It would seem, what is there to talk about? The data on the reserve in the fuel tank must be contained in the vehicle owner's manual. Or even simpler: the trip computer warns of a low fuel level and tells you how far you can drive to refuel. Not always. Others, instead of specific numbers, give out only dashes, forcing panic even more.

However, the authors of the instructions are often limited to in general terms... For example, "the low fuel level warning lamp comes on when the fuel tank is nearly empty." This is a quote from the instruction manuals. It also contains even an element of drama: "Running out of fuel can endanger people in the car." Fearfully...

Than the "light bulb" threatens

Similar exercises are found in the instructions of three bestsellers - Renault Logan, Renault Duster, Lada largus... As a carbon copy: "If the lamp comes on and does not go out, you need to urgently fill the tank with fuel." At the same time, the manual of the related Renault Sandero clearly states - "from the moment the warning light comes on, you can drive another 50 km."

In the instructions for Lada Vesta, there is a mention of a control lamp, and more should be described in the corresponding section, but the link leads nowhere. There is not even such a section as "Car operation". There is "Acquaintance", "Driving", "Leaving" and " Practical advice". On the contrary, Lada 4x4 has specific data (see the table). The same with Chevrolet niva... It looks like a legacy from Soviet times. But the Japanese and Europeans (Germans and Czechs) are just as accurate.

Panic aside!

As you can see, in order to find the answer to the question of how long and how far you can drive "on a light bulb", I have studied the operating instructions for the most popular cars in Russia. The data is tabulated. Conclusion: the minimum fuel supply that car manufacturers provide us is 5 liters, in most cases about 7 liters. This should be enough for at least 90 kilometers when driving on a suburban highway in a B-class car. So you shouldn't panic when you see a low fuel level lamp or a written warning that the tank is almost empty - unless you are in the tundra or desert. You will reach the gas station.

To find out where the nearest one is, look at the navigator map by turning on POI and setting a filter by gas station. No navigator - stop to use your smartphone or tablet. A short stop won't hurt. Of course, it is better to find a networked gas station with quality gasoline, but if there is no guarantee that such is nearby, it is better not to risk it and refuel at the first - minimally. You will reach a decent one - fill in full tank and dilute fuel of questionable quality. And wait a couple of seconds after turning on the ignition before starting the engine: let the pump fill up with normal gasoline.

Is it worth worrying if the low fuel level indicator light comes on on the instrument panel, how much more can you drive and how to save gas? We answer in order.

An indication to refuel is usually accompanied by a single beep. Hear this "ding" - start counting.

It would seem, what is there to talk about? The data on the reserve in the fuel tank must be contained in the vehicle owner's manual. Or even simpler: the trip computer warns of a low fuel level and tells you how far you can drive to refuel. Not always. Others, instead of specific numbers, give out only dashes, forcing panic even more.

However, the authors of the instructions are often limited to general words. For example, "the low fuel level warning lamp comes on when the fuel tank is nearly empty." This is a quote from the instruction manuals Hyundai solaris and Kia rio... It also contains even an element of drama: "Running out of fuel can endanger people in the car." Fearfully…

Low fuel level lamp is on

If you have to travel out of town, keep a small can of fuel in your trunk just in case. Make sure it closes tightly. It is more convenient when it is equipped with a watering can for refueling. Like this illustration, for example.

Meanwhile, "dry up" is bad: you can find a lot of unpleasant adventures both for yourself and for the car. For example, burn a gas pump that lacks cooling. In addition, it will begin to pick up dirt that is in the tank of any car with high mileage. Lean mixture can damage the catalytic converter. When the engine is running at high revs, and the fuel mixture stops flowing into it (for example, in a prolonged bend), this can lead to detonation and subsequent repairs. If it happens in a mountainous area, there is a risk of not overcoming the rise. Anyway, any forced stop far from civilization is unsafe. In winter, you can simply freeze to death, afraid to leave the car. Think fiction? Alas, it happens. And not only in Siberia and the Far East, but even in the central zone of Russia.

