The expert estimated the power reserve of the car when the fuel bulb lit up.

There is no single indicator of the remaining available mileage when the low fuel indicator is triggered for all cars. Most cars have about 5-10 liters of fuel left when the light bulb lights up, which on average corresponds to 50-100 km of travel, but the actual stock may vary significantly. This was stated by Valery Chmelev, director of the Podolsk Cadets Fit Service, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reports on August 13.

For example, a compact car with a fuel consumption of about 7 liters per 100 km and a 45-liter tank can travel up to 80 km on a light bulb, while a heavy crossover, which is stuck in traffic with air conditioning and a full load, consumes 15-18 liters per 100 km, and the power reserve is reduced to 30-40 km.

The on-board computer also does not provide an accurate forecast, as it is guided by the latest traffic conditions. After the route, the system may show a significant margin, but in heavy traffic and with the air conditioner turned on, the margin is rapidly decreasing. The final number is also affected by air temperature, vehicle load, tire pressure, and seasonality.

The expert drew attention to the fact that driving with a minimum fuel level on a regular basis can lead to accelerated wear of the nodes. The fuel pump in modern cars is cooled by fuel, and when the level is low, the heat sink deteriorates, especially in the heat or when driving actively. In addition, during maneuvers, the remaining fuel moves in the tank, which can cause the pump to briefly capture air, which leads to engine failures or shutdowns. An additional risk factor may be water, rust, and contamination in an old or damaged tank.

The specialist noted that refueling at the first opportunity after the indicator is triggered is considered optimal practice. During daily operation, it is recommended not to lower the fuel level below a quarter of the tank, especially in winter and during long-distance trips, which reduces the load on the fuel system and gives the driver more flexibility when choosing a gas station.

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Nikita Rodionov, technical director of Fit Service, an international franchise car service network, warned on July 29 that refilling gasoline after the first click of the filling gun is not recommended due to overload of the vapor capture system, the risk of expensive breakage and the creation of conditions for leaks and fire.