It’s tough to remember to get gas when you need to, right? But if you forget too often and run around with too little gas in your car’s tank, you might be setting yourself up for trouble. Here’s what Cary’s Auto Service wants you to know.
You Might End up Stuck Somewhere
The problem that leaves you scrambling the most might just be finding yourself stranded somewhere. That might be easy enough to fix simply by topping up the tank with some gas, but it can still be a problem. And if you’re dealing already with some of these other issues, then getting stranded with a completely empty tank might be a bigger problem than you realize.
Your Car’s Fuel Filter Can Clog Up
The fuel filter is an important piece of equipment on your car. What happens is that the fuel pump sends fuel through the filter so that sediment, debris, and anything that shouldn’t be in the gas is removed before it gets to the fuel injectors. Anything that gets around the fuel filter can clog the fuel injectors and it’s especially dangerous for that stuff to get into the engine itself. Low levels of fuel in the tank means it’s more likely that all that stuff you’re trying to keep out of the engine ends up filling up the fuel filter.
Or the Fuel Pump Can Get Damaged
But wait, there’s more. There’s also the problem of what happens to the fuel pump itself when there isn’t enough gas in the tank. The fuel pump sits down in the tank so that it can pump gas up to the filter and from there through the fuel system. When there’s plenty of gas in the tank, that helps to keep the fuel pump cool while it’s running. It also keeps air out of the fuel pump and the fuel lines, which is important.
The Biggest Problem Is What Happens to the Engine
The worst thing that could happen from running around with too little gas in the tank on a consistent basis is that all those issues can build up, creating a situation where your car’s engine eventually gets damaged. Improper fuel levels cause misfires, and eventually misfires create some big damage. Eventually, you’ll end up seeing the check engine light, and that’s your sign that there’s big trouble.
If you want to make sure your fuel system is working properly, we can help. Give us a call at Cary’s Auto Service in Tempe, AZ and we’ll be happy to take a closer look.