The Dangers of Ignoring the Low Fuel Warning: Vehicles with the Shortest Driving Distances
If you’re the type of person who likes to push the limits and ignore the low fuel warning in your vehicle, you may want to think again. MarketWatch Guides recently conducted a study that revealed the vehicles offering the shortest driving distances after the fuel light comes on. Ignoring the warning could lead to unexpected and inconvenient breakdowns, not to mention potential damage to your vehicle’s components.
According to the study, the vehicle with the shortest low-fuel driving distance is the Hyundai Kona 2.0 Essential, which can only go 36.97 miles after the fuel light comes on. Other vehicles on the list include the Honda HR-V Sport AWD (37.8 miles), the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred (38.25 miles), and the Kia Seltos S AWD (38.28 miles). It’s clear that these vehicles provide a very narrow window between the low fuel warning and running out of gas.
MarketWatch calculated these numbers by taking into account each vehicle’s maximum fuel tank capacity. They divided the total by ten to determine a ten percent low-fuel marker and then used each model’s fuel economy ratings to calculate the driving range. It’s important to note that gas mileage can be influenced by various factors, such as weather, driving style, and road conditions.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Toyota RAV4 offers more than 73 miles of driving range after the fuel light comes on, followed closely by the Ford F-150. While some of the models MarketWatch listed are not sold in the U.S., such as the RAV4 Icon FWD, they are similar enough to U.S. configurations to give us a good approximation of low-fuel driving distances.
However, it’s crucial to understand that driving with a low fuel light on is not recommended by most experts. Doing so can have detrimental effects on your vehicle’s fuel pump, filter, and other engine components. When your tank is nearly empty, the fuel pump can pick up debris and sediment from the bottom, potentially clogging the fuel filter or causing the pump to overheat.
In conclusion, if you own a vehicle with a short low-fuel driving distance, it’s essential to pay attention to the warning light and refuel promptly. Ignoring the warning not only puts you at risk of unexpected breakdowns but also jeopardizes the health of your vehicle’s engine. So, the next time that fuel light comes on, don’t wait until morning to get gas – take it as a signal to make a pit stop and ensure you have enough fuel for a smooth and worry-free journey.