Running out of gas is very common and has happened to every one of us drivers at one point in our lives. Sometimes we don’t pay attention, and suddenly the gas light comes on and startles us, and other times we don’t have a gas station in sight to refuel the car but can’t stop driving as it might not be safe.
Regardless of the situation, running out of gas can leave us feeling frustrated, scared, and angry. But did you know that there are some things you can do to help your car stretch a few more miles and get to a safe location?
Keep reading to find out how you can use your last gallon to get to the next gas station or a safe place until roadside help arrives.
Remain Calm
We know you’re afraid that you might run out of gas and get stranded on the road or in the middle of nowhere, but once you’re done panicking, it is time to wipe away that sweat from your forehead and make some rational decisions. Staying calm is the first thing you need to do before you can even try out the other steps.
At Action Towing, we consulted with our automotive and towing experts and, after thorough research, have compiled a list of the best tips you can follow while on the road when you’re driving on empty with no gas pump near you. These tips can help you get to a safe place to wait for roadside assistance to arrive or may help you reach the next gas station in sight.
Call Your Roadside Assistance
The moment your gas light turns on, and you notice that there is no fuel pump in sight and even the nearest one is very far away, you need to start looking for local towing companies near you. Make sure the towing company you’re calling provides affordable 24/7 roadside assistance.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the gas light turns typically on when you have approximately 30 to 50 miles left in the fuel tank. While this may seem like a lot, if you’re on a long highway without any fuel pumps, it may not be as much as you think. Therefore, it is best to call for help while still on the move before becoming stranded on the road. Once you have informed the company, share your live location, so they can keep track of your car and arrive at the location where your car has run out of fuel.
Turn Off The AC
How many miles you can drive when the gas gauge hits empty is also governed by factors such as rolling up the windows and turning off the AC. The air conditioner and heater can lower your car’s fuel economy by 25%, causing you to lose a lot of fuel earlier than expected.
Turning off the air conditioner not only reduces stress on the engine and saves fuel but also turns off the power-hungry cabin fan that is present behind the car’s radiator. As the electrical load in the car decreases, the stress on the alternator decreases and, in return, reduces the demand from the engine, increasing the fuel economy.
You should also unplug any charging devices and turn off the music for a much better fuel economy.
Roll Up The Windows
Rolling up the windows is a very good and proven way to make your gas last longer. If you are driving at a very high speed with your windows rolled down, it can create an aerodynamic drag (wind resistance), making your car use way more fuel to push through the air. Rolling your windows up may help you reach a safe spot. This phenomenon is pretty significant when the car is moving at highway speed.
For more information on roadside assistance and towing services in Edmonton and surrounding areas, visit our website, or contact us today at 780-340-0999.
