We all have been there, driving around and we hear the dinging sound of our low fuel light. Most of us put our full faith in our vehicles to tell us when we need to do something, even when they are about to run out of gas. How costly is it for us to drive our vehicles when the gas tank it low? Some of you might be surprised to see just how much in the end could be costly, dangerous, and in the end, inconvenient.

The gasoline that you put in your vehicle acts like a coolant for the electric fuel-pump motor and when you run your fuel levels low, this will allow the pump to suck in air, which creates heat & can at times cause the fuel pump to wear prematurely and fail. Also, if there is dirt, water deposits, metal corrosion other small debris in the fuel tank, it could lead to a blockage in the fuel filter, a choked fuel pump, or gunked-up injectors which all add up to costly repairs.

Below are some smart tips when it comes to managing your gas in your vehicle.

Keep your gas tank no less than ¼ full.

Fill up before heading out on a long trip or to work as you could get stuck in traffic and have a longer ride than intended.

Don’t rely on your car to tell you how many miles are left, as those range numbers can be deceiving and run down quickly, depending on how you drive.

Use high-grade system cleaners, and when in doubt, change that fuel filter. These small maintenance upgrades will only help you out in the long run.

Gas in the end is one of the most important things you put in your car, just make sure you always put enough so your vehicle doesn’t suffer. The tips above are just a few of many that will help keep you on the road and money in your pocket if you play it smart and keep your tank full.