When the gas light comes on in a car, it can be an anxious moment for some drivers. However, it is not a panic situation, and it’s a signal to find a gas station soon after a little fuel is left in the tank. Similarly, depending on several factors, you can cover a reasonable distance on your Ford Taurus with a low gas warning before refueling.
How Far Can a Ford Taurus Go With The Gas Light On? Ford Taurus can go up to 20-45 miles with the gas light ON depending on its model, road condition, and engine performance. Its 1986-2005 models can cover 20-30 miles on the 2-3 gallons left in the tank, while 2008-2009 and 2010-2012 models can cover a distance of 30-40 miles on the reserve gas. You can drive this car for 40-50 miles on the 2013-2019 models when the low fuel indication is ON.
We’ll look at factors that affect fuel economy and how to maximize it. You will also find the safety concerns and their solutions to minimize the risks of driving with low gas in the tank.
Purpose and location of gas light on Ford Taurus
You can locate the gas light on a Ford Taurus on the instrument panel, usually near the fuel gauge, to alert the driver about the low fuel levels. The purpose of the gas light is to give the driver an early warning that they need to refuel soon.
When the gas level in the fuel tank drops to a certain point, the gas light on the dashboard will illuminate. It works by the signal sent by the fuel sensing sender to the fuel gauge.
When its value is lesser than a predetermined value, you will observe the flashing yellow gas pump symbol on the dashboard.
However, its accuracy and remaining fuel can vary depending on the car’s make and model. Moreover, the maximum distance it can cover depends on several factors.
Therefore, you can familiarize yourself by refueling it to ON status to check how much fuel remains in the tank. You can also test it under different driving conditions.
Fuel tank capacity of Ford Taurus models
The fuel tank capacity of a Ford Taurus varies depending on the model year. The first 3 generation model years from 1986-1991, 1992-1995, and 1996-2000 model years have smaller fuel tanks of 16 gallons capacity.
Its SHO (Super High Output) variant has a larger tank size of 18.4 gallons. Moreover, you will find 18-gallon tanks in the 2001-2005 model years.
Later on, it changed to 20 gallons for 2008-2009 models. The last two generations’ models, from 2010-2012 and 2013-2019, also have larger tanks to hold 19 gallons of gasoline. With its exceptional mpg ratings, you can cover more distance in a single refuel.
Distance covered by Ford Taurus with gas light ON
Distance covered by Ford Taurus depends on several factors, including the car’s fuel tank capacity and the remaining fuel when the gas light comes on. Moreover, it can also vary depending on driving conditions and other factors.
Generally, when the low fuel warning light appears in a Ford Taurus, around 2-3 gallons of fuel are typically in the tank. This is because the designers have designed it to turn ON when the fuel level drops to 10-15% of the tank’s capacity.
Earlier models, including 1986-1991, 1992-1995, 1996-2000, and 2001-2005, can cover a distance of 20-30 miles on the remaining fuel in the tank when the gas light is ON.
Models from 2008-2009 and 2010-2012 can go up to 30-40 miles on the reserve gasoline in the tank.
The latest generation models from 2013-2019 can cover more distance of 40-50 miles owing to their larger tanks and better fuel economy.
The figures given are based on estimated distance and data collected from several Ford Taurus owners and can vary according to different factors.
How low should you let your Ford Taurus gas tank get before refilling?
The best time to refill your Ford Taurus fuel tank is before the gas level drops too low.
Experts recommend refueling when it reaches around 1/4 of the full, rather than waiting until the gas light comes on. Running on too low fuel can cause premature wear and tear due to heating and potential damage to its parts over time.
Additionally, running low on fuel can cause the car to perform poorly, such as losing power or stalling, which can be dangerous. It can also lead to driver distraction or anxiety, increasing the risk of accidents.
So, to avoid these potential issues, it’s a good idea to refuel your Ford Taurus regularly before the gas level drops too low, below 4-5 gallons.
Factors affecting the mileage of Ford Taurus with the gas light ON
The mileage with the gas light on can vary depending on several factors, such as driving conditions, driver behavior, model year, and condition of the car.
Smooth driving with the least braking is the key to improving the car’s mileage under low fuel conditions.
Aggressive driving, speeding, and excessive idling can decrease fuel efficiency and reduce the distance the vehicle can travel with this low-fuel warning light.
Moreover, driving on highways with no stops will increase the range of reserve fuel, while in crowded places inside city areas and on hilly or mountainous terrain, it can decrease more than expected.
Some other factors are driving in extreme weather conditions can reduce the distance to an empty fuel tank.
The fuel economy of the Ford Taurus depends on the model year and engine conditions.
Old models have lesser mileage as compared to newer models. Moreover, regular maintenance is also a deciding factor in how much it can cover with gas light ON.
Safety concerns when driving Ford Taurus with an empty tank
While it’s certainly possible to drive a Ford Taurus with an empty tank, it can pose several safety concerns.
It will be difficult for you to come out and park safely on the roadside. In addition, driving with low fuel levels can cause damage to the fuel pump, which can be costly to repair.
Similarly, it is risky if your car runs out of gas in an unfamiliar area with no gas station or roadside assistance nearby.
Furthermore, driving with the gas light on can change driving habits.
For example, some drivers become more anxious or distracted when they know they are running low on fuel. This can lead to losing focus and increase the risk of accidents.
Therefore, the best way to stay safe when driving with a low fuel indicator is to refuel as soon as possible. Make sure to plan ahead and refuel before the gas level drops too low.
Furthermore, you should be extra cautious and monitor your driving habits. Try maintaining a steady speed to increase the distance you can cover on remaining fuel.
It is also essential to stay alert and monitor your surroundings. Be aware of any potential hazards on the road and drive defensively. Additionally, try to go on side lanes to safely pull the car out in case of a stall or power loss.
You can track how much fuel you have left by monitoring the latest models’ gas gauge, odometer, or DTE gauge.
It can help you avoid running out of gas unexpectedly. You can also keep a few gallons as spare fuel to handle such untoward situations.
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