To reduce fuel consumption, turn off the air conditioner. This is a very voracious unit.

In fact, both Solaris and Rio have a lot in reserve: 7–8 liters, as the owners of such cars say. So, maybe it is worth giving such figures after checking? This is quite a feasible task for the concern. Or from the instruction manual new Hyundai Solaris, which is about to appear on russian markethas this horror been removed? It will be interesting to check when we get to know him.

Similar exercises are found in the instructions of three bestsellers - Renault Logan, Renault Duster, Lada Largus. As a carbon copy: "If the lamp comes on and does not go out, you need to urgently fill the tank with fuel." At the same time, the manual of the related Renault Sandero clearly states - "from the moment the warning light comes on, you can drive another 50 km."

In the instructions for Lada Vesta, there is a mention of a control lamp, and more should be described in the corresponding section, but the link leads nowhere. There is not even such a section as "Car operation". There are "Acquaintance", "Driving", "Leaving" and "Practical advice". On the contrary, Lada 4 × 4 has specific data (see the table). The same is true for the Chevrolet Niva. It looks like a legacy from Soviet times. But the Japanese and Europeans (Germans and Czechs) are just as accurate.

Leave Power mode until better times. Switch to Eco Mode, avoid sharp acceleration and deceleration.

How much gasoline is in the tank when the light comes on

As you can see, in order to find the answer to the question of how long and how far you can drive "on a light bulb", I have studied the operating instructions for the most popular cars in Russia. The data is tabulated. Conclusion: the minimum fuel supply that car manufacturers provide us is 5 liters, in most cases about 7 liters. This should be enough for at least 90 kilometers when driving on a suburban highway in a B-class car. So you shouldn't panic when you see a low fuel level lamp or a written warning that the tank is almost empty - unless you are in the tundra or desert. You will reach the gas station.

To find out where the nearest one is, look at the navigator map by turning on POI and setting a filter by gas station. No navigator - stop to use your smartphone or tablet. A short stop won't hurt. Of course, it is better to find a network filling station with high-quality gasoline, but if there is no guarantee that there is one nearby, it is better not to risk it and refuel at the first - minimally. When you reach a decent one, fill up a full tank and dilute fuel of questionable quality. And wait a couple of seconds after turning on the ignition before starting the engine: let the pump fill up with normal gasoline.

The common feature of the efficiency champions (among them the Volkswagen XL1, which consumes only a liter of fuel per 100 km of track) is flawless streamlining.

We crawl, hobbling in the darkness ...

How to get to the gas station? Close windows to improve aerodynamics and turn off the air conditioner if possible (air conditioning is a serious energy consumer). It is pointless to turn off music, it will not eat much. Leave the headlights on - otherwise you will save on safety, which cannot be done, no matter what happens. You need to move as evenly as possible, without sharp acceleration and braking, in top gear, at a speed of about 80 km / h (not in settlements). In 2008, our editor went to St. Petersburg and back on one tank at the wheel of a 170-horsepower Volvo.

Cruise control is a good fuel saving tool. You just need to learn how to use it correctly.

To maintain a certain speed in the middle of the last century, cruise control was invented, it is also a tempomat, which most cars have today. Cars with new automatic boxes gears are, in principle, more economical than cars with mechanics - they change gears according to a certain algorithm, and not randomly, and are trained to conserve fuel in the first place. But also in modern cars with MCP (for example, Lada Vesta) built-in "gear shifters" (AVTOVAZ term). And even in the ancient Zhiguli there is an econometer that suggests the optimal driving mode. And in foreign cars of the latest generation, as a rule, you can select the appropriate operating mode of the power unit by pressing the Eco button. Make the most of the tools available. If you can, check the tire pressure and bring it up to the prescribed (data is available on back side fuel filler flap or on a plate in the doorway). Are you traveling with a box on the roof and a trailer on the tail? To get to the gas station, get rid of both, pick up when the fuel is full.

