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.
