Petrol vehicle drivers could save hundreds with simple tank-filling rule

We all know that we should never let our cars run low on fuel, as you can find yourself in a sticky situation when you break down in the middle of nowhere. But there’s another reason on top of that – and it all comes down to damaging your motor.

Running on empty can stop the fuel filter, which is needed to keep dangerous debris from clogging the engine. Should your filter clap out altogether, the Express say that you could be faced with an eye-watering repair bill upwards of £200.

And if your damage stems further, leading to your car being recovered from the road and taken to a garage – it could be even higher. Previously, insurance experts at Confused.com issued a warning about the issue.

The Star reports that their website, read: “As the fuel level gets low the car will start picking up debris from the bottom of the tank. With diesel cars, the engine management system shuts down before you run out of fuel, preventing damage to the car.

“But with petrol cars there’s no system like this.”

The site also warns that driving on fumes can damage the catalytic converter, while experts at Your Mechanic said that running out of petrol can ‘do more damage than simply wear out your shoes’ walking to the nearest fuel station. They added: “It can also cause damage to your vehicle.

“When a car or truck runs out of gas, the fuel pump can go out as it relies on fuel for both cooling and lubrication. This might not happen the first time, but if running out of gas becomes a habit, it is likely to happen.”