But in general, we wish you never to see the fuel reserve light on, always fill the tank under the plug, and if you sometimes go out of town, keep at least a five-liter canister with a built-in watering can in the trunk. It is inexpensive, 500 rubles, does not take up much space. If it closes tightly, hermetically, it doesn't even smell. We do not recommend transporting plastic bottles with gasoline: they are more dangerous than canisters. And the car burns down in a couple of minutes.

Last but not least, the operating manuals are interesting reading. I advise.

Page from the manual for Lada 4 × 4 (ex- "Niva"). Everything is clear and very clear.

How much gasoline remains in the tank when the light comes on

Of course, drivers most often do not allow the gasoline light in the car to light up, which warns of a low fuel level in the tank. This warning indicates that it is time to refuel the vehicle. But should we immediately go to the gas station and refuel the car as soon as possible? How much time do we have before the car runs out of gas or diesel fuel? Here is a detailed table for many car models, which reveals in detail how much fuel remains in the tank after dashboard there is a warning about a low level of gasoline or diesel fuel.

The table below is an approximate value for a particular car model. Please note that the data are for vehicles manufactured up to and including 2015. Also keep in mind that some of the values \u200b\u200bin the table may differ slightly from the actual values.

But on average, the following values \u200b\u200bare obtained: cars, after the fuel level light in the tank lights up, they can still drive about 50 kilometers, while both SUVs and crossovers, which, as a rule, have an increased volume of fuel tanks, can drive about another 150 kilometers on a burning fuel light.

Does this mean that car owners may not rush to refuel when a warning on the dashboard about low fuel level appears? Of course not. Especially if you are in an unfamiliar area and have no idea how far the next one will be.

That is, despite the fact that in any car the fuel tank has a certain reserve of fuel, after the appearance of a burning lamp, signaling a low fuel level in the tank, you should refuel your car as soon as possible and prevent this warning from appearing next time again. Always keep the fuel level in the tank until a burning fuel light appears on the dashboard.

Is it dangerous to drive with low fuel level in the tank?

Many do not know, but in addition to the risk of running out of fuel if the low fuel warning is ignored, there are a number of problems that any car owner who often drives with an empty tank can face.

For example, frequent driving with an empty tank can prematurely drain the catalyst into exhaust system out of order, which will have to be repaired or purchased a new one, which is associated with huge cash expenditures.

Including frequent trips with a low fuel level in the tank can damage the fuel pump. The fact is that the fuel that we fill at the gas station is actually not clean (especially in Russia) and it contains various fractions of pollution that settle at the bottom of the tank. When the fuel level is low, we run the risk that such sediment can enter the fuel system through the fuel pump. Especially,. It is at this moment that sediment particles from the tank can get into the fuel pump. When normal level fuel, similar pollution risk fuel system minimal.

So if you do not want to spoil yours, then regularly and on time refuel your car, without bringing the fuel level to low levels, which lead to the appearance of a burning lamp on the dashboard.

Is the range on the vehicle's on-board computer accurate?

Many car owners are often guided by the readings of the on-board computer. vehiclewhich shows you the possible power reserve. Therefore, some drivers bring the car to a low fuel level, relying on the indicator of the on-board computer, believing that the indicated range is true.

Also, many drivers, when a warning about a low fuel level appears, immediately look at the readings of the on-board computer in order to find out how much more the car can drive on the fuel that remains in the tank (power reserve).

Unfortunately, the range is not accurate, as it is only based on the average values \u200b\u200bof your road travel in the past.

The fact is that the car electronics will not be able to show you the true range, since it cannot take into account your current driving conditions in real time, which affect the consumption of gasoline or diesel fuel.

