Nothing makes your heart drop than the low fuel light coming on in your Chevy Silverado without a gas station in sight. The question is, how long can you go before you run out of gas? Let's take a look at what consumers are saying.
On average, you will have 30-40 miles left when the fuel light comes on a Chevy Silverado. The mile range varies depending on your driving habits, the age of the truck, and the terrain.
It's never fun when your gas light comes on. This article will discuss tips on making the most out of your remaining fuel. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about the Chevy Silverado, so read on!
How Many Miles Left When Gas Light Comes On In A Chevy Silverado?
For some Chevy Silverado trucks, your instrument cluster will tell you how many miles you have left before the gas runs out. Older models without a digital cluster may show an "E" on the fuel gauge.
On average, these trucks will have 2-3 gallons left in the tank when the light comes on, which will give you 30-40 miles of driving. However, some consumer reports are stating being able to go another 80 miles before running out of gas.
Again, this range can vary depending on your driving habits and the type of truck you own. However, if you are in an unfamiliar area, then there are some things you can do to help conserve fuel.
Locate the closest gas station
The first thing you should do is locate the nearest gas station. Then, pull over, turn the vehicle off, and locate a gas station using your smartphone or a map. If you have a passenger, have them help you look while you are still driving.
Turn off the air conditioner
An air conditioner is a gas-burning machine. Turn the air conditioner off and keep it off until you reach a gas station.
Turn off the radio
Electronics also use some fuel. Turn off the radio and save that fuel for the car. In addition, avoid using the GPS on your Chevy Silverado if you can avoid it.
Keep the windows rolled up
It will get hot in your truck with the windows up and air conditioning off, but it's better to be hot than out of gas. Having your windows down will increase the drag on the vehicle and use more gas.
Turn on the cruise control
If you are driving on a highway, use cruise control to maintain a constant speed. For example, driving at a constant speed of 55 mph uses less gas than accelerating and braking.
Avoid stop-and-go traffic
If you can, try to avoid stop-and-go traffic. Stopping and starting your engine wastes gas.
Avoid Idling
In addition to avoiding stop-and-go traffic, don't idle if you don't have to. Idling your engine for more than 10 seconds wastes gas.
When the traffic lights take a long time to turn green, turn your truck off to save fuel.
Drive downhill [if possible]
If you know your town well, then take a route with many downhill streets. This way, you can use the truck's momentum instead of pressing on the gas.
Avoid fast accelerations
Avoid having a heavy foot on the accelerator. When you need to speed up, try to do it gradually. This will help you conserve fuel.
Don't go fast
Even if you are on the highway or interstate, don't go over 65 mph. The faster you go, the more gas you will use. If there is a lot of highway traffic, turn your flashers on and stay in the right lane.
These are some tips to help you conserve fuel when your gas light comes on. But, of course, if you are still worried about running out of gas, you can always pull over and call for a tow truck.
In addition, companies like Triple A offer roadside assistance for a small fee. Hopefully, you will never have to use these services, but it's always good to be prepared.
Last but not least, it never hurts to have an extra can of gas in the bed of your truck. Just in case!
Does the Chevy Silverado need premium gas?
The Chevy Silverado does not require premium gasoline. You can use regular unleaded gasoline in your truck. However, using a higher octane fuel will not hurt your truck.
There is a debate on whether or not you should use premium gasoline in a Chevy Silverado. Some people say that it will help your engine run better and get better gas mileage. Other people say that regular unleaded gasoline is just fine.
The best thing to do is consult your owner's manual. The manufacturer of your truck will tell you what type of fuel to use in your vehicle.
You can also conduct an experiment yourself to see if using a higher octane fuel makes a difference. Fill up your tank with regular unleaded gasoline, and then fill up the same tank again with premium gasoline. Drive the truck the same way and see if there is a difference in your gas mileage.
Keep in mind that using a higher octane fuel costs more money. So, if you are on a tight budget, you may not want to use premium gasoline.
What if I put diesel in my Chevy Silverado?
If you put diesel fuel in your Chevy Silverado, you will damage the engine. Diesel fuel is not meant for gasoline engines. However, if this happens, you need to pull over and turn the truck off as soon as possible. Do not start the truck again, or you will damage it even further.
Call a tow truck and have the truck towed to a mechanic. They will be able to fix the engine and get your truck running again.
It is very important that you do not fix the engine yourself. You could make the problem worse and end up costing yourself even more money.
The mechanic will need to flush the fuel system and replace any damaged parts. This will likely be an expensive repair, so it is best to avoid it altogether by not putting diesel fuel in your Chevy Silverado.
How to get better gas mileage in a truck?
In addition, to having better driving habits and staying up to date on your truck's maintenance, there are a few things you can do to get better gas mileage in a truck.
One way is by adding aftermarket modifications to your truck. Let's take a look at some options:
Performance Chip or Tuner
A performance chip or tuner can help your truck run more efficiently. In addition, it will optimize the air/fuel mixture and help your truck get better gas mileage.
You can find these chips or tuners at most auto parts stores. They are not expensive and are easy to install.
Most mechanics will be happy to do it for you if you are not comfortable installing it yourself.
High-Flow Cold Air Intake System
A high-flow cold air intake system can also help improve your gas mileage. It will provide your truck with more air, which will allow it to run more efficiently. The price for these can vary depending on the brand and the type of system you choose.
Again, if you are not comfortable installing it yourself, most mechanics will be happy to do it for you.
Cat-Back Exhaust System
A cat-back exhaust system can also help improve your gas mileage. It will make your truck run more efficiently and allow it to breathe better.
Cat-back exhaust systems can get pricey, but they are worth the investment if you plan on keeping your truck for a while.
Performance Suspension Kits
Performance suspension kits are lighter than OEM suspension systems. They also have a higher spring rate, which will help your truck handle better. The more weight you can shed from your truck, the more efficiently it will run.
They are not cheap, but they are a good investment if you plan on doing a lot of off-roading or towing with your truck.
Lighter Wheels
Like a lighter suspension system, aftermarket wheels are lighter than OEM wheels. As a result, they are not as expensive as suspension kits, but they will still cost you more than your stock wheels.
There are many other modifications that can be made to improve your gas mileage in a truck. These are just a few of the more popular ones. Do your research and find the right one for you.
Final Thoughts
When the low fuel light comes on your truck, don't panic. You can do a few things to get better gas mileage and extend your range.
Remember to keep your driving habits in check, stay up to date on your truck's maintenance, and add aftermarket modifications that are designed to improve gas mileage. If you do all of this, you will be able to make the most of your truck's fuel economy.
Thanks for reading! In the meantime, here are some other related articles you may enjoy:
Chevrolet Silverado Trim Levels Explained
Can A Chevy Silverado Tow A Camper? [Inc. A 5th Wheel!]
How Long Is A Chevy Silverado?
