Some people refuel before their tank is even half empty, while others make a sport of reaching the petrol station with as little fuel as possible. But what if the light on your dashboard starts flashing when there isn't a petrol station in sight for miles around?
Anticipate
To avoid coming to a standstill, you'll have to drive very economically. And that goes beyond switching off the air conditioning and choosing the right gear. Harsh braking and accelerating are disastrous. By anticipating the behaviour of other road users and traffic situations effectively, you'll get the most out of every drop of petrol.
Keep on rolling’
Do you see a traffic light turn red in the distance, or do you see that you must yield? Then release the accelerator, press the clutch, and let the car gently roll to a stop. Ideally, you will come to a standstill in good time without pressing the brake pedal. However, this is walking a tightrope. Because what you don't want is to lose too much speed and have to pull away again.
Haste makes waste.
A mistake many drivers make is thinking they need to get to the petrol station as quickly as possible. They start driving nervously, when the situation actually calls for a calm driving style. You should let your car roll as much as possible and apply the accelerator moderately. This may lead to irritation among other road users.
Switching on time
Choosing the right gear is also important. By changing up gears just a little faster than usual, your car will rev lower and you'll use less fuel. Although, you shouldn't change up too quickly either. But at 50 km/h, you can usually comfortably drive in fourth gear.
Tank empty; now what?
Despite all these measures, it can happen that you end up by the side of the road with an empty tank. If the engine starts to splutter, it is important to park your car safely by the side of the road as quickly as possible, on the hard shoulder or in the verge. Avoid stopping on the carriageway and obstructing other traffic. Hopefully, you can reach the next petrol station on foot and make the ‘walk of shame’ back to your vehicle with a full jerrycan.
Thanks on time!
Don't see these tips as a reason to refuel as late as possible! Running your tank completely dry is disastrous for your car's fuel lines, fuel pump, and engine. It's best to always keep your tank at least a quarter full. This prevents a lot of problems. Car hire in HeerlenThis is possible at Adrem!