For example, if you were driving on the highway before the lamp appeared on the dashboard warning you of a low fuel level in the car, and now you got stuck in a traffic jam, then the power reserve displayed on on-board computer, in fact, is incorrect, since this figure is calculated when driving on a highway, where the fuel consumption is actually much less than in conditions of heavy traffic in the city.

Therefore, do not expect that you will be able to drive a lot more with a low fuel warning.

So how much fuel is left in the tank from the moment a burning fuel light appears on the dashboard and how many kilometers can still be traveled until the fuel is completely consumed?

If the first question can still be answered quite simply, then how much more distance you can drive on an empty tank, after the fuel lamp on the dashboard of the car lights up, it is very difficult to say unequivocally, since it depends on real consumption fuel your car at a certain point in time.

And the consumption depends on many factors, from your driving style and weather conditions, as well as ending with the tires installed on the car and the road surface.

We have already, which disclosed in detail information about the power reserve on an empty tank. ...

The same article supplements the previous one and also expands useful information for car enthusiasts.

Here is a detailed car model chart that shows you in detail how much fuel is left in your car after a light comes on in the dashboard to warn the driver that the fuel level is low. Also from the table you will find out what distance on average you can drive after the warning about an empty tank.

Table of the remaining fuel in the tank after the light on the dashboard comes on

(by brands and models)

Yes, sometimes we can find ourselves in a situation when it will not be possible to refuel our car in time. In this case, in any case, sooner or later, a warning will appear on the tidy that gasoline or diesel will soon run out.

We advise you not to ignore this car electronics warning. But there is no need to panic. You still have time to find a gas station to refuel your car. Thanks to this table, you can roughly find out how much fuel you have in the tank, as well as what the vehicle's power reserve, after the appearance of the lamp indicating a low fuel level in the tank.

To inform the driver about the amount of fuel in the car's tank, a fuel level indicator is installed on the dashboard. By itself, it is not particularly noticeable and, in order to eliminate the likelihood of full consumption of gasoline or diesel fuel, there is additionally on the dashboard signal lamp, indicated by a schematic representation of a gas station.

When the light comes on, the light informs that there is critically little gasoline in the tank and it will be enough to cover a short distance. The fuel level warning light is made so that the driver will notice in advance that there is not enough fuel in the tank and drove to refuel.

The warning light can be considered a useful addition to the fuel gauge. The fact is that the sensor readings are not always accurate, there are certain errors (due to the configuration of the tank, the position of the car and a number of other factors). Therefore, the sensor can indicate an "empty" tank when it is на or 1/5 full, depending on the volume of the tank (which is 10-15 liters). This can be confusing for the driver, since the sensor arrow shows "0" at both 10 liters and 1 liter of petrol in the tank.

Indicator types, operating principles

By car with carburetor systems the signal lamp was powered from a potentiometric one, that is, the sensor and the lamp are connected. The principle of operation is very simple - when a certain level of gasoline is reached, the potentiometer slider connected to the float closes the lamp power contacts. At first, the contacts close intermittently (the splash of gasoline in the tank affects), so the indicator blinks, but with more fuel consumption, the lamp contacts become closed constantly.

In modern cars with injection system power supply sensor and indicator are separated. The signal lamp is powered by its own sensor mounted on the pump housing. The main element of the signal lamp sensor is a thermistor placed in a metal bulb. The principle of operation of the "lamp-sensor" circuit is based on the change in the resistance of the thermistor from the effect of temperature.

Everything works like this: a voltage is applied to the thermistor, which is why it heats up. Fuel acts as a coolant for it, it removes heat, maintaining the temperature of the sensor. If the gasoline level falls below this sensor, then the temperature of the thermistor will rise, which leads to a change in its resistance. Due to the change in resistance, the lamp lights up.

The indicator, built on the basis of a thermistor, is good in that it is not connected with the fuel level sensor and works independently of it. This makes it possible to notice a drop in fuel level even when the fuel sensor is not working.

