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.

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.

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.

cheshirecat · 10-17-2011, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple's

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.

That used to be the case back in the day when fuel was kept in metal-based containers at the gas stations. Those containers would rust, which created the "sediment".

Today, those containers are made out of synthetic materials which do not corrode. You don't really have to worry about particulates in your gas any longer.

wheee! · 10-17-2011, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheshirecat

That used to be the case back in the day when fuel was kept in metal-based containers at the gas stations. Those containers would rust, which created the "sediment".

Today, those containers are made out of synthetic materials which do not corrode. You don't really have to worry about particulates in your gas any longer.

agreed.... except in older areas that have older gas stations that may still have the metal tanks. I am always afraid of the gas I am getting when I am filling up in the Kootenay's of BC and through some of the smaller towns!

I always try and fill up at the 1/4 mark as a rule though.

SPOHN · 10-16-2011, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

I treat the 1/4 mark as my empty.

KillerBee370 · 10-17-2011, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

I treat the 1/4 mark as my empty.

This. If anything I just hate hitting that ridiculous fuel cut in a hard right hander

Mt Tam I am · 10-17-2011, 09:23 AM

I try and fill up at half so that it gets done by 1/4.

You will not kill the tank or fuel pump running low once in awhile. A habit of running on empty is is no good.

I thought the VDC was on when the car hiccuped in a turn, so I tried to turn it off, only it was already off. The tank was low.

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.

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	#4 (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)

10-17-2011, 09:23 AM	#12 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3842	I try and fill up at half so that it gets done by 1/4. You will not kill the tank or fuel pump running low once in awhile. A habit of running on empty is is no good. I thought the VDC was on when the car hiccuped in a turn, so I tried to turn it off, only it was already off. The tank was low. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

10-16-2011, 06:51 PM	#15 (permalink)
Mandingo Track Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Dallas Posts: 625 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, 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	#5 (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	#13 (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	#14 (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