So I got 16.1 Gallons into it. At this level of near empty tank the range reading goes down to 0 then after that it just says REFUEL or something like that with no more numbers shown. I went 6.1 miles farther after the 0 reading to get this low fuel info. Some have asked why! Well this info helps me and may help others know they can go below 0 range and still keep running if they get into a no gas station situation. It also documents the total fuel available in the tank which is nice to know. My car runs great and I take to over 100 mph and lots of WOT everyday. Safe clear empty road only for this. Did all of these things on my 2010 ES 350 as well and it was still running like new at over 160,000 miles when sold.

 

So you enjoy risk taking?

 

I prefer doing 118mph on Alligator Alley with a full tank of gas.

 

None of my cars have ever been below 1/4 tank and mostly I fill at 1/2...

 

As all Lexus vehicles have there is a safety measure built into the sensor to indicate low fuel.
There is aprox 2.5--3 gal remaining when low fuel indicator comes on. So when it gets to -0- you still have 1.5-2gal left. You can go well past the zero mark..yes I know it's not great for fuel pump to let this happen often... but you can when situation calls for. Prev 2010 ES350 that I drove for just shy of 10yrs my Lexus serv advisor said it had 3 gals remaining when low fuel light came on. I suppose 2020 is also in that range. I have my own valid reasons when I choose to push the envelope w this situation, but more just giving info that Lexus prefer you not know, so you don't do it on reg occasion.

 

I think this is really a "CAN I?" versus "SHOULD I?" situation. Sure, of course you can, absolutely. Is it wise to do so outside of an emergency? No, and if you damage your vehicle you should not be surprised. There are reasons that Lexus and virtually every other automaker reserves a portion of the tank's capacity beyond what the car's computer calculates as DTE.

HINT: Their drivers looking stupid sitting on the side of the road because they ran out of gas, isn't the determining factor.

 

You should inform Guinness World Records they might add it to their book... LOL!

 

I wouldn't do it because it's not good for the car. Nonetheless, I appreciate the information. I've gotten pretty nervous when it's says there's only single digits left and not a gas station nearby. It's nice to know there's actually another 60 or 80 miles left.

 

Is there any actual evidence or statements from Lexus that a very low fuel tank causes mechanical problems?

 

It is a 15.9 gallon tank. Taking into account of the filler tube, this sounds right. Last Gen ES had a 17.2 gallon tank.

 

Likely causes premature wear on the pump as it's not being cooled properly once the fuel is that low.

 

A few times for science won't hurt much. Also pretty much all brands have their fuel pumps submerged in fuel in a similar way. Ford, Kia, BMW, Lexus, GM etc. Also any and every car I've experienced also has a buffer (extra fuel) after you hit "E." I mean you still have a fuel line full of fuel leading to the engine even if in theory you emptied the tank. On any car.

 

Still interested to hear of actual evidence or statements from Lexus that a very low fuel tank causes mechanical problems? So far all that has been said are opinions.

 

Not from Lexus, but here are a few links which explain why running with very little fuel in your tank is not a good plan:

https://clark.com/cars/low-gas-tank-can-be-costly/
https://www.yourmechanic.com/article...-cheryl-knight
https://www.compare.com/ways-to-save...iving-on-empty
https://www.autoguru.com.au/car-advi...is-low-on-fuel
https://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-...y-gas-tank.htm
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...stly/index.htm

It won't hurt running low a few times, but over time it will probably damage your fuel pump.

 

Was doing this drive often a few years back when I was working in Miami- Miami to Sanibel on west coast where we have a condo and back.