Driving when your gas gauge hits empty not only risks being stranded, it can also cause damage that will have you searching for a Wichita auto care technician.
You were headed home after seeing the Great Bear Rainforest when you noticed your gas gauge was on “empty.” With the kids screaming for dinner, you decided not to stop for gas but to go straight home. You figure you probably have enough gas to get home then to a gas station on your way to work Monday.
That’s a risk most every driver takes at one time or another. And some drivers frequently drive when the gas gauge gets really low. But it’s not wise for reasons that have nothing to do with the possibility of running out of gas and getting stranded by the side of the road.
Frequently driving with a low fuel tank is bad for your car.
Auto.howstuffworks.com explains, “Driving on an empty tank, or even one that’s getting close to the dregs in the bottom, can cause damage to your car in a number of ways.
“You won’t get very far driving on empty, but in the moments before you do stall out, your car’s catalytic converter, which is part of the exhaust system, can be damaged. …
“You could also get debris stuck in your fuel pump by running your tank too low. That’s because any tiny particles that find their way into the gas tank settle at the bottom, and they tend to stay there until your car is trying to grab every last bit of fuel it can. When the fuel pump sucks up the last of your gas, any debris in your tank will go along with it, and the particles can get stuck in your pump or in your fuel filter. …
“But getting nasty sediments stuck in your fuel pump isn’t the only way that you could be damaging it. In some cars, the fuel pump is located in the gas tank, and the gas acts like insulation and lubricant as it flows around the pump. If you’re constantly running your gas tank dry, the fuel pump could be overheating, which will cause it to wear out prematurely.”
If you do damage your catalytic converter, fuel pump, or fuel filter, you’ll need a Wichita auto care specialist for help. You can find a trusted Wichita auto care expert at Tracy’s Automotive.
Tracy’s passion for a better tire buying, auto care and auto repair experience drove us to develop the model of Tracy’s Automotive Tire Pros. Tracy’s has turned hard work and inspiration into a booming tire and auto repair provider. Now Tracy’s has three locations and serves customers all over Wichita and Goddard. Tracy’s is thrilled to be a part of your family’s trusted brands for all auto repair and tire needs.
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