Tank on Empty: Just How Far Can You Drive After the Gas Light Comes On?

During a road trip, the gas light on Justin Davis' car went on and he pondered the question that has puzzled mankind since the invention of the automobile: just how far can you drive after the gas light comes on?

The "Tank on Empty" concept is simple: Your light comes on, you hit the trip meter, drive for as long as you can -- or dare -- and then go to the site to submit the number of miles you travelled beyond E. For example, 129 drivers have entered data for the Toyota Corolla, which I drive, logging an average of 44 miles after the light.

Davis continues: "The feedback I receive usually identifies three types of people: The ones who think it's a fun idea (my favorite); people who don't think the information is detailed enough because it doesn't take into account engine size or number of passengers or something (the pedants); and, the people who have to warn against driving on low gas because it'll hurt your car or could kill you or something (the overreactors). It's fun to categorize them as people leave messages."

Link: Davis' website Tank on Empty | Article on Network World by Paul McNamara


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Wow, this is really useful for all those sneaky car hire firms that ask you to pay for a full tank and bring back empty. I can now leave them a good 40 miles less in the tank!
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I was driving up north with the family (2003 Acura TL) when my gas light went on, i was 20 miles till the next serive station and i made it with no problems.
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