Being stranded on the side of the road is a dreaded scenario for any driver. However, it can happen to anyone, and when you’re in that unfortunate situation, you want to know what options are available to help get your car back up and running. One of the first options that come to mind is to phone a tow company. But while there are various services that a tow provider can render, can they bring you fuel if you’re stuck with an empty gas tank? This blog post will discuss how this service works to get you prepped for the next long road trip.
What to do when you run out of gas
When you run out of gas, your engine will shut off. A few things can be done to get it going again, including using fuel from another vehicle, but if this isn’t an option, the next best thing would be to call roadside assistance to bring you fuel. Before you even start calling for roadside assistance, be sure to do the following to get quality service:
Park your vehicle at a safe location off the road
You don’t want to end up inconveniencing other motorists by blocking traffic on the highway. Find a safe place to stop as soon as you realize that your gas tank is running on empty. Turn on your hazard lights for greater visibility, and use a road flare if you have one handy. Turn off the ignition once your car is in park.
Remain where you are
You want to pinpoint your location to make it easy for the tow truck driver to find you. If you have a smartphone, you can pinpoint your exact location using a map app. If that doesn’t work, look around you for any street signs or landmarks. The more specific you can get, the easier and quicker your tow truck driver can find you.
Call for help
Once you determine your exact location, call for the necessary roadside assistance. You can use your smartphone to call a tow service, or you might have the number of one in your car’s contact list already if you’ve used it before on trips. Some newer models have a roadside assistance button installed into the vehicle. This will alert a local roadside assistance provider that you are in need of help and pinpoint your exact location for you.
Will a towing company bring me fuel?
Most towing companies will offer efficient fuel delivery if you run out of gas, so be sure to mention this detail when you call so that the proper amount is brought for your vehicle’s tank size. You might also want to inquire about other services besides just bringing fuel, such as jump-starting your car should it not start.
What not to do when you run out of gas
Never leave the vehicle on idle, hoping that someone will see it and come to your aid because this isn’t the safest option either. This will burn up your oil. You should also avoid flagging down other vehicles or getting a ride from people you don’t know to the nearest gas station, as this can compromise your safety. This should only be an option as a last resort.
What happens to your car when you run out of gas?
If you run out of gas, you should notice any of the following symptoms on your car, which should prompt you to call for roadside assistance; aside from the low fuel light, be wary of:
Engine sputtering– this is usually caused by fuel starvation. The engine will produce a burping sound because there is air entering the fuel cylinder but no fuel.
Power loss– the vehicle will experience a complete loss of power and stall, meaning the engine has shut down because there was no longer any fuel left to continue running it. If you feel like your car isn’t starting up when you turn on the ignition, the chances are that’s what’s happened to it.
Backfire– backfiring occurs when fuel and air mix in a cylinder with an insufficient amount of pressure to ignite it, causing a loud noise as a result.
Surging– this occurs when the fuel pump is delivering an insufficient amount of fuel to keep up with engine demand.
Why should you call a towing service for fuel delivery?
If you’re stranded with a car that has run out of gas, calling a professional service is your best bet. They have special equipment on their tow trucks that will be able to provide fuel for your vehicle so you can get back on the road as soon and as safely as possible. It is also a much more convenient option than walking to the nearest gas station or asking for help from strangers. You don’t want to put yourself in such a precarious position, so call your preferred tow service provider instead.
Call Elite Towing!
At Elite Service Recovery & Heavy Duty Towing Towing and Recovery, our tow trucks in Calcasieu Parish LA can deliver fuel to any emergency. We also provide jump-starting services for cars that won’t start and other emergency roadside assistance, so don’t hesitate to call us if you find yourself stranded somewhere without power or transportation!
