A driver or not, everybody knows how important fuel is in keeping a car running. So how do people run out of gas in the middle of their journey?
Surprisingly, an empty gas tank is the commonest mechanical breakdown reported each year. Sometimes it’s the procrastination to top up a below-half gas tank, or sometimes it’s simply the bad luck of missing the last gas station on the highway. Still, more often, some drivers are caught by surprise after the utter negligence to monitor their gas tanks. Whatever the reason, running out of gas, especially on an abandoned stretch of road, is always a bummer.
Nevertheless, despite the frequency, the majority of the drivers are highly inexperienced about how to handle the aggravating situation. While calling a friend, family, 911, or a Detroit towing company might be your first plan of action when your car thump with telltale signs of an empty fuel tank, there are still unfortunate situations where calling for help is not an option. That is why it is best to be informed about some alternate means of assistance to better tackle the unpleasant moment.
Telltale signs of an empty gas tank in your vehicle
You will be glad to know that even though your car might run out of gas, your engine won’t suddenly die. Thankfully, a vehicle engine gives enough warning signs and symptoms to communicate the depleting fuel level in your tank, which can avoid frustration if taken care of immediately.
Here are a few telltale signs that can confirm that indeed your car has run out of gas, in addition to the empty sign on your gas gauge.
- Sputtering engine
- Loss of power
- Surging and jerking sensations
- Backfire
6 things to do when you run out of gas in the middle of nowhere
Once you face any of the above-mentioned warning signs, do not continue driving as it could damage your vehicle. It is best to slow down and follow these six steps to make it to your destination reasonably late.
- Get your vehicle to a safe area
Driving with an empty fuel tank can severely damage your vehicle parts that help push fuel to your engine. Therefore, you need to pull over to a safe spot where you can give your vehicle a rest and analyze the situation. However, a sudden turn or braking can turn an inconvenience into an accident. Like we said earlier, it is best to slow down as soon as you hear your engine sputtering. Do not forget to turn on your hazard lights and then carefully move your vehicle to the right shoulder of the road.
- Know where you are
Gas tanks can ditch you in the worst of circumstances and often in a less than ideal location. Before calling for help, you need to ascertain your location, so there is no confusion. If you are stuck in an unidentified neighborhood and lucky enough to have a navigation app, note your GPS coordinates. While in case you are abandoned in a remote stretch of the highway, examine your surroundings and look for the name of the road, directions, signs, landmarks, or mile markers near you.
- Call for roadside assistance
Once you are in a safe spot and have gathered enough information about your location, make a call to theroadside help network and let them know your emergency. Make sure to communicate all the necessary and correct information regarding your location and the vehicle’s specifications. Moreover, to avoid any troubles, ask questions about the services you will need; when hiring a towing service, inquire about how much does a flatbed tow truck cost or ask them to bring the specific type of fuel your vehicle requires if you are requesting fuel delivery service.
- Conserve your phone battery
The only thing more annoying than an empty gas tank is a dead phone battery in an emergency. When you run out of gas in the middle of nowhere, your phone is an important asset to keep you out of harm’s way. After you have called for help, the roadside service providers will contact you on your phone for any query. You will likely need to find gas stations near you or even contact your family. That is why it’s best to conserve your battery and avoid watching cute videos or scrolling social media while waiting for help.
- Flag down traffic for help
In a situation when you don’t have access to a cell phone, you might want to consider flagging the traffic for help. While some people have bad intentions, there are many good Samaritans who are ever ready to help you on the road. However, while flagging for help, take extra precautions for your safety. You need to be far away from the oncoming traffic, avoid corners and curves, stand in a visible area, and – if possible – use bright clothing, so you are visible to the passersby.
- Walk to the nearest gas station
When all else fails, the only way to get gas is by walking to the nearest gas station. To locate one, use your phone and try going the way you came to avoid getting lost. In addition, it is recommended to walk around only if you have enough food and water to last for an extended time, the weather seems fine, and you feel safe around the area.
SPN America Roadside Assistance Network will bring you gas
In the event your car runs out of gas in the Texas triangle, the SPN America service provider network can offer super-fast fuel delivery anytime, anywhere. Our experienced and professional team not only guarantees quick fuel delivery but also assists you in refueling your vehicle. For the best roadside assistance, call us at 469-331-0777 and communicate your emergency and location precisely so we can reach you as soon as possible.