After running out of gas, a vehicle becomes immobile. However, there are certain steps you can take to restart your car and get back on the road. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to restart your car after running out of gas. We will go over the necessary steps, precautions, and tips to ensure a safe and successful restart.
Before attempting to restart your car, it is essential to take safety precautions. Park your vehicle in a safe location, preferably on a level surface. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your situation. If possible, avoid restarting your car in heavy traffic or on an incline. Once you have ensured your safety, you can proceed with the restarting process.
To restart your car, you will need to add fuel to the tank. If you have a portable gas can, carefully fill it with gasoline and transport it to your vehicle. Slowly pour the fuel into the gas tank, taking care not to spill any. Once the tank is filled, close the gas cap securely. Now, you can try restarting your car by turning the key in the ignition. If the car starts, allow it to run for a few minutes to stabilize the fuel system. If the car does not start, you may need to repeat the process or seek assistance from a mechanic.
Find a Safe Place to Pull Over
Running out of gas is an inconvenient and stressful situation, but it’s important to remain calm and follow the correct steps to restart your car safely.
When you realize you’re low on fuel, don’t panic. Gradually slow down and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Choose a Safe Location:
Select a well-lit and visible spot to pull over, preferably on a straight stretch of road or a wide shoulder. Avoid pulling over on curves or hills, as this can pose a safety hazard.
Check your surroundings for potential obstacles, such as ditches, guardrails, or other vehicles. If possible, park your car in a parking lot or a well-populated area.
Once you’ve found a safe spot, pull over to the side of the road and engage the parking brake.
Call for Roadside Assistance
Calling for roadside assistance is a convenient option when you run out of gas. Here are the steps to follow:
- Find a safe location: Pull over to the side of the road in a well-lit and visible area. Ensure you’re not blocking traffic or creating a hazard.
- Contact the service: Most vehicles come with roadside assistance plans. Check your vehicle’s documentation or contact the manufacturer to confirm your coverage. If you don’t have a plan, you can contact a local roadside assistance company.
- Provide your details: When you call for assistance, be prepared to provide the following information:
- Your name and contact information
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- Exact location of your vehicle, including street address or mile marker
- Nature of the problem (ran out of gas)
- Wait for assistance: The roadside assistance provider will typically dispatch a tow truck to your location. The technician will bring fuel to refill your tank and get you back on the road.
| Service | Phone Number |
|—|—|
| AAA | 1-800-AAA-HELP |
| GEICO | 1-800-424-3426 |
| Allstate | 1-800-ALLSTATE |
Use a Gas Can
Step 1: Locate the Gas Tank
Identify the gas tank door, which is typically located on the side of your car, near the rear wheel. Open the door and remove the gas cap.
Step 2: Pour Gas into the Can
Use a gas can to fill it with gasoline from a gas station. Ensure you use the correct type of gasoline for your car.
Step 3: Connect Gas Can to Car
Carefully align the spout of the gas can with the gas tank opening. Firmly insert the spout into the opening to create a seal.
Step 4: Pour Gas into the Tank
Slowly pour the gasoline from the gas can into the gas tank. Avoid overfilling the tank; stop pouring when the gas reaches the bottom of the filler neck.
| Fill Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Bottom of Filler Neck | Ideal fill level |
| Overflowing | Avoid overfilling |
Step 5: Reinsert Gas Cap
Once you have poured enough gas into the tank, remove the gas can spout and tightly screw the gas cap back onto the tank.
Step 6: Start the Car
Try to start your car. If it doesn’t start immediately, turn the ignition key to the “on” position and wait a few seconds before starting the car. This gives the fuel pump time to circulate the gasoline throughout the system.
Push the Car to a Gas Station
If you have a friend or family member with you, ask them to help you push the car. If you’re alone, you can try pushing the car yourself. Here are some tips:
- Put the car in neutral. This will allow the wheels to move freely.
- If you have a manual transmission, make sure the parking brake is off. If you have an automatic transmission, leave the parking brake on.
- Position yourself at the rear of the car, facing the direction you want to go.
- Bend your knees and grip the bumper with both hands.
- Push the car as hard as you can. If you’re having trouble moving the car, try getting some momentum by running alongside it before pushing.
- Once the car is moving, steer it towards the gas station. Be careful not to push the car too fast or you may lose control.
Tips:
- If you’re pushing a car with a manual transmission, be careful not to push it too fast or you may damage the transmission.
- If you’re pushing a car with an automatic transmission, be careful not to push it too hard or you may damage the torque converter.
- If you’re pushing a car with a rear-wheel drive, be careful not to push it too fast or you may lose control.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be more efficient than having the car towed. | Can be difficult to do if the car is heavy. |
| Can be done without the need for any special equipment. | Can be dangerous if the car is moving too fast. |
| Can be a good way to get some exercise. | Can be time-consuming. |
Reset the Fuel System
1. Turn the ignition to the “On” position.
This will power the fuel pump and allow it to prime the system.
2. Wait for the fuel pump to stop running.
You will hear a faint humming sound as the fuel pump runs.
3. Turn the ignition to the “Start” position.
The engine should start within a few seconds.
4. If the engine does not start, repeat steps 1-3.
It may take several attempts to get the engine started.
5. If the engine still does not start, check the fuel filter.
A clogged fuel filter can prevent fuel from reaching the engine.
6. If the fuel filter is clean, check the fuel pump.
A faulty fuel pump can prevent fuel from reaching the engine.
