Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

There's been several threads on this topic already.


But as to the fuel pump (also covered in those threads)-

In older cars it was a bad idea to run much below 1/4-1/8 of a tank for this reason.


Since at least the Mk4 supra though Toyota/Lexus have used a system where the pump sits in a small sub-tank of fuel, such that you can run considerably lower without risk of overheating the pump. (and you'll find a diagram of this if you check one of the other threads on this)


THAT said, there'll still be a "too low" even for that system, and I'd say when you hit 0 on range you're probably about there, despite the fact you can likely go another 40-60 miles before needing to push the car.

calvin2376

iTrader: (2)

This question is easy for anyone to answer him- or herself. My 2007 IS350 has a fuel tank capacity of 17.1 gallons. I get on average with my driving about 24 MPG. When my display's range hits 0 miles and I go to fill up, I find that I fill up about 15 gallons. That means I had about 2.1 gallons left in the tank. 2.1 gallons x 24 MPG = 50.4 miles left to go until truly empty.

Just follow this reasoning on your own car and you'll get the answer you're looking for.

Numbahz

I obviously try my hardest for this not to happen but it has 2x.., I've gone around 35-40 miles after 0 no issues. Even @ the fillup from those I have only maxed 15.8 @ the pump so maybe I still had another gallon or so left. I wish prem gas wasnt in the still around $4.50 here in Eastern Long Island, making me have to dry all normal and stuff..

516IS

iTrader: (12)

Never knew I could still push it another 40-50 miles after 0. good to know so I won't panic next time. Thanks for all the info.

Denver

iTrader: (13)

i pump at 1/4 tank

GilIS250

iTrader: (10)

Yep panicking is no bueno mijo! I almost thought I was going to have to call for the tow truck and my friend at the time was scared as hell because we were on a backroad in the middle of nowhere NC. She almost made me lose it, until I ran into a perfectly nice town (again in the middle of nowhere, NC) and was able to fill up.

embolism

as a dedicated purchaser of used cars, I hate to read posts like this

fill your tanks people!

with premium!

FutureITR

When you hit zero, you have that extra gallon push and the fuel left in the lines, so when you hit zero, it'll get you to a gas station.

my95tsi

iTrader: (2)

I don't pay attention to the fuel light. I've learned that when the miles remaining hit 0 there is atleast 2-2.5 gallons remaining in the tank. I've driven an additional 40 miles when the miles remaining hit 0. I've then filled up 16.5 gallons. I always get about 370-380 miles out of each tank.

shui3000

Do math. Figure out how much mpg you're getting, multiply that by how many gallons are left (2.5-3.5 gallons once the light comes on).

BLexodus

iTrader: (1)

Wow, I cant believe so many people have gone beyond 0!!!

I normally dont even let the gas light come on but the other day I was 100 miles from home and the tank said it had 82 left. I didnt feel like stopping so as I drove I watched the two numbers get closer, finally when I got off at my exit it said 3 miled left in tank and 4 miles to home. When I got to the gas station a few block from my home it still said 2mi left on tank.

I was only able to put in 16.01 gallons even after topping off 10 times, owners manual says we have a 17+ gallon tank so I was probably good another 20+ miles because I generally top-off pretty good.

BLexodus

iTrader: (1)

This can work but you have to know how many gallons you actually had in your tank when you started. If you dont top-off you probably have 1+ gallon less than someone who does.

diablo1714

iTrader: (4)

This is good to know in my area, as gas is much cheaper in NJ than it is in NY. I'll be more comfortable waiting to get back for the cheaper fuel...

kumquatism

iTrader: (10)

I've driven to work on 0 approx. before (about 25~ miles). I was running late for a meeting, so I didn't have time to stop by and get gas. I think I filled up like 16 gallons afterwards though.
I know a lot of people who start to panic and fill up immediately when their gas light turns on, and I keep trying to tell them they still have several gallons to go til they're completely empty, but nobody listens.

I mean, from an engineering standpoint, you always want to have a good safety buffer for everything. Making a gas light turn on right before you run out of gas doesn't seem like a good design. That's not a big enough safety buffer...The light turns on to let you know you need gas soon, not immediately.

Cartune

iTrader: (3)

rather fill up when light is on, sometimes 20 miles after.rather be safe than sorry. i lol when i see ppl like this. your own fault, car warn you