immediately and call for help.

This type of situation happens to everyone at one time or another. As a trusted auto repair shop, we’re here to answer the burning question on every driver’s mind: Will driving on an empty tank damage my car?

Effects of Driving on an Empty Tank

Let’s cut to the chase — yes, driving on an empty tank can harm your vehicle. If you consistently drive your car with the gauge hovering near “E,” running out of gas is the least of your worries. You’re not just tempting fate; you’re also risking lasting (not to mention costly) damage to your automobile.

Fuel Pump Damage

One of the most significant concerns that comes with driving on an empty tank is fuel pump damage. No, not the fuel pump you use at the gas station — the fuel pump in your car that’s responsible for transferring gas from the tank to the engine.

Fuel pumps are designed to be submerged in gasoline in order to keep them cool. When your tank is low, the fuel pump can overheat; plus, it has to work harder to draw fuel from the bottom of the tank. Over time, this extra strain may cause premature wear to the fuel pump. Not only is replacing the fuel pump expensive, but it’s also a big hassle that could have been avoided by keeping your gas tank adequately full.

Sediment Build-Up

Driving on an empty tank can also lead to sediment buildup within your fuel system. As your fuel reserve diminishes, any sediment or debris present in the fuel can settle at the bottom of the tank. When you drive on “E,” you’re more likely to draw that sediment into the fuel system, potentially clogging fuel filters and injectors and impeding performance and efficiency.

Excessive Strain on Engine

Running on low fuel puts unnecessary strain on your engine, causing it to have to work harder to draw in the remaining gasoline. This leads to increased wear and tear on essential components like the valves, pistons, and cylinders. Over time, this strain may result in decreased engine performance and longevity.

Fuel Line Damage

Finally, continuing to drive on an empty tank can cause air to enter the fuel lines, potentially leading to vapor lock, a condition where the fuel vaporizes before reaching the engine. This disrupts the fuel flow and can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, which is not only inconvenient but also dangerous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that we’ve covered the risks of driving on an empty tank, let’s address some frequently asked questions about what you should do if you find yourself running out of gas.

Can I Rely on the “Reserve” Fuel?

While it’s true that many vehicles have a reserve fuel light or indicator, it’s not a good idea to rely on it as a safety net. Driving on the reserve fuel can still put your car at risk of damage, albeit to a lesser extent than driving on a completely empty tank.

Can I Drive Until the Tank is Dry?

We get it — stopping for gas is inexpensive and inconvenient. However, waiting until the last drop of fuel has been used up before refueling is a risky game. Procrastinating your visit to the gas station doesn’t just increase your likelihood of damaging your car, but it also puts you at risk of getting stranded.

What Should I Do If I’m Running Out of Gas?

If you find yourself with a nearly empty tank, you have a decision to make. You can either continue driving to the nearest gas station or pull over and call a friend or roadside assistance service for help. Driving short distances on an empty tank is unlikely to cause significant damage; however, it’s up to you to weigh your options. To avoid this situation, get into the habit of refueling your gas tank when it gets down to one-quarter full.

Comprehensive Maintenance at Shadetree Automotive

If your car has fallen victim to the damage that comes with consistently driving on an empty tank, trust the team of experts at Shadetree Automotive. Our mechanics can diagnose the issue, provide effective repairs, and optimize your vehicle’s performance. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!