We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

Help with fuel!

Hi,

Might seem daft but I've just recently got my first car and was wondering how low you should let the fuel get? I know it can be dodgy if it goes too low but how low should you let it get??

Its a 2011 Seat Ibiza if that helps.

Thanks in advance
«13

Comments

  • you've usually got about a gallon left when the light comes on so maybe thirty miles left on average.

    no good chancing it too much though cos you'll get caught out sooner or later and run out.
    Come on, it's not rocket surgery is it?
  • gibbiem
    gibbiem Posts: 18 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    proactive wrote: »
    you've usually got about a gallon left when the light comes on so maybe thirty miles left on average.

    no good chancing it too much though cos you'll get caught out sooner or later and run out.

    Thanks, I'm more worried about the damage it could cause. The light does come on at 30 miles, is it advisable to get to a station as soon as the light comes on?
  • yea no sense risking running out is there especially in a diesel where running out can cause big problems

    i fill mine once the light comes on

    not really achieving anything putting fuel in with a mile left before you run out is it just leaving yourself open to walking to a petrol station with a can
    Come on, it's not rocket surgery is it?
  • rodenal
    rodenal Posts: 831 Forumite
    Don't panic about it - I generally work on having about 15-20 miles left when light is on (though to be fair the car guestimates too and normally claims a good few miles more). If you do the same you shouldn't get caught out. It won't do it any harm letting the fuel get low now and then just don't run it dry - don't listen to stories about "crap in the tank" etc
  • iolanthe07
    iolanthe07 Posts: 5,493 Forumite
    is it advisable to get to a station as soon as the light comes on?

    Yes - running out of fuel can can cause problems for modern engines.
    I used to think that good grammar is important, but now I know that good wine is importanter.
  • LandyAndy
    LandyAndy Posts: 26,377 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts
    When it gets below a quarter on the gauge fill up next time you pass a filling station. That way you avoid wasting time and fuel making journeys just to fill up.

    Having said that I let my car run down to the refuel light and beyond quite regularly. I have never had a problem in 35 years of driving.
  • gibbiem
    gibbiem Posts: 18 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    nice one, thanks everyone!
  • If you run out in a petrol just put more petrol in and off you go (after some rattling when starting for the first time...)

    Don't run out in a diesel, that requires that the system be primed which isn't as easy ;-)
  • AlexisV
    AlexisV Posts: 1,890 Forumite
    As soon as the light comes on, reset the mileometer.

    You might stagger to 30 miles, but 15-20 is a safer range.
  • Ebe_Scrooge
    Ebe_Scrooge Posts: 7,320 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    As above, 30 miles is a rough average for most cars once the "reserve" light comes on.

    Leaving aside the argument about whether it will or won't damage your engine - if you let it run too low, you're forced to buy petrol at the first garage you see. If you aim to fill up at around 1/4 full or so, you can afford to wait until you're passing a cheaper garage :-)
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 347.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 251.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 451.8K Spending & Discounts
  • 239.4K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 615.3K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 175.1K Life & Family
  • 252.8K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.