When to fill up....

So, the fuel light came on tonight. Big deal right? That happens on a regular basis if you drive a lot.

I have read on this site and others that even when you hit "0 miles to empty", you still have like 2 gallons left. It changes to "Refuel", too.

I wanted to test that theory. You know, for SCIENCE! I drove another 13 miles after it hit 0, and I plan to drive another 15 - 20 more. I'm curious how much gas is actually left in the tank.

I feel like Kramer when he takes the car salesman on a test drive. Has anyone else tested this out?

 

I’ve run my 2019 below E and 430 miles on that tankful, and still barely able to squeeze in 20 gallons. It’s a 23-gallon tank.

You’re keeping a gallon with you during this experiment, right?

 

Darn right!

 

May the Toyota Gods be with you!
They may put a curse upon you
And your fuel pump.

 

do you think its ok to drive uphill in neutral with the engine off to save on gas ?

 

Guess I'm really old, but no it doesn't happen on a regular basis, LoL !
I never let the needle go less than a tick or two below a quarter tank. Not sure if it's true, but used to be drilled into us that going too low was bad for the fuel pump but on a practical level, I never wanted to be 'desperate" to find a gas station just in case I was too far, plus with family scattered all around, I always wanted to be ready to jump in and go if needed.
But I guess I kinda understand the desire to test the system....I never trusted the 'miles to go" estimate on the display.

 

stupid experiment. potentially dangerous for traffic around, when engine quits abruptly. and not healthy for fuel system. fill it when gauge show that for less than 100 miles fuel remaining. its about 5 or 6 gallons. unless your name is Kramer. but he wasnt driving his own car.

 

from personal experience i recommend you do not do that with your wife anywhere near. They dont get the “science” aspect

 

Absolutely, When the wind is strong enough.

 

I wouldnt test this out too many times. Not good for the fuel pump thst requires fuel to keep cool.

my son likes to play this game a lot as he is too lazy to fill up when he hits a 1/4 tank left. Drives me insane!

 

Anticipating the outcome of this test.

 

Hey man, we all get the heart pumping different ways, so I won’t judge lol.

But you have to be out of gas by now!?

I inadvertently tested deep past E on one occasion. The range estimator had stopped counting a while back, and I was about 15 miles from home. Stopped at a gas station and realized I didn’t have my wallet on me! Doh! It was a rush, but I got it home lol

 

Okay, I filled it up this afternoon after I made a few more trips around my area. When the "Refuel" popped on the screen I marked the mileage. I drove an additional 35 miles.

When I filled up the gas pump stopped at 20.98 gallons. I had almost two gallons left in the tank. I could have kept on going. Oh, and kept on filling it up past 20.98 gallons. Yeah, Yeah, spare me the additional lecture of "Never top off the tank buddy!", but again....I'm testing this shit out for science!

I filled it up alllllllllllll the way to the edge of the neck. When it finished, I put in 23.54 gallons. I guess the neck of the fuel tank will hold an additional 1/1.5 gallons?

Now I know: When the distance to empty hits 0; I can drive another 40-50 miles safely. But I'll only do that in emergencies.

 

From my understanding, it's not the neck of the tank holding more gas. You're just flooding your EVAP canister and potentially doing actual damage.

 

That's one lecture. Who is next!

By the way: Love your name.

 

That's the test he won't like the outcome of.
Don't ask how I know. (BTW, it was on a different make model.)

 

Lol gotta say thread is certainly entertaining! And I'm noting your findings in my brain, thank-you for the experiment.
I'm also noting the wisdom in the comments.
Absolutely true do not tell your wife a thing if you have one. Tell me you asked Google or Siri first! Testing on a 2023 Special Edition is savage.
Def let us know if you experience a like a whining noise from the pump or lack of power and stuff.

 

Thanks for the experiment for science lol. Even though I am 43, I feel like an old man - I start to panic any time my tanks are less than 3/4

Or maybe it was from watching Breaking Bad.... you never know when you're going to have to jump in and drive to a drug lords house in the middle of the desert Gotta be gassed up! lol

 

Welcome! Funny you mentioned that show. I'm re-watching/re-binging it right now.

I'm kind of torn what my next experiment should be in the name of science:

A) Driving with the windows down in 30 degree weather, but with the heat going full blast.
B) Seeing how fast I can drive in reverse.
C) Taking a really sharp turn while doing 65MPH and in 4Hi.
D) Finding out the real top speed of the Slo' Runner. Toyota claims 113mph. I bet I can get it to 125!


I'm kidding of course, because despite this experiment, I do take care of my vehicle. This was a one time thing, and to be honest, it was funny watching some of you people freak out. When the tank gets low, I gas it up. When I gas up and it clicks, I stop pumping.

Thanks for playing along, and GO COWBOYS!

 

As a retired auto mechanic you might be surprised at the number of "No Starts" I had to fix that were simply out of fuel. When the customer was informed of the problem the response was "But my fuel mileage indicator said I still have X miles to empty". Slap my forehead duh moment.