How often do you drive around with your fuel light on? I’ll admit, I do it too often, and I’m sure you’ve done it once or twice. We all have been in the situation when that little *DING* happens at the most inconvenient time. But, did you know you can actually damage your car by running it on empty and here’s how.

When your fuel light comes on it is a warning, and indicating to you that your fuel has reached its’ reserve level. Depending on your vehicle, that is about 10 to 15 percent of your tank’s capacity, which you can calculate your remaining range by referencing that along with your vehicle’s average fuel economy.

But, it’s still not a good idea to let your car run dry.  

In the event of an emergency, you should have at least a half-tank of gas. And, even if there is no emergency you should still have a half-tank. Don’t get yourself stranded waiting for a tow truck, which will cost your wallet more than a tank of gas would have.

A fuel pump is a device within your fuel tank that runs fuel from the tank to the engine. Gasoline is used to keep your fuel pump cool and lubricated, and in order for that to happen your car needs gas. If you’re always running your car low on gas that pump isn’t staying as lubricated as it needs to be and you run the risk of overheating your engine. Not only is this a hefty repair, a failing fuel pump leads to poor performance from your vehicle. More specifically, your car could not start at all or you will not have a smooth acceleration – and that’s no good.

Also, that pump has an air filter which has a tendency to get dirty faster if you run on empty. Anything that has sunk to the bottom of your tank is now being sucked through that filter and clogging it, which can lead to another hefty repair cost.

So, next time your car nags you to pull over for gas, do it a favor and fuel it! It is better in the long run for you, your car, and your wallet!