Leaving the fuel tank near empty is one of the most common driving habits that can bring about damage to the engine and other compartments. One of the primary long-term consequences of driving low on gas is damage to the car’s fuel pump. The gas inside your tank keeps the fuel pump cool and lubricated. When your vehicle’s tank is almost empty, the fuel pump is no longer submerged in gas, increasing the chance of overheating. To keep the fuel pump fully submerged, it’s best to keep your tank at least 1/4 full.
Moreover, low fuel can result in engine cylinders to misfire. As you travel at higher RPMs, the car wants to suck more air and fuel inside the cylinders to boost speed and torque. If the car can’t pump enough fuel, it can bring about knocking sounds inside the engine and result in long-term damage. The engine knocking is the same problem that occurs for many turbocharged vehicles if you use regular gas instead of premium.
