The range computer said that I had approximately 1 mile left. When I filled up, I got 14.75 gallons of gas, yet our cars are supposed to hold 16.9 gallons. So how far have you guys pushed the car in terms of draining the gas tank? Did I really have another 2 gallons left in the tank?

 

I have heard that most vehicles have a reserve of 2 gallons that aren't accounted. Saying you are empty or have 0 miles left until empty when you actually have a gallon or two. Kind of a built in protection plan for those who really push the limit.

 

I've not let my F's fuel level go down very far yet but if it's anything like my Infinitis, it has a large safety margin (about 2 gallons) when the readout is saying 0 miles to empty.

The engineers really don't want us running the level down that low probably to prevent damage to the fuel pump which needs cooling from the fuel, (as well as not running out of fuel)...

Colin.

 

yes.. i personally have experienced many times running on 0 range... you are safe to drive approx. 20-30 miles on it.. depending on your driving

 

I actually find my fuel gauge seems to go quite quickly after it hits 1/2 way. My range has always been all over the place. But I just blame the above due to my right foot.

And yes every car I have ever owned hit 0 range when it had 2 gallons remaining. I just figure the car wants to save me 2gallons of gas on my next fill-up.

 

On Lexus/Toyota vehicles, 2-3 gallons left once the light comes on is correct. As for draining it down to the last drop, it's definitely not a good idea at all.

 

how about when our trip computers say 0 miles left till empty Ryan? haha

 

Typically, when the low fuel light comes on, we have a little less than 1/4 tank remaining, but when the trip computer says zip, then there still is a couple gallons left in. (just don't count on it tho.)

C.

 

There are enough weird things that can happen that Lexus decided to show 0 miles to go with ~2 gallons left. The same was true on my IS350. I drove 456 miles on a tank of gas, and really thought I had to be down to fumes (it was a straight through drive for the whole tank), but it only took 15 gallons to fill. I'd been seeing 0 miles to go for quite some time before I filled up. I could have gone another 30 miles, but really didn't want to push my luck between Wichita Falls and Irving.

FWIW, I calculated 30.4 mpg, but the on board device said I got 28.7 mpg for the tank.