How long can you drive with a lit bulb

Now about how much gasoline remains in the tank, if the lamp lights up and how much it will last for different models this figure is different. On average, car manufacturers set a reserve for 100 km of travel. That is, the light comes on if there are 5 to 10 liters of gasoline left in the tank, depending on the model. But this does not mean that after the warning light comes on, the driver will drive 100 km. The distance that can be driven on the reserve of gas is influenced by the driving style, features road conditions, load on the engine, etc. That is, one driver will travel 80-90 km on reserve, and the second will be enough for only 30-40 km. Therefore, you should not hope that you will drive a long distance on the remains of fuel in the tank. When the indicator lights up, you should immediately head towards the gas station.

How to drive if the gasoline light comes on

It so happens that the gasoline light on the dashboard lights up, and you still need to drive a considerable distance to the gas station. And in this case, measures should be taken to ensure that the reserve is sufficient until refueling. For this you need:

1. Choose a path with a minimum number of stops. Keep in mind that 5 liters of gasoline is not enough to start the car and drive to the gas station. You need at least 10 liters for the pump to be able to fully pump the power system and ensure a stable fuel supply. If there is less gasoline, then the gasoline pump, due to the lack of gasoline, will "drive" the air, because of which the engine will not be able to work stably.
2. Select the speed limit at which the gasoline consumption is minimal (70-80 km / h).
3. Reduce the load on the on-board network, leaving only the necessary electrical equipment on.
4. Close the windows, lean on the track behind the truck, this will reduce air resistance to a minimum.

These measures will allow you to drive a greater distance with the remaining fuel.

What threatens a small amount of gasoline

Note that it is better not to allow the amount of fuel to decrease to the level when the warning light goes off. If for carburetor cars a small amount of fuel does not have any negative consequences, except perhaps the probability of an unexpected stoppage of movement and a "walk" with a canister to a gas station, then in injection cars this phenomenon is dangerous.

The problem lies in the fact that the fuel pump in such cars is placed in the tank and the fuel for it is the coolant. If there is not enough gasoline, the pump electric motor may fail due to overheating. "Snatching" the air by the pump does not bring anything good either.

Another problem is that when the level is low, the fuel pump pumps fuel “from the bottom” of the tank, where debris and dirt accumulate. This leads to clogging of the fuel inlet filter, which causes the pump to operate under increased load, which increases the likelihood of damage.

Video: The light is on, how long will the fuel last?

Car malfunction is unpleasant. A breakdown will become unexpected if the vehicle is not followed and warned. One of them is the "Check engine" light. How to understand what the problem is, what it indicates and what to do if it catches fire.

Button assignment

The dashboard in a car is a way for the driver to monitor the level of gasoline, oil, the state of the engine or other components of the car, which guarantee a comfortable and quiet road trip.

Modern cars are equipped with an indicator necessary for the convenience and comfort of the driver. If earlier the engine malfunction had to be found only visually or by careful listening to the work, today a special light works. It is designed for the convenience of monitoring the condition of the engine. Ideally, it should light up only when the engine is started and go out after a couple of seconds.

If the light does not go out or lights up when driving, then you should think about malfunctions in the operation of the main component of the car.

How serious the reasons can be

Each signal on the car dashboard is an indicator that the driver must be attentive. When the check engine light comes on, there are several reasons.

1. Gasoline is a common cause. Due to the additives that unscrupulous manufacturers use in gasoline, the engine does not work properly, clogs up. Change fuel or refuel at a different gas station and everything works correctly.
2. Defective candles.
3. Breakage of the ignition coil.
4. Triggered oxygen sensor (lambda probe).
5. Broken exhaust catalyst.
6. Incorrect operation of high voltage conductors.
7. Malfunctioning injectors.
8. Fuel pump or fuel filter.

Start checking from the neck cap fuel tank... If it is not fully tightened or defects appear on it, then the light indicates wrong work engine.

