AAA says running out of gas is no small deal

High priced gas could be pushing drivers to the limits of safety and costly repairs

BOISE -- Near record level gas prices could end up stranding motorists, leading to a potentially dangerous situation and some costly repair bills, according to AAA.

"Trying to be resourceful and delay fuel expenditures until a gas tank is nearly empty might lead to more harm than good," said AAA Idaho spokesman Dave Carlson.

Carlson said running a vehicle extremely low on fuel may cause sediment in the bottom of the tank to clog the fuel pump pickup, the fuel filter or even the fuel injectors. In addition, when a minimum level of fuel is not maintained it could cause the electric fuel pump inside the tank to overheat. The cost to replace that one component alone can be $500 or more in parts and labor.

Running out of gas also can put the personal safety of a motorist and passengers in jeopardy should the vehicle suddenly become immobilized on the roadway. Power steering and brakes can be lost when the engine dies, leaving drivers stranded in the middle of a busy highway. Fortunately, out-of-gas situations are completely avoidable just by keeping an eye on the fuel gauge.