Here’s How Many Miles You Can Drive After the Gas Light Comes On

Driving with the gas light on can be dangerous—for you and your vehicle. Here’s how many miles you can actually drive on empty.

We’ve all driven a bit too long after the gas light comes on, overestimating our gas mileage and pushing our tank to the limit. Whether you were trying to beat rush hour or save money on gas by waiting to fill up, it can be a panic-filled moment looking for the nearest gas station. But just how many miles can you safely drive after the gas light comes on? The exact number will depend on several factors, including the make and model of your car, your driving habits, regular gas mileage and whether you drive a fuel-efficient car, says Kyle MacDonald, vice president of marketing at Force by Mojio, a GPS fleet tracking app for small businesses. You’re not going to get as far, for instance, in a sports car driven aggressively than you will in a compact car driven carefully.

But here’s the good news: You have more wiggle room than you think. While knowing how to find cheap gas, utilizing the best gas apps and best gas credit cards, and understanding how to get better gas mileage can help you avoid running on empty, you can still learn a thing or two about driving with your gas light on and preventing any damage to your engine. Here’s how many miles you should be driving with the gas light on.

How far can you drive after the gas light comes on?

There’s not a standard number of miles you can drive when the gas light comes on, says automotive electrician and road safety expert Robert Muñoz. “Typically, it will light up when the tank is below 10% to 15% of its capacity.” In general, after the gas light comes on, Muñoz says it’s safe to drive about 20 to 30 miles in a smaller vehicle or up to 50 miles in a larger vehicle.

Does a car’s make or model affect how many miles you can drive after the gas light comes on?

Yes, the type of car you have makes a big difference. A car with a 10-gallon gas tank might have one gallon remaining when the light comes on. A Ram 1500 truck, however, will have around three to four gallons of gas left. Consider each car’s mpg: If a small city car with a 10-gallon gas tank gets about 40 mpg, it could probably make it 40 miles to the next gas station. Meanwhile, a Ram 1500, which gets around 30 mpg on the highway, could make it as far as 100 miles after the gas light comes on. Typically, when the gas light goes on, about two to four gallons are left in the tank.

(www.rd.com)

TIPS

What to Do When the Check Engine Light Comes on

The dashboard of a car is full of mysterious lights that run the gamut from warning to a friendly reminder. Most of these lights remain dark most of the time, and when they do emerge, few people understand all of them. The check engine light is cardinal among these cryptic signals, with many possible reasons for its appearance and more than a few ways to make it go away. But what does the check engine light mean? Despite its varied reasons for appearing, there is an overarching rationale to it, and an important one at that. Understanding what to do when the check engine light comes on can mean the difference between a dangerous mechanical issue and an easy fix at the auto shop.

 

What does the check engine light mean?

Let’s start with what the check engine light doesn’t mean. It’s easy to see a warning light come on and hit the panic button, but the check engine light doesn’t usually warrant immediate concern. If you’re driving along and it turns on, you don’t usually need to pull over and call for help. You should take the light as a sign it’s time to get to a mechanic soon, though. The check engine light is a part of your car’s onboard diagnostics system, which monitors variables like engine speed, fuel mixture, and ignition timing. When that system detects a problem it can’t correct on its own, it responds by switching on the check engine light.

 

What does the check engine light look like?

So, your car’s diagnostics have detected a problem, what are you looking for? A yellow check engine light will appear on your dashboard, though the shape may vary based on the car you’re driving. In some cars, the check engine light literally reads “check engine” and nothing else, while in others it appears in the shape of an engine, occasionally with the word “check”. The light’s appearance may also vary depending on the problem. A solid check engine light indicates a less urgent issue, while a flashing check engine light signals a problem that requires immediate attention. Some cars also show a red check engine light if the problem is severe.

 

Common reasons the check engine light comes on

Engine problems

There is a slew of engine problems that can cause your check engine light to come on. Most are minor and cause your car’s fuel economy and emissions rating to decline, however, some can develop into major issues if unchecked. Engine misfires, for example, will cause poor fuel economy and performance in the short run, but can eventually lead to outright engine failure.

Damaged or loose parts and equipment

Any parts that are damaged, loose or missing will trigger the check engine light. Loose gas caps are a common example of this, though this problem does not pose any serious harm to your car.

