Drivers trying to save some cash by filling up their tanks less frequently have been warned they could risk a £1,000 repair bill by running on fumes. The cost of petrol and diesel has shot up over the past year, with factors such as war in Ukraine and the aftermath of the Covid pandemic being used to justify the high prices.
That has left many drivers, who are also struggling to meet their soaring heating bills and afford groceries, looking at ways to cut back on their motoring costs. One of these is to try to empty the tank before heading to the forecourt.
But motoring experts as ClickMechanic have urged people to swerve this approach as it brings with it some serious problems. ClickMechanic's Andrew Jervis explained: "It can be tempting to delay visiting the petrol station to fill up for as long as possible, but running on empty is a bad idea when it comes to the longer-term health of your vehicle.
"That's because if there is very little fuel in the tank, any debris that has built up over time could get sucked up into the fuel pump and wreak havoc.
“You're talking anywhere between £250 and £1,000 to put that right by replacing the pump.
"The other risk you run is the fuel pump overheating. That's because the gas in a fuller fuel tank acts like a lubricant and insulation for the mechanism.
"This could also leave you with a bill running into the hundreds of pounds."
Mr Jervis, co-founder of the online repairs and servicing marketplace, revealed that aside from the cost of repairs, running out of gas could also land you in trouble with the law.
He explained: “You can be fined £100 or more, and receive three points on your licence, if you cause an obstruction due to having no fuel in the tank as it can be classed as an avoidable breakdown.
“And if your vehicle causes a collision by blocking the carriageway, the repercussions can be much more serious. The Highway Code is clear about motorists’ responsibility to ensure they have enough fuel, or EV charge, to get to their destination.
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“Obviously sometimes things happen that can make this impossible - traffic jams, a faulty fuel gauge or extreme weather. But the vast majority of breakdowns due to running out of petrol or diesel are down to drivers taking a chance that they can run on fumes for a few more miles.
“A good habit to get into is to never let your tank go below a quarter full, then you at least have enough to get to the next filling station and you’re not damaging your car in the meantime.”
