My 1999 Mercury Mountaineer has a small screen inside that shows how many miles I can go until the gas tank is empty. Currently, the car is on 'E' but it still shows that I have 18 miles until empty. I need to leave my house, but I'm afraid I'll run out of gas seeing as how the nearest open gas station is 8 miles away. Would it be okay to drive now, and will I make it?
2007-08-06 17:18:20 · 12 answers · asked by Brylee 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
I have the same screen on my '03 ford f150. the number of miles left in the tank is based on the average mpg since the miles per gallon screen was last reset. you will be ok for the 8 miles, and could very well make more than 18 before running out.
2007-08-06 17:27:06 · answer #1 · answered by bikermog 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fuel gauge isn't 100% accurate, or even 80%. Its an estimate based on known volume and dimensions. However, if the fuel warning light has not come on yet and the display reads 18 miles to go, you should be ok as you're trvaeling 8 miles. Generally, you have an 5-10 mile reserve once the light comes on.
2007-08-07 00:26:07 · answer #2 · answered by SouthBayTech 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
GO FOR IT !!!
Is there a quick mart that is closer? If so you could buy a bottle of fuel treatment and that would be enough to get you there.
Don't run the AC. Drive about 20 mph, that will give you a better chance. Do you have a lawnmower gas can around. You could put 1/2 gallon in the tank and be OK.
Good luck.
2007-08-07 00:24:00 · answer #3 · answered by Gatsby216 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should be able to make it, however just go really easy on the gas...
Honestly, do not rely on the screen that says 18 miles per gallon. it is used to tell you that you get better mileage than you think but do not rely on this, use it for just an average, not the truth
You should obey when the car says it is on 'E' not a screen that can screw you over. When it says 'E' fill up and dont take any chances
2007-08-07 00:24:38 · answer #4 · answered by Butter 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes i think it should be ok to drive to the neaest gas pump as all cars have a reserve which kicks in when the gas level touches 'E'.Usually this reserve is 1 Gallon at least so that you wont get stranded in the middle of the road. Hope this helps.
2007-08-07 00:23:09 · answer #5 · answered by RC 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, it will run off fumes for a while. I once went about 15 miles when my tank was on empty. I was freaking out the whole way though.
2007-08-07 00:26:21 · answer #6 · answered by Jared 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
yeah usually there is a reserve gallon after the needle is on empty which explains why it is giving you 18 mi. You should be alright
2007-08-07 00:22:41 · answer #7 · answered by Mark L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gas gages are not very accurate. So you may as well take a chance. On the otherhand , if we said "no way" How long would you sit at home?
2007-08-07 00:26:36 · answer #8 · answered by jimanddottaylor 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go get some gas before going anywhere else or you might get stuck!
2007-08-07 00:23:07 · answer #9 · answered by terpinturtle 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chances are pretty good on the side of making it
2007-08-07 00:22:53 · answer #10 · answered by Ron F 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