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When your low-fuel light comes, how many more miles before your run out of gas?


Posted: Oct 16, 2014

I have a 2003 Chevy Cavalier.  It doesn't have an actual "low-fuel light."  It has a light that says "check gauges" when the gas gauge hits E.  Normally, I would have filled up before now, but I'm broke and payday is tomorrow.  So I really I just have to make it until tomorrow morning.  I work in the office and have to drive about 40 miles to get back home.  The light came on this morning on my way to work and I had 15 miles left of my commute.  So to put my mind at ease, I was hoping someone could say "yeah you'll make it home."  That's all I really need to do, drive 40 miles to home and then I can fill up first thing tomorrow.  It sucks living from paycheck to paycheck!

;

I should add, I've googled and can't find a consistent answer. - TKN

[ In Reply To ..]
Some say 1 or 2 gallons or 30 more miles. Others say some makes and models low-fuel light comes on when you have 5 gallons left.

It's iffy. - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Gosh, I hate to think of you trying to get home basically on fumes, TKN. Could you borrow a few bucks from a co-worker to buy gas and pay them back tomorrow? If it's already on E, I just don't think you can make it 40 miles. I might be wrong, though. Please be careful.

Check Owner's Manual - see msg

[ In Reply To ..]
Your owner's manual (if you still have it) should say how many gallons. From there, you have to know how many miles per gallon your car gets.

However, I wouldn't mess with it. If you're living so much on the edge that you might have to drive on fumes, you need to either re-think your lifestyle and/or spending habits, if that's the problem,or get another job. If you're doing MT, leaving MT is good advice anyway.

My lifestyle is I'm a single mom who receives no child support. - TKN

[ In Reply To ..]
If I could change it, I most certainly would in the blink of an eye. I live paycheck to paycheck because I have to pay my bills and feed my kid. I would leave MT for a new career, but I don't have that luxury right now. Can't go back to school because I'm too busy working 12+ hours a day to make ends meet. My bills consist of rent, utilities, groceries, gas, and car payment (yes, CAR PAYMENT on my 10 year old car).

But thanks for the advice. It's good advice, even I can't take it right now. :)
do u have a debit card? I can get more $ from mine even when there is no money... - have you ever tried that? At worst, they'll c
[ In Reply To ..]
My guess is you have about 40 miles when that light comes on. You've gone 15 already...Ima say NO! Don't do it. Stick your debit card in the thing and hope for the best...I've been in your shoes, I'm in them now really. No money, can't go anywhere. Best to you.
forgot that my credit card or debit used as - credit only takes $1
[ In Reply To ..]
and then usually 2 days later it comes through.
Suggestion - sm
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I don't know your circumstances, but you might qualify for food stamps or other public assistance. If you have not considered that, please do. Don't be like me ... I went for several years not knowing that I was eligible.

That's when I charge my gas, and then I do - without something else down the - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
line in order to pay the gas card bill when it comes due. Robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Borrow $3 and put some gas in it. - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I drive a car that gets 16-17 in town and 23 on highway. I would hope most of yours is highway since it is so far.

Chevy Cavalier --maybe 25-30 on highway? You are probably okay. What is the most gas you have put in it to fill it? (I know it has been a long time ago for me too) and what does the book say it holds. And have you filled it from when the light just came on? You can subtract around with that info. I have found my gas light comes on at about 2 gallons left in tank. Also, my light will come on depending on how I am parked (uphill/downhill), but if you were moving it is probably "real." If I were there I'd give it to you--LOL--Check for change under the seats and glove box and cup holders????bottom of purse??? Maybe you've already been there---been there and understand---good luck.

My truck generally has 3 gallons at that point --sm - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Before I knew that though, I would not want to risk it and would scrounge up some change or borrow from someone to add another gallon or 2. You are right, it does suck living paycheck to paycheck. Good luck.

Too many variables. - Weekender. sm

[ In Reply To ..]
How many potential red lights? Any hills to go up and/or down? Highway or city street? These all make a difference in gas mileage. I would prefer you borrow money, just to play it safe. Sorry I cannot be more optimistic, but I tested low-gas fate once, and lost. I always keep at least $10 in the car now.

what a disaster. No, I don't think you can make it. 55 miles on empty? No, you can't take - try to borrow a few bucks! U poor thing--wishing y

[ In Reply To ..]
:)

I found 4 bucks in my glove compartment which will get me home. - TKN

[ In Reply To ..]
My sister is going to meet me at the gas station at home and put at least 10 more in it until tomorrow.

God I'm pathetic...

Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts and advice.

yea! - wish i had a sistah! Good luck! :)

[ In Reply To ..]
:)

Being poor sure does suck! I've had to choose - sm - Lotus

[ In Reply To ..]
between putting a gallon of gas in the car to get home after buying groceries, or buying a half gallon of milk. Since the two items cost about the same, and since gas is cheaper per gallon than milk is, I usually opt to buy gas to ensure mobility, and just eat my cereal dry.

I know how that feels! sm - Deb

[ In Reply To ..]
and it WILL get better. I was just like that a couple years ago... in fact I totally remember googling "how far can a jeep go on E" It feels terrible. But you made it through that crappy little situation, it will be payday soon, you will get by, you are not pathetic. You are working your tail off. Take it easy on yourself.

I think it varies from car to car, even when it's - the same make and model. sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Even though you might have a little more than a gallon left in the tank, because it can vary depending upon where the fuel sensor is placed, you also have to assume you're truly close to empty.

Well I hope you made it home, but doubtful - sm - XXX

[ In Reply To ..]
But your car manual should give you the answer, if not call a Chevy dealer. But usually when the light comes in there is anywhere from 1-2 gallons depending on the vehicle. With my Chevy Trailblazer, I have 1 gallon of gas in there so 15-18 miles is all I have left before it will sputter and die. I have run it pretty dry a few times, actually died once while I was pulling up to the gas station and a bunch of guys jumped out of their car and pushed me up to the pump when I couldn't coast that far!-------I hope you borrowed $10 from someone and got gas to get home!

my tank gives me 23 miles - radmt

[ In Reply To ..]
it would be so nice to have money in the bank for gas. I know how ya feel. My car gives me 23 miles when low light comes on. yet to fail me.

low fuel light - oa

[ In Reply To ..]
Depends on the size of your gas tank. In newer cars however, try not to get that low - apparently the engine doesn't like it (I've been told). Keep $5.00 in the glove box. I always have an extra $10. stashed, 5 for gas and 5 for an emergency latte'!

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