Is it harmful to run on low gas?

XwChriswX

Since we have a 19 gallon tank, and I put in 18.247 gallons last fill up... I'd say thats a bit closer than I wanna get.

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KillerBee370

This. If anything I just hate hitting that ridiculous fuel cut in a hard right hander

Mt Tam I am

I try and fill up at half so that it gets done by 1/4.

You will not kill the tank or fuel pump running low once in awhile. A habit of running on empty is is no good.

I thought the VDC was on when the car hiccuped in a turn, so I tried to turn it off, only it was already off. The tank was low.

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cheshirecat

That used to be the case back in the day when fuel was kept in metal-based containers at the gas stations. Those containers would rust, which created the "sediment".

Today, those containers are made out of synthetic materials which do not corrode. You don't really have to worry about particulates in your gas any longer.

wheee!

agreed.... except in older areas that have older gas stations that may still have the metal tanks. I am always afraid of the gas I am getting when I am filling up in the Kootenay's of BC and through some of the smaller towns!

I always try and fill up at the 1/4 mark as a rule though.

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hazzazi

my car like to play tricks on me... it gives me 60 miles, then suddenly drops to 40, and few miles later it shuts off

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Lug

The reason you want to keep the tank as full as possible is to reduce the chance of water condensation over time from the air in the tank. Full tank = less air volume = less water to condensate. Whether this is a real problem and how long it would take for enough water to build up to make a difference is open to debate.

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roy'sz

You won't pick up sediment at the bottom of yout tank because the pump suction line is at the bottom. That statement would be valid if there was a suction line at the top of the tankt rather than the bottom. I ran out of gas with 2 led's on and the car woudn't start up (started going up a long hill....so embarassing lol). Also a reminder!!! If your car shuts off at that low of fuel and it doesn't fire up when starting it, push the button again to turn it off, othewise it will keep trying to start itself and you will burn up the injectors.

SalA

Recently, someone had asked this same question on Goss' Garage from Motorweek. His answer was it cannot cause any problems to the car as the feed strainer is at the bottom of the tank on all cars. Personnally, I would not let my car run down beyond a 1/4.

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MattP725

I was about to make this point... also if you get water too far into the line it technically can freeze at low temps and cause starting problems... this is only if you run it really low though... most of the time the water will dilute in small amounts and run through fine.

NismoZ370

Soon people are going to be afraid to get gas period with all these if's

XwChriswX

Too many if's, not enough unsubstantiated internet facts...

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Bonnie - Stage 2, Audio build coming this fall!
R.I.P. Abby 3/29/10 - 3/30/14

NismoZ370

While i do admit not all cars are made perfect, but comeone this is a $40k vehicle running it until one led light on the gas gauge isnt going to do anything to it IMO.

poorazn

Shame.... I do the opposite. I fill up immediately after one led light goes out. no point risking it.

NismoZ370