Cap'n Snappy Snuggle Duffle

I guess that information is based on a normal functioning gas tank gauge. My first new car, 1963 Dodge Dart GT, I was driving and the gauge read 1/4 full when I ran out of gas. To this day I seldom let my car go w/o filling when it gets to around 1/4 full. My newest vehicle, 2010 Hyundai, has a reading that estimates how many miles you can go. I don't even trust that.

My parents' first Volkswagen didn't even have a gas gauge. When you ran out of gas, you flipped a lever to open the reserve tank. It had a half-gallon in it.

Something else to consider; modern cars have the fuel pump IN the gas tank, using fuel as coolant for the pump. Letting the gas get too low will stress the pump... do that too often and you may need a new gas pump, which means (A) a lot of labor costs to replace the pump, or (B) a new gas tank (or a referb if you're lucky). My advice: don't press your luck, stop and refuel ASAP.