Low Fuel Light illuminated next to gas gauge

How far can you drive your vehicle when the Low Fuel light comes on?

The vehicles of today are built to take you further distances than ever, with many of them able to achieve fuel efficiency levels not previously seen anywhere on the market. However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t find yourself in a bind occasionally, seeing your fuel gauge reach lower levels than you’d otherwise be comfortable with. We’re sure that at some point you’ve wondered, “How far can you drive your vehicle when the Low Fuel light comes on?” The answer is far from concrete across the board, but our Carville’s team has put together a handy guide to help you out should you encounter this light flashing! 

When does the Low Fuel light usually start flashing in a vehicle?  

In most new and used models, the “Low Fuel” light signal is either designated by flashing text or a symbol of a gas pump. There are sensors in your tank that let your electronics know when you’re running out of gas, and the light will start flashing when you’re down to either a gallon or 1.5 gallons of fuel left. This can vary depending on the model, however, so it’s best to consult your owner’s manual for a more accurate reading.  


Low Fuel light shining on modern dashboard


Since most current vehicles have greater fuel efficiency than their predecessors, the Low Fuel light isn’t necessarily a death sentence for your drive. In fact, you can still drive anywhere between 30 and 50 miles (at the absolute furthest) in order to find the nearest gas station. Since Grand Junction is a heavily populated area, this shouldn’t ever become that serious of an issue, but in any case, it’s best to be informed before you head out.  


Read More: How to calculate your vehicle’s fuel economy


Test drive a fuel efficient used vehicle at Carville’s Auto Mart in Grand Junction CO 

If you need a model that can take you further on every tank, you’re in luck! We’ve got plenty of vehicles in our inventory that can achieve greater than 30 highway miles per gallon, and we invite you to schedule a test drive with us today!  


More FAQs: Why is a vehicle’s fuel efficiency better on the highway?