Sensor issues

If your diagnostics system detects faults in any of your engine’s many sensors, your check engine light will come on. Some common examples are your oxygen sensors, which measure unburned oxygen in your exhaust system, and mass air flow sensors, which measure the amount of air entering your engine to determine the amount of fuel it needs.2

Transmission problems

As the master of your engine’s power output, your transmission can also trigger the check engine light if it malfunctions. Transmission problems can lead to increased tailpipe emissions.3

Overheating

If your coolant has not been changed properly it can eventually cause your engine’s thermostat to degrade, eventually overheating the engine. If this happens, your check engine light will activate.

 

How long can you drive with the check engine light on?

Many of us willfully ignore the check engine light until we see the symptoms of whatever caused it to turn on. That’s a tempting strategy, but it’s not wise. Your issue may be minor at first but develop into a major problem, as is the case with a bad catalytic converter. Even if the problem is merely reducing your fuel economy, that’s still additional emissions and expenses out of your pocket that a quick trip to the mechanic could fix. In either case, you should have your car evaluated as soon as possible.

 

What should you do when the check engine light comes on?

Turn your car on and off

Turning your car on and off three times consecutively may reset your car’s trouble codes. It’s worth trying this before taking your car in for service.2

Check gas cap

Yes, sometimes it’s as simple as tightening your gas cap. Be patient after doing this, as it may require several trips before the light resets.

Perform a diagnostic test

Many newer cars come with onboard remote diagnostics systems. These systems can report trouble codes and schedule a service appointment accordingly.

Reduce your speed

If your check engine light blinks on while you’re driving, a good first response is to reduce the strain on your engine. Lowering your speed will help. This is especially important if the check engine light is blinking or if it is red, indicating a more urgent issue.

Reduce load

You can also reduce the strain on your engine by reducing the haul it’s carrying. If you’re towing anything, you might want to stop.1

Wait and see

It’s not advisable, but you can always wait and see what happens. Most check engine lights do not need to be addressed immediately, and worsening problems will make themselves apparent. If your car’s situation is becoming more urgent, you’ll probably see or hear the signs.

Visit a mechanic

If you haven’t discovered the reason your check engine light is on, it’s probably a good question for your mechanic. You should take your car in for service as soon as possible.

 

 

Maintenance

When to Replace Your Tires

New tires are an inevitable expense, but telling when it’s time to get new tires may not be widespread knowledge to all drivers. Conflicting information from friends and family, from what you read online, etc. may make diagnosing your tire situation a dubious task.

Here are the five telltale signs you should check to determine if you need new tires.

1. Low tire tread depth
To test tire tread depth insert a quarter upside down into the tread. If it doesn’t cover George Washington’s hairline, it means the tread is less than 4/32 of an inch deep, and it’s about time to bite the bullet and get new tires. In many states, just 2/32 of an inch is considered the minimum legal tread depth. However, more tread is safer.

Tests conducted showed a car going 70 miles per hour with tread of 2/32 of an inch took 5.9 seconds to stop and required a distance nearly double that of a vehicle with new tires. Meanwhile, with treads that were 4/32 of an inch, while it still took 100 feet more to stop and 1.2 seconds longer, this was much better than what was achieved with the minimal 2/32 of an inch tread.

2. Tires are old
No matter how rock-solid the tires were when you first purchased them, time leaves its mark. With age, rubber becomes brittle. In addition, the tire’s reinforcing cords can weaken over time. It’s important to know how often to replace your tires. Even if the tread appears intact, most manufacturers advise you to replace your tires after six years.

If you look at the side of the tire, you’ll see the manufacturer’s code. The last four numbers here indicate the production date. If this is 3009, for example, it means that the tire was produced in the 30th week of 2009 and it may be time to get new tires. In more severe climates where you may routinely deal with extreme heat, the ultraviolet rays of the sun may impart structural changes in your tires. This may mean that you will have to make the change sooner.

3. Tire sidewall cracking
Look beyond the tread to the sidewall of the tires. Are there any noticeable cuts or grooves? If so, you may be wise to purchase new tires, since these can be signs that a leak is developing or that the tire is weakening and may soon blowout.

4. Bulge in tire sidewall
If the tire has begun to weaken, sometimes the rubber may begin to bulge. This is a red flag, indicating that the tire has begun to fail and may unexpectedly blow out at any time, putting you and your passengers in jeopardy.

5. Vibrations while driving
Has the ride recently seemed very rough or have you noticed vibrations while driving? If so, this can be a sign that your tires are indeed shot, and it’s time to put aside your skepticism and get new ones.

