The dangers of running on an empty tank

Trying to get the best fuel consumption out of a single tank of fuel is a good habit, but allowing the fuel level in your tank to reach alarmingly low levels isn't a very good idea.

We've all done it, run our cars till the fuel tank was practically empty. Most of the time it's because our work schedules don't permit us to stop as frequently as we'd like at our usual petrol station. Sometimes it's because we are on a tight budget and want that full tank of fuel to last for ever.Whatever the case, allowing your car to run until the tank is practically empty will not only cause performance issues but will cost you dearly in the long run.

As sophisticated as modern day cars are, they aren't idiot proofModern day cars have their fuel pumps fitted in the middle of the petrol tank. A fuel pump's function is to pump fuel out of the tank and into the fuel line. The reason the pump is fitted right in the middle is so that it's kept cool by the petrol inside the tank.

Fuel tank of a standard MINIWhen the petrol level inside the tank reduces to a very low level, the pump doesn't receive sufficient cooling and as a result begins to heat up. What makes matters worse is at this point the pump is not only pumping petrol but air as well and as such is working overtime. Prolonged exposure to such situations will cause excessive wear and tear on the fuel pump and force it to give up the ghost prematurely. There aren't any warning signs for the impending demise of a worn out fuel pump. One day it will be working fine then the next, your car just won't start.

Besides issues with the fuel pump, continuously subjecting your engine to fuel starvation will cost you a hefty repair bill in the long run. Petrol, no matter how premium it might be, will have a certain amount of sediment in it. Wether it's improper mixing or just because of a lacklustre storage facility, when pumping fuel, this sediment will eventually make its way into your fuel tank. Though this maybe a very small volume at first, overtime there will be a continuous build up inside the tank.

Most fuels do carry a very small amount of sedimentAllowing your fuel tank to reach very low levels will cause this sediment and other residue to be pumped into the fuel system. It will eventually make its way through your entire fuel system and in to your engine. It can cause a lot of problems such as clogging up your fuel line, clogging the fuel injectors or worse. It is even said that it could make its way into your engine and cause a number of performance issues.

So each time you decide to allow the needle on your fuel gauge to dip to E, ask yourself if it's really going to be worth the risk in the long run. Most experts will tell you to always keep the tank half full. The moment the needle reaches the half way mark, its time to visit the petrol station. While this is a good tip to keep in mind, sometimes it isn't always easy to keep doing this. So, as long as you constantly have at least a 1/4 tank of petrol in your fuel tank, you shouldn't need to worry about clogged injectors.

Look after your car and your car will look after youThe best way to keep your car running like clockwork is to adhere to the manufacturer's recommended service intervals and always insist on using genuine parts. Look after your car and your car will end up looking after you for a considerable number of years.