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Empty Tank Can Damage Engine
2005-10-03 - By ciaran
Motorists are regularly putting themselves and their car at risk by running out of fuel, according to research highlighted by the RAC School of Motoring in Rathmines.
A survey by the RAC School of Motoring in Ireland shows that 25 percent of Irish motorists surveyed said that they had run out of fuel at least once and nearly 30 percent admitted to regularly driving "a considerable distance" with the warning reserve light on. These findings complement research from the UK which reveals that over 20% of those surveyed have run out of fuel at least once and a staggering one million drivers have run out of petrol five times or more.
The UK survey showed that 38% of motorists who wait until the gauge hits red before filling up are not only running the risk of being stranded, but are also causing damage to their car which could cost hundreds of euro to repair. Dirty carburetors, blocked fuel filters, contaminated fuel lines and damaged fuel pumps are just some of the things that can require attention when drivers regularly let their car run out of fuel.
With petrol now breaching the €1.20 mark in many Irish garages, motorists have also become more likely to shop around before they re-fuel, unwittingly driving on a near empty tank.
Manager of the RAC School of Motoring, Ailbhe Sharp, said: "With the recent increases in the price of fuel many drivers are being tempted to gamble by driving further on their reserve in the hope of saving a couple of euro. Our advice to motorists is to plan ahead, in particular, if you are taking a long journey, make sure you have sufficient fuel in your tank so that you don't risk driving on your reserve. In the long run, it could save you the cost of expensive repairs to your engine".
Men are far more likely to risk driving on the last few drops of fuel than women. However, twice as many women leave the gauge on red so their partner has to fill up, putting themselves at risk of being in the car when it runs out. Women travelling alone should be especially careful not to run out of fuel, which can result in a breakdown due to either no fuel or the damage caused to the engine.
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