If you don’t keep an eye on the fuel level during a car journey, the car can stop unexpectedly.
When the fuel is about to run out, a light on the dashboard, known as the gas light, illuminates.
But how far can you drive your car after this light comes on?
Knowing the answer to this question can be helpful when there is no gas station in sight.
The answer is not simple, as it depends on various factors such as the car’s model, the year it was manufactured, your driving habits, fuel mileage, and others.
Experts say that once the gas light comes on, the car can’t travel very far.
However, the good news is that the car can still travel farther than you might expect.
Experts have noted that generally, the gas light illuminates when the fuel level is between 10 to 15 percent of the tank’s capacity.
They further explained that on average, small cars can travel 20 to 30 miles, while larger cars can travel up to 50 miles after the gas light comes on.
However, if the car is old or the road conditions are poor, the car might stop after a shorter distance.
Similarly, cold weather burns fuel faster, which also shortens the distance the car can travel after the gas light comes on.
If you don’t refuel shortly after the gas light illuminates, the engine could get damaged. However, traveling a few miles won’t harm the car.