As the cost of living crisis deepens, motorists may be tempted to run cars until they are almost out of fuel but a mechanic has warned against this as it could cause serious damage
Scotty Kilmer has issued a stark warning to all petrol and diesel car owners, stating that they could be at risk of “burning out” a key engine component through a common refueling blunder. In these tough economic times, drivers might be tempted to stretch their fuel to the last drop.
However, the popular YouTube mechanic has strongly advised against waiting until your tank is nearly empty before refueling. He stressed that keeping tanks from running dry is crucial in safeguarding your vehicle’s fuel pump. In his latest clip, Scotty explained the real danger behind this common oversight: “Today I’m going to tell you why you don’t want to drive your car with the fuel gauge all the way down to E.”
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He added that, in most modern vehicles, the fuel pump is concealed within the petrol tank, where petrol actually serves as the lubricant for its internal bearings.
The YouTuber warned: “So if you actually run out of gas then this baby sucks air, the bearings will burn out because air does not lubricate them.”
His pro tip? View a quarter tank as empty: “So if you want to be smart, treat quarter as empty. So they have a quarter of the tank, fill it up then. Your car will last as long as mine, 220,000 miles and still has the original fuel pump.”
The advice received applause from viewers, with one motorist sharing their own story of how failing to maintain adequate fuel levels led to a costly fuel pump replacement. A follower known as @deadringer3729 chimed in on Scotty’s channel, confirming: “Yep this is true I had to do my fuel pump because I kept pushing it to empty.”
Social media user @eyesea123 warned: “Plus the gunk at the bottom of the tank will travel through your engine on empty.”
In a similar vein, @pblaze6286 advised: “I have been doing that for years was told many years ago 1/4 is empty so don’t pick any junk sitting at the bottom.”.
Meanwhile, @jamesgrissom3750 provided insight: “Not only lubricants the pump. It also aids in dissipating heat from the pump while running submerged in the fuel as well.”
A YouTube commenter also pointed out: “Gas in a tank can also have particles of debris at the bottom of fuel tanks. The crap could also clog up the fuel pump as it gets sucked up to be used.”
Despite these warnings, some social media users expressed scepticism, reports the Express. They claimed their own experiences contradicted the feedback, noting no damage from running on low fuel levels.
@anthonyhartle8564 countered: “My truck has 350,000 miles and is always on E. Only replaced fuel pump twice since the year 2000.” And @1974Qball boasted: “I’ve been driving near empty for 30 years, no problems lol.”
