> Even the simple act of driving with a low amount of fuel in your tank can damage your fuel pump...
I agree, driving up to fuel reserve shouldn't be a problem but I wouldn't use the reserve all that often.
Most gas tanks are pretty wide and flat and fuel pumps tend to be built "vertically", so 1 gallon fuel left of 14-16 gal will not cover/cool all that much surface area of the fuel pump.
> Most gas tanks are pretty wide and flat and fuel pumps tend to be built "vertically", so 1 gallon fuel left of 14-16 gal will not cover/cool all that much surface area of the fuel pump.
Its intended to operate safely and efficiently at a level equal to or above the fuel reserve.
If it didn't, they would fail frequently in many cars as most people drive it pretty close to E regularly and you'd have in warranty repairs.
The stated reason may be wrong but it's not advisable to often drive below reserve (on hot days, in many modern cars).
As I stated before, I agree with you that driving up to fuel reserve is usually fine but I would not routinely drive on reserve.
The article disclaimer we are discussing:
> That said, driving on empty can also do damage to your vehicle. If you do run out of gas, you can do damage to your catalytic converter, which may then need to be repaired or replaced. Even the simple act of driving with a low amount of fuel in your tank can damage your fuel pump...