g37brad

I always fill up once the gas light comes on, I think it's around 30-35 miles left on the tank according to the screen. I was just wondering is this fine to do? Am I causing more wear on the fuel injectors? I know a lot of people fill up at a quarter of a tank, but I'd rather just run the entire tank.

Thanks!

movinon

I've read where it may shorten the life of your fuel pump, since the pump uses the gas in the tank to keep it cool.
It is a bad habit regardless of what it may add extra wear to. Most owners that run their tanks will eventually run out of fuel and that's more of a PITA then filling the tank a bit more frequently.
Tom

Freshness

I usually fill up when the gas light comes on or sometimes even 30-40 miles after that. I know, i know bad habit--but when i fill up I top it off every time. Most people i see nowadays at gas stations are only putting like 20-40 bucks in the tank...

Rad_Slinger

iTrader: (12)

I don't let my tank get below half. I don't think it really matters though, nor do I think it will harm the pump.

Personal preference.

Hapa DC5

iTrader: (1)

Nothing wrong with filling up when the light goes on.

Dulanicki

The gas cools the fuel pump, so it does cause strain on the fuel pump. In addition, any water and dirt that collects on the bottom of the fuel tank is now sucked in by your pump. Your fuel filter will catch the dirt, but not the water.

firstinfiniti

Unless you are running out of fuel, the pump will be ok. As far as the dirt/water at the bottom of the tank is concerned, the pump doesnt dive deeper if the fuel is low. The pump is fixed low in the tank already. Just because your tank is full does not mean the pump will start from the upper layer of the fuel. Fill up the gas when the light comes on and your pump will do just fine.

Black Betty

iTrader: (60)

Here's the truth about this topic as it comes up periodically and this misinformation is spread anew.

It does absolutely no harm to your fuel pump or injectors or any other part of your car to use all of your gas. Period. There's no trash or water in your tank. It doesn't make the pump hot. It does no harm whatsoever. There is quite a bit of reserve fuel even after the gauge says empty and the distance to empty says zero. At least 2-3 more gallons.

I have 81K miles and I almost always run it very low. To 0 miles left and beyond. Routinely. I opened my tank on both sides. Clean as a whistle. The pump is cooled by the cold gasoline running through it any time it pumps fuel. As long as there is any fuel being pumped its being cooled.

Run it as low as you like as often as you like. Just don't run it completely out and keep trying tu run it dry by continuing to try to start it after its dry.

Dj1ofDet

iTrader: (5)

All the mechanics I've dealt with over the years said this exact same thing, with the exception of water in the tank. That sounds like you need to find a new gas station!

tejasg37x

Has absolutely nothing to do with running your tank low. Complete myth that this causes trash and water to be sucked into the fuel pump.

If you have trash in the bottom of the tank, it's going to suck into the pump no matter how much gas is in the tank.

Water is heavier than gas (technically, more dense), so it will be on the bottom whether the tank is full or empty.

firstinfiniti

Ok, this is making too much sense too quickly in the post. We need someone to throw a wrench in so we can beat the horse to death. Anyone.

Dj1ofDet

iTrader: (5)

bdotrebel

I always fill up when it says I have around 60ish left.

EliasFaust

I've read where it may shorten the life of your fuel pump

Black Betty

iTrader: (60)

I'd be really appreciative if you (or anyone who says this) could post where you are reading this. I'd honestly like to read it for myself.