Maintenance

5 Signs of Hybrid Battery Failure

It feels good to own a hybrid vehicle. You’re saving money on gas and leaving less of a carbon footprint. But like any vehicle, hybrids need proper care—in fact, even more care—to keep running efficiently. Hybrid batteries are built to last the life of the vehicle. However, they are still prone to malfunctions and failures just like any automotive component.

Here are some of the most common signs that your hybrid vehicle battery isn’t working right:

1. A Drop in MPG
Numerous issues can affect your vehicle’s fuel economy, but a weak hybrid battery will certainly affect your miles per gallon (MPG). If you notice a steady drop in your MPG, it could be the battery.

2. State of Charge Fluctuations
If your state of charge (SOC) is fluctuating wildly, it’s either a battery issue or a problem within the charging system.

3. Increased Use of Internal Combustion Engine
If you notice that your Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is running more than usual, there could be a problem with your hybrid battery.

4. Decreased Battery Charge
If your battery charge goes down when the vehicle is not in operation, then there is likely some sort of issue with the battery or charging system that you will want to have looked at by a professional mechanic who understands hybrid vehicles.

5. Strange Engine Noises
The more your internal combustion engine runs, the more likely it is to experience its own issues. You may hear strange noises or the car struggles to accelerate. This is an example of a failing hybrid battery leading to overuse and damage within the ICE.

CARS

Top Tips to Take Care of Your Car If You Don’t Drive Often

From cutting out a commute to putting a car in storage for the season, there are plenty of reasons why you might not be driving your vehicle as often as you used to. But don’t let it sit collecting dust — follow these steps to maintain your car and keep it ready to hit the road:

Keep your car covered
If your home has a garage or a carport, consider parking your car inside to protect it from the elements and inclement weather. If your home doesn’t have a garage or carport and you have to park outside, consider buying a weatherproof and UV resistant car cover to protect your vehicle’s paint from accidental scrapes and protect its interior from UV damage.

Take your car for a spin twice a month.
On average, a car can sit unused for up to a month without the battery draining. To avoid finding a dead battery when it’s finally time to hit the road, take it for a 20- to 30-minute drive at least twice a month. This will also allow fluids and oil to circulate and keep your car’s critical systems lubricated.

Keep the gas tank full
While it may seem like a waste to buy gas for a car you aren’t driving regularly, you’ll be glad you filled your tank, as moisture can build up in an empty gas tank as the weather changes, which can lead to damage.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule
If you’re planning on keeping your vehicle off the road for more than three months at a time, change the oil before putting it in long-term storage. If you’re still driving your vehicle occasionally but you aren’t driving it enough to hit the mileage interval for an oil change, check your owner’s manual to see how long you can wait before getting an oil change.

Check your tire pressure before driving
Your car’s tires can slowly lose pressure, especially if it sits for an extended period. Before driving your car again, check each tire’s air pressure and — if it’s lower than the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure level, which is measured in pounds per square inch — inflate each tire to the correct level.

Regularly check for pests
A sitting vehicle is the perfect home for pests like rodents and insects. To prevent these unwanted tenants from moving into your vehicle, regularly inspect inside your car’s trunk and cabin for unwanted visitors. While inspecting your vehicle, also be sure to check under the hood, as wasps and bees can squeeze in and start building a hive.

Keep your car insured
Cancelling your car insurance policy may seem like an easy way to save money if you’re not driving your vehicle often, but it’s illegal to drive your car at all without coverage — and if you’re involved in an accident, you’ll have to pay for expensive repairs out of pocket. Luckily, you can update your car insurance coverage to reflect the fact that you’re not driving as much as you used to, which could result in a lower premium.

CARS

Why is your check engine light on?

When your car’s internal computer identifies a problem with the engine or transmission, it turns on the check engine light. The reasons for a check engine light turning on can range from something minor like a loose gas cap to something more serious like a faulty catalytic converter. It could even be a sign of internal engine failure. Ignoring the problem can turn a potentially quick fix into a costly and time-consuming repair.

Why is your check engine light on?
Common minor and major reasons for a check engine light to turn on include:
Loose gas cap
An internal problem in the engine
An issue with or even theft of the catalytic converter
Faulty spark plug, spark plug wires, or ignition coils
Malfunctioning oxygen sensor
Damaged mass airflow sensor
A bad tank of gas

What to do when your check engine light comes on
Once you notice your check engine light has come on, pay attention to how the car is driving. Does something feel off? If so, reroute yourself to the nearest mechanic to get the car checked out. If the car seems to be running fine, you can check a few things on your own before heading to the mechanic.

