Hitting the gas station to fill up can be a tedious task. With gas prices constantly fluctuating and recently on the rise, many Americans are in the habit of waiting until they’re nearly on empty before filling up.
According to a survey by AAA, 24 million Americans reported that they continue driving even after their gas light signals “Empty.” Unfortunately, if you’re in the habit of doing so, it could cost you in the long run.
Three car mechanics from Aeschbach Automotive in Wisconsin explained exactly what happens if you drive until your gas light comes on. All three agree it can have serious consequences for your car—and your wallet.
Each mechanic was asked, “Is it bad to keep driving once my gas light turns on?” Here were their responses:
Mechanic #1
Mechanic Sandro answered:
“The general rule of driving with less than a quarter tank is gonna lead to overheating your fuel pump, ‘cuz the fuel pump sits in the tank and is cooled by the fuel that it sits in. And driving on ‘E’ consistently is going to lead to burning up your fuel pump much, much faster and [lead] to premature failure.”
Mechanic #2
Mechanic Justin had a similar response, but with some humor mixed in:
“I don’t know, ask my wife, considering she’s got it on 90% of the time. Yes, it’s horrible for your car. The gas helps keep your fuel pump cool. When you’re running it low the fuel pump’s not submerged in gas anymore so it’s not staying cool. Your pump’s gonna overheat, eventually die. Just hurting it. I wouldn’t go lower than a quarter of a tank, unless you have to. A quarter of a tank, fill it back up. Quarter of a tank, fill it back up. It’ll be cheaper in the long run ‘cuz you won’t have the repairs and you won’t be pumping so much gas into your tank every time.”
Mechanic #3
Finally, the third mechanic, Antonio, also shared his advice:
“Yes, because when your gas light’s on, you’re running low on fuel. And the fuel pump inside the tank needs to be submerged by fuel because it’s what cools the fuel pump. If you don’t have enough fuel in it, the fuel pump’s gonna get hot and prematurely fail.”
Viewers share their experiences driving on “E”
People had a lot to say about their experiences driving on empty and left a number of funny and relatable comments:
“Drove on E for a week, Toyotas were made by God😂.”
“Listen… If I’m gonna be struggling, my fuel pump gonna be struggling, too 😂”
“I drive my 4Runner on E consistently and always have. I’ve never had a problem. Therefore I keep doing it. 🤷🏻♀️”
“Great info! I knew the ‘tank rule’ but I never knew WHY it was beneficial.”
“So you’re saying my anxiety keeps my fuel pump safe? Perfect.”
“I’m in California $5 a gallon I’m always on E.”
“Oh wow! Didn’t know that – now I’ll look at quarter of tank as if it says empty.”
Fuel pump 411
The fuel pump is an important part of your car.
“The fuel pump, or fuel sender unit, is responsible for sending pressurized fuel to the fuel rail on the engine,” automotive repair YouTuber speedkar99 explained. “It is normally situated inside the gas tank, cooled by surrounding fuel.”
Keeping enough fuel in your tank can help prevent expensive repairs down the road. AutoZone noted that fuel pumps typically cost between $75 and $250 for the part alone. However, that doesn’t include labor. With parts and labor, the average cost rises to between $400 and $600.
