The fuel light goes on, what is the distance until empty

The fuel gauge contains two primary components: a sensor located inside the fuel tank and a display on the dashboard. A float is attached to a variable resistor inside your tank. When the fuel level changes, this float moves down or up. These parameters are sent to the gauge, so you can see the approximate amount of the fuel left, which cannot be treated as an exact number.'How much gas do you have left when your gas light comes on?' The answer to the question is very context-dependent.

If the low fuel indicator light is on, it usually indicates that there are 1,5 or 3 gallons of fuel left. When the gas light comes on, how many miles are left? It usually depends on several factors that we will discuss further in this post. 

Fuel consumption - key factors to consider:

1. Car Type

The purpose and type of vehicle play a significant role in fuel consumption. Whether it's a passenger car, truck, dump truck, bus, van, or other vehicle, size and weight directly impact fuel efficiency. Naturally, the smaller and lighter the vehicle, the lower its fuel consumption.

2. Car Model and Brand

Fuel efficiency varies widely between brands and models. For instance, the Opel Corsa consumes just 3.2 litres per 100 km, while the BMW 1 Series uses around 3.6 litres. Diesel versions of the Škoda Octavia and Ford Focus average 4.1 litres per 100 km. In contrast, gasoline engines tend to consume more: the Toyota Yaris uses about 5 litres, while the Opel Astra, Smart Fortwo, and Toyota Aygo average 4.1 litres per 100 km.

3. Engine Type

As mentioned earlier, diesel engines typically consume less fuel than gasoline engines. Other technical factors that influence consumption include the number of engine valves (more valves often mean better performance), firmware optimisation, and the presence of a turbocharger. Turbocharged engines tend to be more fuel-efficient over time.

4. Driving Speed and Terrain

Fuel consumption is also affected by speed and driving conditions. In city traffic, frequent acceleration and braking increase fuel use. Driving at high speeds in the city is not only dangerous but also inefficient. Optimal city driving conditions are around 40 km/h in third gear.

On highways, maintaining a consistent speed of 90–100 km/h in fourth gear helps reduce fuel usage. Additionally, during long stops—such as at traffic lights or in traffic jams—turning off the engine helps save fuel.

5. Air Conditioner Usage

Using air conditioning significantly affects fuel economy. In some cars, it can increase consumption by up to 15%. If your fuel level is low, it's best to turn off the AC until you reach a fuel station. The air conditioner usage impacts how long you have to drive when the gas light comes on. 

6. Vehicle Maintenance

The overall technical condition of the vehicle greatly influences fuel consumption. Regular maintenance, such as filter replacement and cleaning the fuel system, helps keep consumption low.

More questions on fuel consumption: 

1. Can cruise control help save fuel? Yes, cruise control helps to save fuel by maintaining a constant speed and avoiding braking and acceleration. But if you drive on winding or hilly roads, manual control works better. 

2. Do heated seats utilise fuel? Yes, indirectly. Heated seats use electricity, not fuel itself. However, the alternator generates electricity in diesel or gasoline cars. It is powered by an engine that runs on fuel.

3. Is it harmful to drive with an empty fuel tank? Yes, it can be harmful and may cause damage to a car's fuel system. Debris and sediment at the bottom of the tank can potentially lead to wear or blockages. Other consequences of the fuel shortage are decreased engine performance, running out of fuel on highways or in heavy traffic, and fuel gauge inaccuracy over time. 

Practical Tips for Driving with the Low Fuel Indicator On

How many miles do you have left when your gas light comes on? If the fuel warning light in a car turns on, it usually implies that you have 20 to 30 miles of driving range left. However, as mentioned, precise distance depends on driving conditions, car model, etc. Here are some practical tips on how to avoid getting stranded:

1. Decrease speed. Drive smoothly and maintain a steady pace to conserve fuel. Avoid rapid acceleration. 
2. Turn off electronics you don't need. As previously mentioned, heated seats and air conditioning lead to increased fuel consumption. 
3. Don't drive on hills and zones with heavy traffic. Select a route with less congestion. 
4. Don't idle. Turn off the engine each time you stop for more than a minute. 
5. Use higher gears. Driving at lower RPMs in higher gears requires less fuel. 
6. Head to the gas station. Now that you know how much fuel is left when the fuel light comes on, drive to the closest fuel station using a navigator or a mobile app.
7. Track fuel consumption. Utilise inCarDoc to monitor fuel use in real time and use the app to maintain smarter refuelling habits.

Track Fuel Consumption with InCarDoc

To monitor the vehicle's fuel efficiency, try the InCarDoc mobile app. It tracks both real-time and average fuel consumption, displaying a graph throughout the trip. This helps you identify when and why fuel usage increases, allowing drivers to save resources and better understand their vehicle's performance