There are a couple of simple solutions if your check engine light came on after getting gas. A loose gas cap is one of the most common reasons for the check engine light to go on. Check that your gas cap is screwed on securely and that it’s in good condition.

If you have a tank of bad gas in the car, your check engine light may come on. For example, if your vehicle is designed to run on premium gas (octane grade 91 to 94), the engine may struggle to run on regular gas (octane level 87). You can safely solve this problem by having a professional drain your gas tank. If you must drive until the tank is empty again, this may not cause severe damage, as long your car doesn’t show signs of overheating or poor engine performance.

Do you suspect something else caused your check engine light to turn on? The most foolproof method to check the engine light is to read the diagnostic code in the car’s internal computer. If you have experience working with cars, you can do this at home with an OBD-II scanner. Otherwise, head to your local service station where a mechanic can read the diagnostic code and determine the correct fix.

Why you shouldn’t ignore your check engine light.
The check engine light is sometimes confused with the maintenance required light, although the two are unrelated. The maintenance required light goes on when your car is due for routine service. Examples of routine services include an oil change. However, the check engine light is an indication that something unexpected has occurred.

Some later car models have check engine lights in different colors and modes to help you determine how severe the issue is. If your car has this feature and your check engine light flashes on and off intermittently or glows red, it’s a sign you should get your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. Depending on your car’s make and model, a solid yellow or orange light may indicate lower severity. However, it’s still a sign that you should make an appointment to diagnose and fix the problem.

What are the implications of ignoring your check engine light?
Ignoring the light and putting off a visit to the mechanic could result in more costly and time-consuming issues you’ll have to deal with in the future. The problem that caused your check engine light to turn on in the first place may get worse or impact other aspects of your car’s engine or transmission. Ignoring the problem could lead to more long-term damage that your car insurance may not cover.

You also won’t be able to pass your next car inspection until the check engine light is off and you have resolved the problem. Your best option is to get the issue resolved quickly. If you’re concerned about affording unexpected engine repairs on your car, consider mechanical breakdown insurance.

Uncategorized

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR THE COLD WEATHER

Wintry weather can take its toll on cars and difficult driving conditions can catch you by surprise.

But with a bit of planning, you can ensure your car is ready for the winter weather.

Below we provide a run-down of essential maintenance tips.

1. CHECK YOUR OIL LEVELS AND DON’T GAMBLE WITH YOUR FUEL LIGHT
Check your oil level is between the minimum and maximum mark on your car’s dipstick. The RAC says one in three vehicles its patrols attend are dangerously low on oil[1], which can lead to a breakdown or engine damage. You should check the oil level once your car is fully warmed up. A cold car will look low on oil. Remember, too much oil can be as bad as too little.

You should check you have plenty of fuel in your tank, too. Don’t try and eek out the last few miles if your fuel light comes on. It might be nice and warm in your car, but it’s better to go out into the cold at a petrol station rather than end up stranded on the side of the road.

2. KEEP YOUR LIGHTS CLEAN
Cars get extremely dirty in winter months, not least because of all the salt on the roads. So it’s particularly important to keep your lights clean – you can just wipe them over with a cloth if your car doesn’t have headlamp washers.

You can lose an estimated 40% of luminosity in about 20 miles on a damp, gritted motorway, according to road safety charity IAM RoadSmart[2].

Wipe down your number plate too. You could face a fine if you drive around with an unreadable registration plate. Also, have someone stand outside the car and check all the lights work properly.

3. TEST YOUR BATTERY
A flat or faulty battery is the number one cause of vehicle breakdowns, according to both the RAC[3] and Green Flag[4], and the risk of battery failure is greater in cold, wet and icy weather.

Aim to change your car’s battery every three years if possible, or sooner if it’s causing you problems in the cold weather.

Green Flag says warning signs of battery failure include the engine turning over more slowly than usual when you start it. Also, the red battery light in the instrument display may flicker when you’re driving or take longer than usual to go out after you’ve started the engine.

4. PAY ATTENTION TO DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS
Many people don’t know what the warning lights on their dashboard mean – as we demonstrated in a street survey.

So with winter closing in, now would be a good time to get to know what all of these lights mean. And if one appears on your dashboard, get it checked out as soon as possible.

