Motorists have been told to always top-up their petrol or diesel car when it has a specific number of miles left. Gordon Wallis, a fuel expert at Your NRG, suggested that road users should make sure to visit a petrol station and fill-up when 50 miles were left on their gauge.
The magical number means road users don’t have to run the risk of running out of fuel by accident. The AA has previously claimed they attend more than 10,500 breakdowns where members had simply run out of fuel or electrical charge.
Gordon explained: “When your fuel gauge hits 50 miles left, consider refuelling. This allows plenty of time to find the best fuel prices, rather than being rushed into a decision as your tank nears empty.”
Gordon went on to say it was important to avoid running vehicles on low fuel due to the serious risk of picking up damage. The specialist explained that as the fuel level gets low, debris can often accumulate at the bottom of the tank.
The expert said that this debris can then clog the fuel filter and fuel pump, which could have serious consequences later down the lead. In particular, he stressed this could lead to performance issues and possibly even expensive repairs to solve any issues.
Gordon added: “Running out of fuel completely can damage the fuel pump itself, especially if it runs dry as it can be a costly fix. It’s generally best to maintain at least a quarter tank of fuel to avoid these risks.
“Focusing on maintaining a healthy fuel level, rather than constantly topping up or running on fumes, is a more practical approach to fuel efficiency.
“By keeping your tank at least a quarter full, you can avoid any risks associated with low fuel levels and get rid of any potential efficiency drawbacks from a full tank.”
Rule 97 of The Highway Code makes it clear that motorists need to ensure they have sufficient fuel for a journey before setting off. Drivers could be fined £100 and issued three penalty points on their driving licence if their vehicle obstructs the road as a result of an avoidable breakdown.
In the past, the AA has urged road users to always keep at least a quarter of a tank of fuel at all times.
AA President Edmund King previously said: “There can be some genuine reasons for running out of fuel such as a faulty gauge or undetected fuel leak. On occasions cars may get stuck in jams for hours due to bad winter weather or miles of disruption leading to Channel ports which could result in running out of fuel. Hence we advise to always have at least one quarter of a tank of fuel.”