7. If the fuel pump is working, the problem may be with the fuel injectors.
Fuel injectors can become clogged or faulty, preventing fuel from entering the engine. To clean fuel injectors, you can use a fuel injector cleaner. If the fuel injectors are faulty, they will need to be replaced.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turn the ignition to the “On” position. |
| 2 | Wait for the fuel pump to stop running. |
| 3 | Turn the ignition to the “Start” position. |
| 4 | If the engine does not start, repeat steps 1-3. |
| 5 | If the engine still does not start, check the fuel filter. |
| 6 | If the fuel filter is clean, check the fuel pump. |
| 7 | If the fuel pump is working, the problem may be with the fuel injectors. |
Refuel Promptly
Keep an eye on your fuel gauge and refill your tank when it reaches a quarter-full. Don’t wait until the low fuel indicator lights up, as it may be too late.
Maintain Your Fuel System
Regularly check and replace your fuel filter, as a clogged filter can restrict fuel flow and cause your car to run out of gas unexpectedly.
Know Your Fuel Efficiency
Determine the average fuel efficiency of your car by calculating the number of miles traveled divided by the gallons of gas used. This knowledge helps you estimate how far you can go on a given amount of fuel.
Avoid Excessive Idling
Minimizing idling helps conserve fuel. Turn off your engine when waiting for extended periods or in traffic, as idling uses unnecessary fuel.
Plan Your Trips
Before embarking on a road trip, plan your route and identify gas stations along the way. This ensures you know where you can refuel if needed.
Bring Emergency Fuel
Carry a small container of emergency fuel in your car, especially during long journeys or when driving in areas with limited gas stations.
Use Fuel-Saving Techniques
Adopt fuel-saving practices such as driving at a steady speed, avoiding rapid acceleration and braking, and maintaining proper tire pressure.
Prevent Running Out of Gas in the Future
Monitor Your Fuel Gauge
Continuously observe the fuel gauge and refill your tank before it becomes dangerously low. Pay attention to the warning lights and the distance to empty indicator on the dashboard.
Regularly Calibrate Your Fuel Gauge
Over time, the fuel gauge may become inaccurate. Recalibrate it occasionally by filling your tank completely and resetting the odometer. Drive for a specific distance and note the fuel gauge reading. Calculate the actual fuel consumption and compare it to the gauge’s indication. If there’s a significant discrepancy, adjust the gauge accordingly.
Use a Fuel-Tracking App
Utilize smartphone apps to monitor your fuel consumption, set reminders, and locate gas stations. These apps provide real-time updates, allowing you to plan refueling stops strategically.
Safety Precautions
1. **Pull Over Safely:** If you realize you’re running low on gas, pull over to the side of the road as soon as it’s safe to do so. Avoid stopping in traffic lanes or near sharp curves.
2. **Turn On Hazard Lights:** To alert other drivers, turn on your hazard lights as you pull over to indicate that your vehicle is experiencing problems.
3. **Park in a Neutral Area:** If possible, shift your car into the “Neutral” position to avoid accidentally rolling if it starts moving due to the incline of the road.
4. **Engage Parking Brake:** Ensure that your parking brake is engaged to prevent your car from accidentally rolling away, especially if you’re parked on an inclined surface.
5. **Stay Calm:** Panicking can impair your judgment. Stay calm and follow these safety precautions carefully to avoid further accidents.
6. **Use a Flashlight in Low Visibility:** If it’s dark, use a flashlight to illuminate your surroundings and make yourself visible to oncoming traffic.
7. **Be Aware of Traffic:** Pay attention to any vehicles approaching from behind to avoid potential collisions.
8. **Have a Passenger Assist:** If you have a passenger with you, ask them to help you monitor traffic or assist with the refueling process.
9. **Wear Gloves:** Gasoline can be a skin irritant. Wearing gloves can help protect your hands from any spills or exposure.
10. **Follow Refueling Instructions Carefully:** Different vehicles may have specific refueling procedures. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for proper guidelines to avoid any damage or injuries during the refueling process.
| Safety Precaution | Description |
|---|---|
| Pull Over Safely | Move to the side of the road in a safe location. |
| Turn On Hazard Lights | Alert other drivers of your vehicle’s situation. |
| Park in Neutral | Prevent accidental rolling due to road incline. |
| Engage Parking Brake | Secure your vehicle from rolling away, especially on slopes. |
| Stay Calm | Avoid panicked actions that can compromise safety. |
How to Restart a Car After Running Out of Gas
Running out of gas is a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation. If you find yourself in this predicament, don’t panic. Follow these steps to safely restart your car:
- Pull over to a safe location. If possible, pull over to the side of the road in a well-lit and visible area.
- Turn off the engine. This will help to conserve any remaining fuel.
- Get out of the car and look for a gas station. If there is a gas station nearby, walk there and get a gas can.
- Fill the gas can with gasoline. Make sure to get enough gas to fill your tank.
- Return to your car and carefully pour the gasoline into the gas tank. Be careful not to spill any gasoline on yourself or the car.
- Get back in the car and start the engine. Your car should start right up.
People Also Ask About How to Restart a Car After Running Out of Gas
What happens if you run out of gas while driving?
If you run out of gas while driving, your car will suddenly lose power and stall. Do not try to keep driving on an empty tank, as this can damage the fuel system.
How far can you drive on an empty gas tank?
The distance you can drive on an empty gas tank depends on the size of your gas tank and the fuel efficiency of your car. However, most cars can only drive for a few miles after the fuel gauge reads empty.
Is it bad to run out of gas?
Running out of gas is not good for your car. It can damage the fuel system, lead to a flat battery, and cause the car to overheat. It is important to refuel your car as soon as the fuel gauge starts to get low.