How well do you know the warning lights in your car? Test you knowledge with our quiz.

5. ASSESS YOUR TYRES
Worn tyres are dangerous at any time, but especially as stopping distances increase in icy, snowy or wet conditions.

Tyres need a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm by law, but experts recommend you change tyres at 3mm to maintain safe stopping distances[5]. Don’t forget to check you have a roadworthy spare too.

If you drive on rural or uneven roads, consider investing in some snow chains/socks or winter tyres.

6. CHECK WIPER BLADES AND TOP UP ON WINDSCREEN WASH
Check your wipers are in good condition, with no tears or holes, and can clean your windscreen properly. You can give them a wipe with a clean cloth every now and then. But, as Auto Windscreens warns, don’t pull wiper blades off frozen glass or turn them on if the screen is iced over, as the rubber may tear.

You’ll need plenty of washer fluid too – it’s surprising how often you need to do this in the winter when wet, muddy or salty roads increase the amount of spray hitting your windscreen. Not only is it dangerous to not have fluid in a vehicle’s screen washer bottle, it’s illegal too.

7. TOP UP ANTIFREEZE
Antifreeze stops the water in the engine’s cooling system from freezing, so make sure yours is topped up.

Coolant should be changed every 2 – 5 years, depending on the car and the type of coolant required.

8. CHECK IF YOUR CAR IS DUE A SERVICE
Like many of the tips above, this is important all year-round, but winter just makes it that bit more urgent.

A service is usually recommended every 12,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes sooner. But every car is different, so check your owner’s handbook for the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. In some areas, it can take a couple of weeks for the garage to fit you in for a service, plan ahead and make sure you’re booked in in good time.

9. CHECK YOUR BRAKES
Your brakes need to be in tip-top condition, especially in winter.

If they squeal, make other noises or generate unusual sensations, get them checked. If you’re taking your car out after a few days left unused in the cold, set off gently in case the discs, calipers or handbrake have frozen up.

10. CARRY THE RIGHT GEAR
Ensure you have the items below in your car, just in case:
– Ice scraper and de-icer
– Warning triangle
– Warm clothing and a blanket, rug or -sleeping bag
– Practical footwear like wellies
– Torch and batteries
– Mobile phone and charger

CARS

Most Important Car Maintenance Tips

Basic vehicle maintenance keeps your car running smoothly and can prevent breakdowns and even accidents. Some of these tasks you can do yourself, while others require taking your vehicle to a mechanic for annual car maintenance. Your manufacturers’ handbook will let you know how often regular maintenance is needed and the frequency that your car will need to be serviced. Follow these car maintenance tips to keep your vehicle in good working order:

Tip 1: Take Care of Your Tires
Keeping your tires in good condition isn’t just important for vehicle maintenance. Tires in poor condition pose a dangerous threat to the safety of you and your loved ones. Here are a few tire care items to be mindful of:

Tire pressure – Check your tires’ pressure at least once a month. Underinflated tires affect your fuel efficiency and cost you money.
Tire rotation – Rotate the tires every 5,000-8,000 miles.
Tire condition – Inspect your tires regularly – at the same time you’re checking the tread – for any signs of bulges or bald spots. If you spot any of these danger signs, have the tire replaced as soon as possible.
Uneven wear – Uneven wear on a tire indicates wheel alignment problems. Have the wheels aligned properly as soon as possible.
Spare tire – It’s easy to forget that spare tire stuck in the back of your car. Check it at least once a month to ensure it’s usable if you find yourself having to replace a flat.

Tip 2: Check Fluids
At least every 5,000 miles, check and refill your fluids. These include:

Changing the oil
Checking brake, coolant and/or antifreeze, transmission, washer and power steering fluids.

Tip 3: Check the Battery
When your battery goes dead, you’re stuck. Checking the battery regularly can help you avoid this uncomfortable situation.

You can have your mechanic check the battery or do it yourself via a car battery tester.

Tip 4: Check the Lights
Check your exterior and interior lights regularly.

Besides the headlights, make sure your indicators, brake lights and fog lights are in good working order.

Tip 5: Get an Annual Inspection
At least once a year, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, take your car in for servicing. Your mechanic will check the fuel filters, brake pads and spark plugs and replace them if needed.

The mechanic will also flush the radiator to get rid of the old fluid and replace it with new fluid.

Other annual maintenance includes checking the ABS sensor, timing belt and fuel pressure regulator.

Maintenance