Is it okay to drive a Corolla when the fuel light is on?

How far can you drive a Toyota Corolla on empty?

Picture this: You and your Toyota Corolla passed a gas station a couple of miles back, but you decided to skip it, even though your fuel gauge was just about pointing to empty. Now, you see a traffic jam up ahead, and just at that moment, your fuel light appears in the instrument panel, indicating you’re almost out. Is it time to panic? Will you be stranded on the road in a matter of minutes? How far can you drive a Toyota Corolla on empty? Read ahead for details. 

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What’s the range of a Corolla on empty?

Of course, the range you will have in your Toyota Corolla while running on empty depends on the model year. With newer models being more efficient with their fuel usage, the newer the Corolla, the better chance you will have at making it a way on empty before it sputters to a halt. How long, exactly? It is estimated that with most recent Corolla models, you can drive about 45 miles while the fuel gauge is reading empty. 

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With that being said, we do not recommend chancing it! Pay close attention to your fuel gauge and your surroundings. If you are starting to get to the bottom of the tank, plan a fuel stop for your commute.  

How long should you wait before refueling when you’re on empty? 

The best answer is to refuel immediately when your fuel gauge hits the EMPTY mark and/or the low fuel alert appears. Sure, there may be a little wiggle room, but it is not worth risking your safety or your car’s well-being. Driving on empty can be damaging to your vehicle because the fuel pump is pulling from the very bottom of the tank, which, being so low, might have some sediment settled, which can then clog the fuel pump and cause a pricey problem. 

The bottom line? Just fill ‘er up right away when it’s that time. 

How long can you drive a Toyota RAV4 on empty?

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