As a car owner, running out of petrol can be a frustrating and stressful experience. It can happen to anyone, even the most experienced drivers. It’s important to know what to do in such a situation to ensure your safety and prevent further damage to your car. In this article, we will discuss the steps you should take if your car runs out of petrol.
Step 1: Stay Calm
The first thing you should do when you realize you have run out of petrol is to stay calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse. Try to find a safe place to park your car and turn on your hazard lights. If you are on a busy road, make sure to pull over to the side of the road as far as possible.
Step 2: Assess the Situation
Once you have pulled over to a safe place, assess the situation. Check your fuel gauge to confirm that you have indeed run out of petrol. If you have a warning light on your dashboard, it’s most likely that you have run out of petrol. If you are not sure, try turning on the engine. If it doesn’t start, then you have most likely run out of petrol.
Step 3: Call for Help
If you are not close to a petrol station or you don’t have a jerry can to get petrol, then you should call for help. You can call your breakdown service or a friend or relative who can come and bring you petrol. Make sure to explain your situation clearly and give your location.
Step 4: Push Your Car
If you are on a flat surface and you have some help, you can try pushing your car to a safe location. This is not recommended if you are on a busy road or if you are not confident about pushing your car. Make sure to get out of the car and push from behind while someone else steers the car. Pushing your car can be a good way to save petrol and get your car to a petrol station.
Step 5: Get Petrol
The most obvious solution when you run out of petrol is to get more petrol. If you have a jerry can or a friend who can bring you petrol, then you can fill up your car and get back on the road. Make sure to fill your tank up completely, as running out of petrol can damage your car’s engine.
Step 6: Restart Your Car
Once you have filled up your tank, try to start your car. It may take a few tries for the petrol to reach your engine. If your car doesn’t start, you may need to turn the key to the “on” position for a few seconds to allow the fuel pump to prime the system.
Step 7: Drive Safely
After restarting your car, drive slowly and carefully for a few minutes to allow your engine to warm up. Avoid sudden acceleration or braking, as this can put unnecessary strain on your engine. Make sure to keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you drive to ensure that you don’t run out of petrol again.
Conclusion
Running out of petrol can be a frustrating experience, but it’s important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and prevent further damage to your car. Follow the steps outlined in this article to get back on the road safely.
FAQs
How much petrol should I put in my car after running out?
- It’s recommended to fill up your tank completely to avoid further damage to your car’s engine.
Can I damage my car’s engine if I run out of petrol?
- Yes, running out of petrol can damage your car’s engine. It’s best to avoid this situation altogether by keeping your petrol tank filled.
Is it safe to push my car if I run out of petrol?
- Pushing your car can be safe if you are on a flat surface and you have some help. However, it’s not recommended if you are on a busy road or if you are not confident about pushing your car.
How long should I drive slowly after restarting my car after running out of petrol?
- It’s recommended to drive slowly for a few minutes to allow your engine to warm up before driving normally.
Can I use diesel or any other fuel if I run out of petrol?
- No, you should only use petrol in your petrol engine. Using diesel or any other fuel can damage your car’s engine.