How long does the car’s gas tank reserve really last?
Running out of gas is one of the worst nightmares for drivers, especially if there is no gas station in sight. How long can a tank’s fuel reserve last?
Among the various concerns that worry motorists when driving is running out of gas in the middle of a trip, especially when there are no gasoline stations in the immediate vicinity.
Most cars have a fuel gauge on the dashboard, which shows the amount of gasoline left in the tank. Many vehicles also have a warning light that comes on when the fuel level is low, indicating that it is time to refuel.
The gasoline reserve is the amount of fuel left in the tank once the gauge shows a low level or when the warning light comes on. Typically, this reserve is designed to allow the driver to reach the next gas station safely. The dashboard warns you when you are running low, but how long do you have before your car stalls for lack of gas?
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How long does the car’s gasoline reserve last?
The duration of the gasoline reserve depends on several factors such as the size of the tank and the fuel consumption of the vehicle. Gasoline tanks have different capacities, but on average, they can hold between 12 and 16 gallons.
Regardless of the capacity, to determine how long the gasoline reserve will last, it is necessary to know the car’s fuel consumption, which varies depending on the type of engine, the driving style and the road conditions.
According to Via Michelin, the average capacity of a tank’s fuel reserve is 1.3 gallons, which can allow you to drive from 30 to 60 miles before running out of fuel completely.
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Considering this average figure, if the vehicle’s consumption is greater, the reserve will last for fewer miles, while if the car is extremely efficient, the spare fuel may last a longer time.
However, these calculations are only estimates, since as mentioned, fuel consumption can vary depending on driving conditions, speed, traffic and terrain.
Whatever the circumstance, it is not advisable to use the gasoline reserve on a regular basis, as it can damage the car’s fuel system in the long term.
To figure out the precise distance the reserve can cover, it is best to consult the maintenance booklet for your vehicle.