unilad homepage
unilad homepage
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • World News
    • Crime
    • Health
    • Money
    • Sport
    • Travel
  • Music
  • Technology
  • Film and TV
    • News
    • DC Comics
    • Disney
    • Marvel
    • Netflix
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Chart shows how far you can drive your car when it's on 'empty'
Home>News>Travel
Published 13:02 21 Jun 2024 GMT+1

Chart shows how far you can drive your car when it's on 'empty'

Driving with little fuel is not recommended.

Mia Williams

Mia Williams

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images

Topics: Cars, US News, Tesla

Mia Williams
Mia Williams

Mia is an NCTJ-trained journalist at UNILAD with a BA (Hons) in Multimedia Journalism, reporting across breaking news, US politics, entertainment, health, lifestyle, and more. Before joining as a journalist in 2026, she freelanced across the LADbible Group titles for over three years. She is also a documentary producer, having created independent films, and worked as a researcher on series including Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over USA.

X

@miawillsjourno

Advert

Advert

Advert

A chart has been released which says exactly how far your car can go when the fuel tank is ‘empty’.

We have all experienced the moment where your fuel tank is so low that the gauge arrow starts shaking, and you start wondering how much longer you can squeeze out of it.

It’s a familiar journey to all where you’re wondering whether you’ll break down in five minutes or an hour.

Well, a handy chart has been released that tells you exactly how far your car can go when it says the tank is near empty.

Advert

It depends on your cars condition and how you drive it. (Getty stock image)
It depends on your cars condition and how you drive it. (Getty stock image)

That being said, it’s definitely not advised to constantly have your fuel tank as dry as the Sahara Desert.

There are, of course, approximations where the chart from 2015 is concerned, that depend on several factors.

These include how you drive, your car's condition etc.

So don't blame us if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road…you have been warned!

It turns out that when the petrol light turns on, it’s actually at 10-15% capacity.

And it’s a good job because that has definitely saved our bacon at one point or another. ​​

The chart was released in 2015 for a range of models.
Your Mechanic

However, when your petrol light begins to flash, that's when you're really in trouble and should probably fuel up ASAP.

It’s important to note that, whilst of course running out of fuel isn't illegal, if you were to cause a crash as a result of you breaking down from your lack of petrol, then you could face dangerous driving charges, a fine and up to nine points on your licence, according to the RAC.

The dreaded petrol light coming on instils fear in most drivers. (Getty stock image)
The dreaded petrol light coming on instils fear in most drivers. (Getty stock image)

As we mentioned, frequently driving on a near-empty tank is not recommended, and causes the tank to collect debris, which is then transported around other parts of your car.

This could then clog other major components of the vehicle.

The other off-putting thought is the idea of being the person that is stood behind the barrier on the highway, whilst everyone drives past staring at you.

As much as you might think it's a tough day being a petrol car driver, a woman driving a Tesla was left trapped after her battery died.

Arizona resident Diane owned a Tesla Model Y for about three years with no issues, that was until she was left unable to open her electric doors.

“It was fully charged,” the Valley driver claimed. “I unplugged the car, went to get in my car, shut the door, everything just shut down. I couldn’t open the windows, I couldn’t unlock the doors I was just trapped.”

Scary scenes.

Choose your content:

8 hours ago
9 hours ago
12 hours ago
  • Pedro UGARTE / AFP via Getty Images
    8 hours ago

    Lionel Messi issues emotional statement after Argentina’s heartbreaking World Cup final loss to Spain: 'The pain is immense'

    The 39-year-old captain admitted it will take time for the wound to heal while thanking fans for their support following the 1–0 defeat.

    News
  • (Photo by Saul Loeb/Pool - Getty Images)
    9 hours ago

    Trump threatens to hit Iran 'very hard' in response to the deaths of two US servicemen

    The president says the killings will be avenged ‘many times over’ - but Iran has responded defiantly

    News
  • CBS News / YouTube
    9 hours ago

    Explosion at FBI building in New York City leaves three injured as suspect arrested

    The Joint Terrorism Task Force is now investigating the 'anti-government attack'

    News
  • Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
    12 hours ago

    Body language expert breaks down moment between Trump and Messi after World Cup defeat

    Body language expert Darren Stanton is known as the human lie detector and gave his take on Donald Trump's role in the FIFA World Cup

    News
  • What happens to your body when you don't get enough sleep and 'ripple effect' it can lead to
  • 'Three dots' tattoo has one dark meaning prompting warnings to 'run as far as you can'
  • Man purchases Tesla not knowing it's been banned from all Supercharger stations
  • Tattoos with sinister meanings as people warned to 'run as far as you can' from anyone with three dots