Is it harmful to run on low gas?

NickBaragona · 10-16-2011, 01:45 PM

I heard his may only pertain to older vehicles, but sometimes I run my Z until the gas light comes on. Is this ok to do?

mjg · 10-16-2011, 02:11 PM

Cars need gas, put gas in the car to make them drive. Don't worry so much.

Cafiax · 10-16-2011, 02:41 PM

i keep at least 1/4 tank in my Z. gas cools down the fuel pump soo better safe than sorry right?

kenchan · 10-16-2011, 02:52 PM

I treat the 1/4 mark as my empty.

NickBaragona · 10-16-2011, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

I treat the 1/4 mark as my empty.

That's what I did when I first bought the car. I've let the E light come on 3 times though. The only thing it could possibly harm is the fuel pump though right?

Trips · 10-16-2011, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickBaragona

That's what I did when I first bought the car. I've let the E light come on 3 times though. The only thing it could possibly harm is the fuel pump though right?

Not the pump but the fuel filter. The gasoline has sediments that settle in the bottom of the tank. This is why it's not good to run the tank too low for fear of picking up those sediments into the filter, and leading to the car starve from not having enough fuel. I normally fuel up at 1/4 if possible.

NickBaragona · 10-16-2011, 04:49 PM

Well hopefully I didn't cause any harm to my car. I'll make sure to refuel at 1/4th of a tank from now on.

scionide · 10-16-2011, 06:44 PM

I've let my tank run to 1-2 dots a few times...

This thread makes me worry lol

Mandingo · 10-16-2011, 06:51 PM

You didn't cause your car harm by running near empty a few times.

SPOHN · 10-16-2011, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

I treat the 1/4 mark as my empty.

6MT · 10-16-2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjg

Cars need gas, put gas in the car to make them drive. Don't worry so much.

Trips · 10-16-2011, 09:09 PM

I wanted to clarify that my reply was only to WARN of the potential problem for running the tank low. It's not meant to scare people into thinking it will happen on a single low tank occasion, sorry for not making it clear.

NismoZ370 · 10-16-2011, 09:33 PM

I run it low quite often probably more then i should but no issues ill let you guys know if it dies one day from low fuel sediment suckup

11Thumper · 10-16-2011, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scionide

I've let my tank run to 1-2 dots a few times...

This thread makes me worry lol

Sounds like you'll need a new motor soon.

jaedub · 10-17-2011, 12:16 AM

I always....ALWAYS refill my car at _ _ _ mark.

10-16-2011, 01:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
NickBaragona Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 353 Drives: 40th 370Z Rep Power: 13	Is it harmful to run on low gas? I heard his may only pertain to older vehicles, but sometimes I run my Z until the gas light comes on. Is this ok to do?

10-16-2011, 02:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
Cafiax Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Canada - Richmond Posts: 291 Drives: 10 Nissan 370z PW A7 Rep Power: 14	i keep at least 1/4 tank in my Z. gas cools down the fuel pump soo better safe than sorry right? __________________ 2010-PW-370z Fast Intentions CBE 18" res + HFC, K&N Typhoons Intakes(Gen 3 Stillen soon), 20mm H&R Front - 25mm H&R Back, Shine Auto(Sunline)

10-16-2011, 06:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
Mandingo Track Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Dallas Posts: 624 Drives: '10 370z 6spd Rep Power: 3370	You didn't cause your car harm by running near empty a few times. __________________ some mods

10-16-2011, 09:09 PM	#12 (permalink)
Trips Administrator Join Date: May 2009 Location: Disneyland, Ca Posts: 8,728 Drives: 🔰 Rep Power: 10	I wanted to clarify that my reply was only to WARN of the potential problem for running the tank low. It's not meant to scare people into thinking it will happen on a single low tank occasion, sorry for not making it clear. __________________

10-16-2011, 02:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
mjg Base Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: nyc Posts: 243 Drives: 13' GT 500 Rep Power: 15	Cars need gas, put gas in the car to make them drive. Don't worry so much.

10-16-2011, 02:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	I treat the 1/4 mark as my empty.

10-16-2011, 04:49 PM	#7 (permalink)
NickBaragona Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 353 Drives: 40th 370Z Rep Power: 13	Well hopefully I didn't cause any harm to my car. I'll make sure to refuel at 1/4th of a tank from now on.

10-16-2011, 06:44 PM	#8 (permalink)
scionide Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: so-cal Posts: 436 Drives: 11 370z PW 6mt Rep Power: 14	I've let my tank run to 1-2 dots a few times... This thread makes me worry lol

10-16-2011, 09:33 PM	#13 (permalink)
NismoZ370 Track Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 711 Drives: a GTR soon! Rep Power: 15	I run it low quite often probably more then i should but no issues ill let you guys know if it dies one day from low fuel sediment suckup