Drivers have been warned that running fuel gauges down can be a risky business. Nearly three in 10 drivers admit their vehicle has run out of fuel before, rising to over half of 18–34-year-olds.
Driving a car regularly with low levels of petrol or diesel can cause damage to a vehicle, as debris in the fuel tank can clog the fuel pump or filter. There is also the risk of suddenly having no power, potentially on a busy road, or being stranded in a remote location, which could put the driver, vehicle occupants and other road users at risk.
There are over 12 million ‘red line runners’ across the UK, according to new research from breakdown provider Green Flag. These ‘red line runners’ are drivers who let their fuel tank get as close to empty as possible before filling up, with 31 per cent of drivers more likely to do this due to the current cost-of-living crisis.
Young drivers are the most likely to risk running out of fuel, with half of ‘red line runners’ aged under 35. The current economic situation has seen a third of drivers more likely to have to budget for petrol, while a quarter are more likely to fill up every time they go to the petrol station to avoid having to pay for a full tank at once.
These changes in refuelling habits are part of a wider change in behaviour, as nearly three-quarters of motorists have changed their driving patterns because of the rising cost-of-living. Young drivers have been most adversely affected, with 84 per cent having changed the way they drive.
The average motorist now drives 23 fewer miles each month compared to January. Over the same time, the average cost of filling a fuel tank has risen by nearly £10, from £65.27 to £74.90, so cutting back on these 23 miles each month could collectively save motorists £8.5billion.
Katie Lomas, Head of Green Flag Breakdown, said: “Running out of fuel can be both costly and dangerous. However, our research shows that millions are taking the risk, which may be due to drivers overestimating how far their car can travel when its tank is nearly empty.
“While drivers are under more financial pressure than ever, not putting fuel in a car could be a false economy as constantly running a tank low can cause mechanical problems, not to mention the inconvenience of breaking down. Prevention is always better than cure and we know that many breakdowns are avoidable if proper care is taken before and during a trip, so keep the tank with enough fuel to complete your journey safely.”
Green Flag recommends drivers follow these steps if they run out of fuel on a motorway:
- Make sure you pull to the left as soon as there’s a hint of trouble: Pull onto the hard shoulder and use this to slow to a halt. Be careful not to run over any debris and as you come to a stop, switch your hazard lights straight on
- Aim for an emergency phone: These are at one-mile intervals and will connect you directly to the police who will instantly know your location
- Never try to fix it yourself: Whatever the problem with your car, you should never attempt to mend it yourself at the roadside
- When your car is stationary: Turn the front wheels towards the verge. If the car is shunted by another vehicle this will ensure it moves away from the carriageway rather than into it. If it’s dark or visibility is poor, turn your side lights on
- Get everyone out of the car: Leave the car through the left-hand doors and move away from the vehicle. If you have children with you make sure they’re being looked after by a responsible adult away from the roadside – potentially up the verge where possible. Keep pets in the car; they may get spooked and run onto the carriageway
- Don’t display your red warning triangle: With fast moving traffic the risks far outweigh the benefits of doing this
- Call for help: If you’re not near an emergency phone and you’ve got a mobile signal, ring either your breakdown provider or the police
- Wait near your car for assistance: Make sure your vehicle’s safe and you’re standing safely away from any moving traffic ideally behind any barrier
