How far your car can drive when fuel light comes on including Audi, Ford and Vauxhall

We’ve all experienced that moment of panic when the orange fuel light comes on, indicating it’s time to refuel. It’s natural to wonder just how many miles you can squeeze out before your vehicle comes to a standstill.

Knowing the specifics of this ‘fuel light lottery’ would certainly be helpful. According to experts at Confused.com, the answer depends on several factors, including your car’s make and model, your driving style, and road conditions.

They revealed that data suggests cars can generally cover between 30 to 45 miles after the fuel warning light has been triggered. The RAC has stated that a Ford Fiesta can continue for approximately 37 miles once the fuel light is activated, while a Volkswagen Golf can manage about 44 miles, reports the Daily Record.

But what happens if your car’s fuel gauge hits zero?

Confused.com explains that some vehicles may have a small buffer when they reach zero miles on the dashboard. However, this safety net could be as little as ten to 15 miles and should be viewed as a ‘final warning, not a challenge’.

Operating your car when it’s indicating zero miles could result in damage to components such as the vehicle’s fuel pump and injectors, leading to expensive repairs.

Should you find yourself with a fuel gauge reading zero, there are steps you can take to stretch what little remaining petrol or diesel you have until reaching a filling station. It’s vital to make your way to the closest petrol station whilst bearing in mind these top tips:

1. Drop your pace

Sticking under 50mph can notably enhance your car’s fuel economy.

2. Minimise engine idle

If stationary for some time, it’s better to switch off the engine.

3. Reduce vehicle weight

Clear out superfluous items from your motor to lighten the load and boost fuel efficiency.

4. Turn off air conditioning

Save fuel by turning off the AC and winding down windows when the air isn’t too breezy.

5. Smarter routing

Head for the nearest petrol station using routes less bogged down by traffic.

Confused.com stresses: “At the end of the day, your fuel warning light isn’t just a suggestion it’s a reminder to act fast. Running on empty is a risk not worth taking.”

For details on how far you can continue after the fuel light ignites, check your vehicle’s owner’s handbook. Below are examples showing estimated miles left once the warning light turns on, based on figures like a residue of 10 per cent tank capacity and real-world MPG data from HonestJohn combined with info regarding fuel tank size from Cars-Data.com.

Bear in mind that variables such as your driving style, your car’s condition, and other factors can affect the distance till empty.