Driving constantly with a low fuel level in the tank is not just the risk of getting stuck on the road. What do we expose the engine to while driving with the fuel light on?
Many people know that the warning light usually comes on ahead of time, and the car is capable of driving far more than the computer declares. Depending on the model, the range varies from about 100 to 150 kilometers. This is why some drivers use the tactic of driving constantly on a minimum amount of fuel. For many drivers, a burning fuel gauge is the norm. Unfortunately, this has many negative consequences. Such behavior is irresponsible. It's not so bad if you run out of fuel in summer: in winter we don't turn on the heater when the engine is turned off, which is handy when standing in hours-long traffic jams in the freezing cold.
However, this is only a small part of the problems that can cause the habit of constantly driving with a lit fuel tank indicator. Low fuel level in the tank affects many drive units of the car, mainly the fuel supply and injection systems. All because the tank contains not only fuel, but also air. As a result of temperature fluctuations on the walls of the tank water condenses, which then escapes with the fuel, including to the injectors, causing corrosion of their components. In addition, constant driving on "vapors" clogs filters and lines, leads to problematic air ingress into the fuel system, and sometimes to complete engine failure.
8 unpleasant consequences, to which long driving on a "dry" tank can lead
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
1. Fuel system clogging
Small impurities in the fuel are easily "caught" by the fuel filter. If we neglect to refill the tank regularly, corrosion will appear on the tank walls. The intensity of contamination will increase significantly, and sediment will form, which will eventually clog the filter.
Symptoms
The car struggles to start and will likely jerk and lose power while driving.
Repair
Flushing the fuel system and replacing the filters along with the fuel tank.
2. Fuel Pump Jamming
The pump, located in the tank, lubricates and cools the fuel itself. When it is lacking, air is also sucked in while driving, such as when cornering, disrupting the proper operation of the element. Eventually the pump jams. In cars with gas equipment, we will not even feel it.
Symptoms
The engine does not start, and if it does start, it runs chaotically and stalls on acceleration.
Repair
There is nothing to do but replace the gasoline pump.
3. Water in Fuel
When the fuel in the tank is low, water condenses on the sides. In case of frost, it will turn into ice crystals, which will get into the filter and air ducts, clogging them.
Symptoms
Clogged lines do not deliver the right amount of fuel. The engine struggles to start and gradually loses power.
Repair
It is worth adding water absorbent to the fuel system after it is completely filled. If this does not help, flush the tank or replace the fuel filter.
4. Corrosion of injector components
Corrosion of metal injector parts may be caused by the use of low-quality fuel. Sometimes corrosion is also caused by moisture in the fuel supply. That is why it is important to replace the fuel tank together with the injectors.
Symptoms
Difficult to start the engine, smoky exhaust, irregular operation combined with increased fuel consumption.
Repair
Clogged injectors should be replaced or regenerated. Also, you should not forget to install a new tank: otherwise the problem will return. By the way, it is worth cleaning the hoses and installing a new fuel filter.
5. Corrosion of the fuel tank and lines
The tank is corroded mostly from the outside - road salt and residual moisture are to blame. Sometimes the fuel tank rusts from the inside as well. All because of the accumulated water, which runs off the walls to its bottom.
Symptoms
Fuel leaks from the corroded fuel tank. You can smell it in the interior of the car.
Repair
6. The fuel tank should be replaced with a new or used one that is in good condition.
Air in the fuel system.
This is the most common driving effect until the fuel tank is completely empty. In cars with gasoline engines, it is usually enough to fill the car up to full for the problem to go away. In diesels, the situation may be more complicated. Remember that you should not try to start the engine from a jolt.
Symptoms
The engine does not start even after refueling.
Repair
Deaeration of the system is carried out in several ways: with a hand pump (if there is one in the car), a diagnostic computer or by turning the key several times in the ignition position, waiting a few seconds each time. In cars without an initial pump in the fuel tank, it will probably be necessary to install an external pump.
7. Damage to the injection system
The aforementioned attempt to ignite the engine on so called on diesel engines without a downstream fuel pump, the high-pressure pump lubrication stops. This results in the formation of sawdust, which enters the injectors, destroying them.
Symptoms
The engine will not start even though the fuel level has been refilled.
Repair
The pump and injectors must be replaced.
8. Engine damage
When a turbocharged engine suddenly runs out of fuel, the fuel-air mixture is depleted and consequently the temperature in the combustion chamber rises. A piston may even burn through.
Symptoms
The engine does not start or loses compression in any of the cylinders. Its operation may be accompanied by knocks.
Repair
Engine overhaul or replacement with serviceable, used engine is necessary.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
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