Going on a road trip is all fun and games until you actually run out of gas. You might find yourself in the worst-case scenario when you’re running on low fuel in the middle of nowhere. Don’t let an out-of-gas situation spoil your trip! Here are some of the things you should do when you end up with an empty gas tank:
Pull Over
The first thing you should do is to stay calm and move to the side of the road. Be sure to ease your vehicle to the right shoulder of the road or any safe place where there’s no risk of getting hit.
When your low fuel indicator is on, go to the breakdown lane of the highway to avoid obstructing the traffic. Never pull over to the left side of the highway, which is considered the “fast lane.” Stalling out in the left lane is extremely dangerous because this is where cars move at much higher speeds.
Turn On Your Hazard Lights
After pulling over to the safest spot, put your car in park and turn on your hazard lights immediately. Your hazard lights or emergency flashers will warn other drivers that your vehicle becomes a temporary hazard. Hazard lights aren’t there just for decoration. They are meant to alert others that you are not able to move your car out of traffic and that you’re waiting for assistance.
Find Out Where You Are
During an out-of-gas situation, you should know the exact location of your vehicle. This is important when you’re asking for help from roadside assistance or towing truck companies. Look around and find any street signs and street numbers on properties.
If you have a navigation app, take note of your GPS coordinates for the precise location. You might also want to note the highway name, significant landmarks, and the mile marker near you. Knowing where you are can definitely help you out of the jam.
Call a Friend
If you already know your location, you can determine if you are close to someone you know. Whether you have a friend or family relative nearby, contact them and tell your current situation. Ask politely if they could bring you at least five-gallon gas or give you a ride to the nearest gas station. It’s always best to get help from someone you know than hitch a ride from a complete stranger.
Locate the Nearest Gas Station
If you don’t know anyone near the area, you can try to look for the nearest gas station. Use your car’s navigation system or a navigation app to get directions to the closest gas station near your current location. Without these devices, finding the nearest filling station can take up a lot of your time. Before walking to find gas, remember to take note of their business hours. It’s best to know that the gas station is open when you get there.
Consider Walking To Buy a Container of Gas
When you are able to find a gas station within walking distance, you can go there and pick up at least five-gallon gas. Be sure to walk back from the direction you came from rather than going to an unfamiliar place. If the weather is not so good or you do not feel safe walking for gas, just stay inside your car and wait until roadside assistance arrives.
Call a Towing Truck Service
Do not get frustrated when you unexpectedly run out of gas. You may call roadside assistance or towing truck service for help. Most towing companies offer fuel delivery services to drivers who are stranded without gas. They can safely transport gasoline or diesel grades, depending on your vehicle’s needs.
All you have to do is call and wait for them to fill up your gas tank. Aside from fuel delivery, you may ask them to pick you up and take you to the nearest gas station.
How To Avoid Running Out of Gas
You don’t have to wait until your low fuel light starts to blink. Planning ahead is still the best way to avoid getting in this situation. Before you start your car and leave home, plan your route and purchase a small fuel can in case you run out of gas on the road. You can be proactive by locating gas stations along your route.
Contact Us for Emergency Fuel Delivery Services
Here at Allentown Towing Co, we can get your car back on the road! No matter where you are, we offer reliable towing and roadside assistance services, including fuel delivery. We will respond immediately and bring you some gas to keep your vehicle moving! Call us if you need our help!