The Ford Fusion is a popular car due to its fuel efficiency. However, how far can a Ford Fusion go empty when push comes to shove? We have researched to answer that question for you.
Depending on the year and model of your Ford Fusion will determine how far you can go when on empty. However, on average, you can expect to have 35 to 80 miles left when the low fuel light comes on. How long or how far you can go will vary depending on how fast you are driving and constantly stopping due to traffic.
We have all been there before when the low fuel light comes on, and there isn't a gas station in sight. Knowing how far you can go on empty will be the difference between refueling and getting stranded.
That's why in this article, we will take a closer look at how far you can drive a Ford Fusion on empty. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions, so read on!
How Far Can A Ford Fusion Go On Empty?
How far can a Ford Fusion go on empty is a general question? If you have been driving for a while, you will notice that the low fuel light comes on around 35-80 miles before there is no more gas left in the tank.
However, this depends on various conditions, such as how many passengers are inside (weight) and what's going on with the car. For example, if you are often in stop-and-go traffic, your fuel efficiency decreases compared to when you drive on open roads or highways.
In addition, the higher the speed you are going will burn through gas faster. Therefore, if you are on an open highway and low on fuel, it is better to decrease your speed to avoid fuel consumption.
If you run into a situation where you are low on gas, there are some tricks you can do to increase the distance you can go. Let's take a look at them below:
Pull Over and Locate a Gas Station.
When you are low on fuel, then the first thing you should do is locate a gas station. Aimless driving will only make you burn fuel faster. However, if you pull over and locate the nearest gas station will give you a plan of action.
In addition, when you are on empty, there is a good chance that your fuel light is constantly on to reduce the amount of time your car spends idling and burning through the gas. So please turn off your engine for a few minutes and start it up again once you find a gas station.
Avoid Stop-and-Go Traffic
As mentioned earlier, driving in stop-and-go traffic can decrease your fuel efficiency. However, you can improve the mileage you get when driving by reducing the number of times you brake. Instead, try accelerating faster before hitting another car or slowing down too much.
Use Cruise Control
Another tip is to use cruise control. By using the cruise control set at a decent speed, you will automatically adjust your gas usage based on how fast or slow you are going.
Turn off the Air Conditioning/Heating
It may seem like a given, but turning off your air conditioning and heating can save gas usage. For example, if you are driving with the A/C on and it's not hot or humid outside, turn it off because you will be burning through fuel faster to cool down the car.
In addition, using the heater when it's not winter or cold out will decrease your miles per gallon. If you are outside of the car for an extended period of time, then turn it off until you are ready to use it again.
Turn Off Radio
You should also turn off the radio when low on fuel. The energy that goes into powering up the radio will reduce the car's fuel efficiency. The fuel savings are small, but when you are at risk of running out of fuel, every drop of fuel counts.
Decrease Speed
An important thing you should do is also decrease your speed. Vehicles have the best fuel mileage at 35-45 miles per hour. So, if you are on a highway, stay out of the passing lane, turn on your flashers, and drive at a low speed.
Keep Windows Rolled Up
It may sound simple, but keeping your windows rolled up will save fuel usage. When you have the windows down, there is a larger drag on the car, making it harder for the car to move forward.
Drive Downhill (If Possible)
Driving downhill is easier said than done; however, if you find two different gas stations with similar destination distances, choose the one with more flat or downhill terrain.
Avoid Hard Acceleration and Braking
Another thing you should do is avoid hard acceleration and braking. Doing so will increase your car's gas consumption because you use more fuel to speed up and slow down the car.
Coast to Decelerate
When you are driving on the highway, it is important to coast. As you drive down the road, there will be times when you need to stop or slow down. Instead of using the brakes, take your foot off the gas pedal and coast to slow down.
How Does a Car Calculate Empty Distance?
Driving a car calculates the empty distance by measuring the fuel remaining in the gas tank. To get an idea of how much is left, you can use the odometer in your car. The empty distance will change depending on your fuel consumption as you drive.
For example, even though your vehicle should get 35mpg on the highway, your distance to empty will go down quickly if you drive at high speed.
How Accurate are Miles to Empty?
Unlike some cars, which give you a reading of how many miles your gas tank has left, the estimation is not always accurate. For example, if you are driving uphill or downhill, your miles to empty will be different depending on the type and slope of the terrain.
The miles to empty will vary greatly on your driving habits and the road conditions. A good rule of thumb to follow is to refuel before going under 1/4 of a tank.
How Much Gas Does it Take to Start a Car on Empty?
Typically, you can get your car started with only one to three gallons of gas. So if you get stranded, you can get a fuel tank and put enough fuel in the vehicle to get you to a gas station. The caveat is that adding one to three gallons may not be enough to get you to a gas station, depending on the distance.
Does a car get better gas mileage when the tank is full?
The gas mileage isn't affected by if the tank is full or half full. The only time that this is a factor is when the tank is running on empty. The reason is due to the increased amount of air entering the fuel tank.
The increased amount of air entering the fuel tank causes fuel evaporation. When the fuel evaporates, it produces bubbles in the gas, making it harder for the car to get fuel.
Is it Bad to Drive a Car On Empty?
Not only can you risk being stranded when driving your car on empty, but you can also cause damages to mechanical parts. Let's take a look at the parts that you can damage by driving your car on empty:
Fuel Pump
The fuel pump is the most common part that you will damage. If you drive on empty for an extended period of time, there can be air bubbles, and this causes the car to stall. The fuel pump also has a filter, and it is more susceptible to being clogged with debris when the fuel tank is empty.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter can have some damage if you drive on empty for an extended period of time. The fuel tank heats up when the car idles without receiving gas. That being said, other factors can cause damage in the catalytic converter, such as driving at heavy speeds.
Corrosion to Fuel Injection System
The fuel injection system can corrode if you drive on empty for a long period of time. This is because the gas tank doesn't have any gas in it, and as such, the moisture from the air seeps into the fuel line and makes its way to other parts, such as the fuel injection system.
Clogged Filters
Filters located in the fuel tank or under the vehicle can be clogged if you drive on empty for an extended period of time. This is due to dirt and debris entering the tank, and these build up over time and cause blockages. These filters keep debris from entering your car's engine and causing damages.
Overheating of Car Parts
Car parts such as the fuel lines and metal tubes can start to warp or crack if you continuously drive your car on empty. This is because of the high pressure that builds up inside the gas tank and causes an increase in temperature, especially if it's a hot day.
Final Thoughts
If you are running low on fuel in your Ford Fusion, follow these tips in this article. The first thing to do is locate a gas station, so you aren't wasting fuel searching for one aimlessly. If you are sure you won't make it to a gas station in time, then pull over in a safe location, and call for help.
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