Each of the reasons is not very scary, but requires elimination immediately. If you do not pay attention in time and do not diagnose the malfunction, you can lead to complete engine breakdown and the inability of the machine.

Engine is serious, but not necessarily what the job requires overhaul or replacing the engine. The work of the craftsmen is important in any issue related to the diagnosis and repair of the engine. But, if the reason is candles, then the replacement is carried out independently and quickly, without the involvement of masters.

What to do if the light is on

If you see that the engine check light does not burn as it should (it does not go out after starting the engine or burns when driving), then it is worth stopping to diagnose the car. You can do this not immediately, but it is necessary. Remember, if it lights up, this is the reason either go to a service station for diagnostics, or check the engine for faults.

The first thing that can be done when a light bulb comes on is to stop and listen to how the engine works: is there a troit, is there any extraneous noise or knocking. If you hear extraneous sounds, then they indicate the cause of the breakdown to an experienced driver. If the cause of the breakdown is not clear to you, the direct road is to the nearest service station.

If the reason for the light bulb lighting is low-quality fuel (this can be determined after diagnostics, after excluding other reasons), then the service technicians will tell you that it is worth changing the type of fuel poured into the car or the place where you are used to refueling.

They also conduct a visual inspection of the engine for cracks, irregularities, leaks. If you yourself find a breakdown, then repairs are carried out according to the reason.

• Oxygen sensor. It is worth replacing yourself, following the operating instructions for a car of a particular brand. If you do not make a replacement in time, then there will be an excessive consumption of fuel and the catalyst may break down, the replacement of which will be much more expensive.
• Leakage in the fuel tank is the reason for air getting inside, which means overspending. It is worth either replacing the lid or achieving tightness by means of gaskets.
• Candles. It is the main element that guarantees tanning fuel mixture... If it does not work correctly, then the car will refuse to work at all. Replacing the candles is not difficult if you are already experienced driver... You can change either only the candle that has already worked out its own, or all at once, in order to probably already avoid malfunctions in the car. In the store it is worth buying a set of candles just for your car. If you are not sure that you will buy the correct option and can change it, then go to the service station, there are already the necessary parts and specialists will be able to replace it quickly and affordably. In the matter of candles, it is worth remembering that old-style cars require replacement every 20,000 km, and if the car is new, then on the same candles it can travel up to 150,000 km. If you change the candles on time according to the requirements technical operation your car, then you can avoid damage to the catalyst and improve engine performance.
• Replacing the MAF sensor. This part regulates the amount of air that is needed for a quick ignition. When it is faulty, it means excessive fuel consumption, an increased amount of carbon dioxide in the exhaust, poor acceleration, and a decrease in engine power. Most often, the breakdown is associated with an incorrectly installed air filter or the filter has already expired. When it comes to changing the sensor, the costs are related to the price of the sensor itself, but the replacement service in the service is not so expensive, because it does not require a lot of time and is simple in technology. Regular filter replacement guarantees long sensor life.

Nuances of the "Check engine" light bulb

The check engine light on the instrument panel appeared in the early 90s. but then the sensor was only aimed at monitoring the operation of the carburetor. That is, the light came on when:

• There was a blockage;
• The combustible mixture was prepared incorrectly for engine operation, etc.

Today, the work of a light bulb is much wider. Carburetors in cars of the new model no longer exist. Injectors are installed instead. It is in connection with this novelty in the car that the light bulb shows not only the wrong mixture. Thanks to her, the driver learns about:

• Interruptions in work;
• Ignition problems;
• Poor gear shifting and more.

See what else a burning check engine light may indicate (video)

Outcome

Thus, thanks to such a light bulb on the panel, it is possible to control almost every element of the engine, its condition and performance.

The engine control light on the driver's dash is a status indicator. If it does not burn according to the rules, then you should pay attention to this and go for a diagnosis. Timely elimination of breakdowns is a guarantee of safety and comfort on the road. Attentiveness to your car will exclude breakdown at the most inopportune moment.