While a car’s engine can get started with a small amount of fuel, there is a reason experts advise keeping the fuel up to a certain level. It may not sound like too big of an issue but running a car on low fuel is one of the worst things you can do to your vehicle. It is understandable if it happens in case of an unforeseen situation, but doing it frequently can cause significant damage to the engine and other important parts.
That said, the simple answer to the question of whether you should drive on till the tank is empty is ‘No’. Allow us to elaborate on all the potential car damage when fuel runs out.
Potential Car Damages when Fuel Runs Out
Running out of fuel causes car stalling and a sudden stop. Experts recommend not to drive cars with fuel levels lower than ¼ of the tank. If your tank goes down below this level, the car dashboard warning light will start blinking. Here we have mentioned the car parts which can get affected when a car runs out of fuel or is driven on a low fuel level.
Fuel Pump
The main function of a fuel pump is to transport fuel from tank to engine. The same fuel is used to lubricate the pump. The lower level of fuel can decrease lubrication and overheat the fuel pump, which results in its malfunctioning. Moreover, the lower level of fuel also allows air to enter in the pump which causes a car to misfire. Generally, the fuel pumps are made to function for years, but air and fuel mixture can damage them completely.
Fuel Injector
Another car damage when fuel runs out is the fuel injector. The main role of the fuel injector is to spray fuel into the engine. The lower level in the tank forces the pump to transport fuel with debris (collected at the tank’s bottom). Therefore, the fuel injector pumps sludge and petrol mixture which clogs different parts of the injector and causes fuel pump malfunctioning. In worst cases, it can end up with complete dysfunctioning of the injectors.
Engine
Low fuel levels can affect an engine in multiple ways. Engine misfiring due to low fuel can lead to engine knocking, which negatively affects its functioning. Moreover, a shortage of fuel supply can force engines to work harder and increase friction. This increased friction causes overheating and loss of essential car fluids. This hurdles proper functioning or even lead to complete engine failure. Once your engine is affected a series of problems arise. Therefore, it is better to browse through used cars for sale in the UAE, rather than visiting mechanics weekly.
Catalytic Convertor
Catalytic converter requires an optimum level of fuel for lubrication, lower level of fuel can cause friction resulting in overheating. This overheating can result in converter failure. Moreover, sludge can pass through the converter without being combusted. Uncombusted sludge is excluded through the exhaust that can pollute the environment.
Electric Motor
In normal conditions, electric motors use fuel as a cooling agent. Fuel is used to prevent overheating of motors, copper tubes and other essential engine components. Driving continuously on a lower level of fuel can overheat the motor, resulting in complete failure. However, replacing an electric motor is convenient, you can buy auto accessories for sale in the UAE, and change your electric motor.
How Far Can I Drive With The Fuel Warning Light On?
It is difficult to predict the accurate distance that you can travel with fuel lights on. It is dependent upon the car model, mileage, speed, and road. Generally, it starts when you have enough fuel to cover 50 to 100 km. It is only a rough guess, hence it is recommended not to rely on this.
Now you know what are the damages when fuel runs out. Not refuelling before you completely run out of petrol is not a good idea. It is better to draft a proper schedule of refuelling, as per your usage.
Stay tuned to UAE’s best car blog for more information on autos.
Related Posts
