Do You Run Your Car Below 1/4 Tank of Gas?

[1200RT]

No, at least not normally.

Occasionally I'll do a nonstop trip from LA to Phoenix, but as a general rule, I fill up at 1/2 tank. I always like to know that under normal conditions, I can walk into my garage, get into either of my cars, and be able to get where I need to go (in a hurry if need by) without having to worry about gas.

[Dirt Grinder]

I often run my car down to the point where the car computer's estimated distance is below 20 miles - we have a gas station within four miles. However, if I'm on a trip I get uneasy when I get down to a quarter tank so I fill-up ASAP.

[Tek_Freek]

Rarely. On occasion it will get below 1/2 tank in the "milder" times of the year, but in the winter, never.

[hensleya1]

Hi all--

I've always, since I turned 16, had to pay for my own gas and tires. I've pretty much always driven in a safe manner and kept to the speed limits as a result, because I knew driving faster was bad on gas.

That also meant that through high school and the first half of college, there were times where I don't think I ever had more than 1/4 of a tank in the car. I remember parking facing downhill a couple times and the car wouldn't start. I'd have to pop it in neutral, roll to the bottom, pump the gas a few times, and then it would crank. After I landed a couple better-paying PT jobs during college, the tank remained full more often than not. Plenty of times I'd drive until the gas light came on (and my record remains 18 miles "after" the light came on).

I figure I'll drive every vehicle until the gas light comes on, just to make sure how far I can actually go. But that said, once it gets below 1/2 of a tank or so, I start looking to fill it up.

Keeping the fuel tank perennially low is a good way to pay for replacement fuel pumps every three years. I've known a few friends (all GM/Chrysler makes) who've had this problem.

Of course, the top half of a gas tank always lasts twice as long as the bottom half.

[piyf]

Once the gas light comes on I usually fill it within 10 miles of when it first came on.

[3700]

This is a myth.
The fuel pick up is at the bottom of the tank so all the crap is always being picked up and the fuel is not a coolant when it is on the out side of the pump.
fuel running threw the pump does lubricate it and does offer a little bit of cooling.

you could never fill the tank over 1/2 and your fuel pump will last just as long as someone who never lets it get below 1/2.

When you run it with out fuel like you did , is when you could do some damage to it.
but you would have to do it often to shorten it's life.

Some pumps just don't last as long even if you keep the tank full.

Originally Posted by hensleya1

Hi all--
Keeping the fuel tank perennially low is a good way to pay for replacement fuel pumps every three years. I've known a few friends (all GM/Chrysler makes) who've had this problem.

[alpha_1976]

Originally Posted by piyf

Once the gas light comes on I usually fill it within 10 miles of when it first came on.

I do exactly the same.