Running on fumes: 10.3 million drivers run the risk of running out of fuel

• 10.3 million motorists let their tank get as close to empty as they dare before refuelling
• UK drivers are increasingly likely to set themselves a fuel budget (27 per cent)
• One in seven drivers have risked running out of fuel because they don’t want to pay for an expensive petrol station
• One in seven motorists have run out of fuel in the past 12 months

Over 10.3 million UK drivers are now ‘red line runners’, letting their fuel tank get as close to empty as possible before filling up, according to new research¹ from breakdown provider Green Flag, which looked at how driving habits are changing. Running so close to empty is a risky business, as one in seven drivers (14 per cent) say they have run out of fuel in past 12 months alone. A quarter (24 per cent) of drivers admit they are more likely to always drive as close to the warning light coming on as possible before filling up, than they were two years ago.

Over the last two years, UK drivers have become increasingly likely to set themselves a fuel budget (27 per cent) as they seek to manage their outgoings. One in seven (15 per cent) drivers even admit that they have risked running out of fuel while on a cost saving mission to find a cheaper petrol station.

Regularly driving a car with low levels of petrol or diesel, or running out of fuel, can cause damage to the motor as debris in the fuel tank can clog the fuel pump or filter. When you run low on diesel, the fuel pump might send air through the fuel system instead of gas. If that happens, your vehicle will shut down and not restart until the air is removed. This is called “bleeding” the fuel system and depending on the car it can be a complex job. There is also the risk of suddenly having no power to the car, potentially on a busy road or in a remote location, which could put the driver, vehicle occupants and other road users at risk. If the engine cuts out due to running out of fuel, then the power steering is also potentially impacted, reducing the ability to guide a vehicle out of any danger.

There are several tactics that drivers can employ to preserve fuel when they are running close to empty, which many UK drivers are already doing. Successful tactics include accelerating gently (15 per cent of drivers say they are doing this), maintaining a steady speed (18 per cent) and turning off the air conditioning (14 per cent). There are driver behaviours that are not beneficial and increase fuel usage, these include speeding up when trying to get to a petrol station (seven per cent) and coasting out of gear (eight per cent).

Table 1 – Actions taken by drivers in the past 12 months in attempts to conserve fuel

Source: Green Flag

Katie Lomas, Managing Director of Green Flag, said: “While drivers are trying to get as much out of their tank as possible, doing so can potentially be damaging to the vehicle and endanger the driver, passengers, and other road users. Drivers could also face a fine and points on their licence if a breakdown is considered to be a result of careless driving, as Highway Code Rule 97 states drivers “should ensure that they have sufficient fuel or charge for your journey, especially if it includes motorway driving”.

“People often overestimate how far they can still drive when a fuel warning light comes on, so it’s probably best to avoid running into the red where possible, especially where petrol stations are few and far between.”

Should you run out of fuel on a motorway, or a busy road Green Flag recommends drivers follow these steps:

• Make sure you pull to the left as soon as there’s a hint of trouble: Pull onto the hard shoulder and use this to slow to a halt. If no hard shoulder try and make it to an emergency area. Be careful not to run over any debris and as you come to a stop, switch your hazard lights straight on.
• Aim for an emergency phone: These are at one-mile intervals and will connect you directly to the police who will instantly know your location.
• Never try to fix it yourself: Whatever the problem with your car, you should never attempt to mend it yourself at the roadside.
• If it is safe to do so, get everyone out of the car: Leave the car through the left-hand doors and move away from the vehicle. If you have children with you make sure they’re being looked after by a responsible adult away from the roadside – potentially up the verge where possible. Keep pets in the car; they may get spooked and run onto the carriageway. If you can't get into the left hand lane, or you can't exit your vehicle to get to a place of safety, stay in your vehicle, keep your seatbelts and hazard warning lights on and call 999 immediately.
• Don’t display your red warning triangle: With fast moving traffic the risks far outweigh the benefits of doing this.
• Call for help: If you’re not near an emergency phone and you’ve got a mobile signal, ring either your breakdown provider or the police.
• Wait near your car for assistance: Make sure your vehicle’s safe and you’re standing safely away from any moving traffic ideally behind any barrier.

ENDS

Notes to editors: 

1       Research among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults by Opinium between 7^th – 9^th May 2024

2       Research among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults by Opinium between 23rd – 26th September 2022

For further information please contact:

Unni Henry

PR Manager

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk

About Green Flag:

With over 50 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).  

Green Flag is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.     

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.     

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com