trapped in a snow storm, how long can your gas last?

Question

trapped in a snow storm, how long can your gas last?
assuming u have a SUV with full 20 gallon tank?

Answer 1

An overall average for all cars is that you can run an engine on idle for 2 hours per gallon of gas (researched by Scott Sulder, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Scotsdale, AZ).

If your SUV uses twice as much gas as an average car then you'll use one gallon per hour - 20 gallons, 20 hours.

To maximise fuel turn off lights and anything else that's not needed and run the engine on idle. Only run the engine for short periods of time, ideally no more than 15 mins per hour (on this basis your fuel will last 80 hours).

Make sure snow and ice doesn't block the tailpipe and keep a window slightly open (one not facing directly into the wind) - might sound daft but fumes seep into the passenger compartment of the vehicle and you need to disperse them. Check the tailpipe from time to time if snow continues falling.

In seriously bad conditions stick with your vehicle unless help is close at hand and you're equipped for the elements. Where possible keep lights clear so you can signal other drivers. Similarly, scrape snow off the vehicle so drivers (and rescuers) can see you.

When setting out go prepared for the snow - blankets, sacking (for traction), torch (head-torch is better), warm clothes including gloves and hat / balaclava, tow rope, winch, high energy food and candy bars, something to drink (one of those small kettles you plug into the cigarette lighter is a Godsend not only for drinks but instant noodles and the like), snow shovel, reading material, booster cables for jump starts. A Power Station / Inverter is a great bit of kit for charging cell phones, powering a laptop, portable TV or whatever.

Been stuck in snow a few times (knew it was going to happen so went prepared) - boredom is the worst thing.

Answer 2

Actually, you can last many days depending on food and fuel. Running the car and using the heater only occasionally making sure your exhaust system is clear when you do run it along with decent clothing that I always keep in the boot along with some emergency food, I figure I can last about a week. But with the improved forecasting the last twenty years or so, I just don't go out when deep snow is forecast anymore. Where I live, any snow is normally gone within 3 days so it really not a problem here. Where I grew up, in the north, we were occasionally snowbound for 3 to 5 days nearly every winter. Never did get stuck away from the house, we headed for home and battened down the doors before it got too nasty.

Answer 3

Really depends. You would want all lights off, and the engine only running about half the time to conserve heat. Also making sure the tailpipe isn't blocked.

Answer 4

about a month if you run engine every 3 hrs for an 1/2 hour to 15 mins just enough to keep you warm a guy did this up here in washington and lasted around 2-2 1/2 weeks

Answer 5

SUV with a 20 gallon tank? About 6 minutes. Good luck