If you suddenly find your car with an empty gas tank while driving, you may wind up stranded – in which case, you can be rescued by contacting a reputable towing service like Towing Chicago. However, if you absolutely need to get to your destination that’s only a few miles away, here’s a guide to making the most of a nearly empty gas tank.
When the Gas Light Turns On
The gas light illuminates usually when there’s about 30 to 50 miles of gas left in the fuel tank – but this can run out quickly, especially on large highways. The second the gas light indicates, start looking for the closest gas station – you may want to pull over and look up the closest station.
Turn off the A/C or Heater
The air conditioning and heating of your system depletes your fuel economy by nearly a quarter, so if you are fast running out of gas, turn off your temperature assistance system in order to make the most of your tanks.
Rolling Up the Windows
Rolled down windows when driving fast reduces your car’s aerodynamics, creating drag that slows it down and leads to faster deleted gas – however this doesn’t make too much of a difference if you are driving slowly.
Hills
Try to take downhill routes or flat roads to the nearest station rather than traveling uphill, as the resistance given by traveling up can faster reduce your gas. This also applies to slowing down and speeding up regularly – try to coast at a constant speed to make the most of your tank.
If you Run Out of Gas – Pull Over!
If you’re about to totally run out of gas, move your car to a safe distance at the roadside – just coast to the shoulder of the road and turn on your hazard lights – and don’t turn them off! Just turn off the engine and contact Towing Chicago for expert roadside assistance!