How Far Can You Drive Your Car On Empty?

Have you ever wondered – how far can you drive your car on empty? It is an interesting question and one we have all contemplated in the past when the low fuel light comes on, wondering if we can make it without stopping for gas or if we are going to make it to that gas station that is 33 miles away. Take a closer look at this step-by-step guide on how to calculate your driving distance at Autos of Dallas and drive with complete peace of mind.

Step-By-Step Guide to Calculating Driving Distance On Empty

When the low fuel light comes on, the first step is the most important – do not panic. Armed with this step-by-step guide and some basic math skills (or the calculator on your phone), you can quickly determine how much fuel you have left and gain a general idea of how much farther you can drive without running out of fuel and getting stranded. It is important to note – you do not want to drive too far on empty, as it can damage the fuel pump and cause even more damage to your engine. Follow the steps listed below to find out an approximate driving distance when your fuel gauge says empty.

The first thing you need to know when the low fuel light comes on is that it indicates you have 10 to 15 percent of your fuel capacity left in the tank. To determine how much fuel you have left, check your owner’s manual to see how much fuel your vehicle holds and take 10 percent of that number to be safe.
Example: BMW 3 Series Fuel Capacity = 15.8 Gallons – 15.8 x .10 = 1.58 Gallons
With that number in hand, it is easy to determine an approximate driving distance when the low fuel light comes on. Use the combined mpg rating for your vehicle and multiply that number by the estimated remaining fuel capacity.
Example: BMW 3 Series Combined Fuel Economy = 28 MPG – 28 x 1.58 = 44.24 Miles

If you have ever gotten stressed out when the low fuel light comes on or asked – how far can you drive your car on empty – this how-to guide will help you determine an estimated driving distance. With these quick tips and some basic math skills, you can drive with complete peace of mind when that stress-inducing low fuel light appears on your dashboard. If you are searching for a luxurious and fuel-efficient car or crossover, visit the Autos of Dallas inventory today and check out our selection of pre-owned luxury models for under $30,000 .