Guide · 4 min read
Ran Out of Gas? What to Do and How to Avoid It
Coast to safety, get out of traffic and request fuel delivery with the right fuel type and your exact location.
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By MyTowPublished 4 min read
Key takeaways
- Coast to the shoulder or a safe spot as soon as the engine sputters; power steering and brakes need more effort when the engine stops.
- Tell dispatch whether you need gasoline or diesel before fuel is brought.
- Do not walk along a highway to find fuel; stay safe and request help.
- Running the tank very low can pull sediment into the fuel system; refuel earlier.
Signs you are about to run out
A sputtering engine, loss of power on hills or the low-fuel light are warning signs. Do not wait for the engine to stop: begin moving toward the shoulder or the safest place available.
Getting safe
If anyone is injured, there is a fire or smoke, or the vehicle blocks a live lane, call 911 first.
- Turn on hazard lights and signal
- Coast to the right shoulder or into a parking lot if you can
- Expect heavier steering and braking once the engine stops; brake early and firmly
- On a highway, stay buckled in with hazards on if traffic is close
What to tell dispatch
Share your exact location, the vehicle's make, model and colour and the fuel type: gasoline or diesel. Specify diesel in your request so dispatch can confirm availability.
If you are unsure what fuel your vehicle takes, check the fuel door or the owner's manual before you request.
What fuel delivery does
A fuel delivery brings enough fuel to safely reach the nearest filling station. It is not a fill-up. After the delivery, drive to a station and fill the tank rather than running low again.
After you refuel
- Switch the ignition on and off a few times before cranking to let the fuel pump prime on some vehicles
- If the engine will not start, do not keep cranking; request help
- Diesel engines may need extra priming after running dry; mention it if you drive a diesel
How to avoid running dry
- Refuel when the gauge reaches a quarter tank
- In winter keep at least half a tank
- Know your vehicle's real range, not just the gauge
- Plan a fuel stop before long highway stretches in the GTA with few exits
Common problems and solutions
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Engine sputtering on a highway | Hazards on, steer to the shoulder before the engine stops, then request fuel delivery. |
| Out of fuel in a parking lot | Request fuel delivery and specify gasoline or diesel. |
| Fuelled but will not start | Do not keep cranking; request a roadside technician or a tow. |
| Diesel vehicle that ran dry | Mention diesel in the request; the system may need priming. |
Need towing or roadside help now?
Depending on your situation, explore fuel delivery, roadside assistance or breakdown towing. MyTow is a digital app where you can request a tow or roadside assistance in less than one minute. This is the time to submit your request, not a truck arrival estimate. Arrival depends on your location, traffic and dispatch coverage.
Review towing and roadside assistance pricing factors, how MyTow’s online request process works and roadside safety tips.
This guide is general information, not legal or mechanical advice. In an emergency, call 911.
Related services
Roadside
Fuel Delivery — service details
Ran out of gas? Get enough fuel delivered to reach a station.
Roadside
Roadside Assistance — service details
Boosts, tire changes, lockouts and fuel — fixes that get you moving again.
Towing
Breakdown Towing — service details
Engine, transmission or electrical failure? Get towed to your mechanic.
Keep reading
Questions and answers
How much fuel does a roadside fuel delivery bring?
Enough to safely reach the nearest filling station. It is not a full tank.
Can you deliver diesel as well as gasoline?
Specify diesel in your request so dispatch can confirm availability for your location.
Is it bad to run a car until it is almost empty?
It is best avoided: it can strain the fuel pump and pull sediment from the bottom of the tank. Refuel earlier.
Can I push my car to a gas station?
Not on a highway or busy road. Pushing near traffic is dangerous; stay safe and request fuel delivery.
Why will my car not start after I refuelled?
The fuel system may need to prime or air may be in the lines. Cycle the ignition a few times; if it still will not start, request help.
What is "Ran Out of Gas? What to Do and How to Avoid It" about?
Coast to safety, get out of traffic and request fuel delivery with the right fuel type and your exact location.
What are the key points in "Ran Out of Gas? What to Do and How to Avoid It"?
Coast to the shoulder or a safe spot as soon as the engine sputters; power steering and brakes need more effort when the engine stops. Tell dispatch whether you need gasoline or diesel before fuel is brought. Do not walk along a highway to find fuel; stay safe and request help. Running the tank very low can pull sediment into the fuel system; refuel earlier.
When should I call 911 instead of requesting a tow?
If anyone is injured, there is a fire, or your vehicle is blocking a live lane, call 911 first. Request a tow once everyone is safe.
Which MyTow services relate to this guide?
fuel delivery, roadside assistance, breakdown towing. Each has its own page with details, coverage and pricing factors.
How do I request help from MyTow?
Open the MyTow digital app at https://app.mytow.ca/request or call dispatch at (647) 633-8885. MyTow is a digital app where you can request a tow or roadside assistance in less than one minute. This is the time to submit your request, not a truck arrival estimate. Arrival depends on your location, traffic and dispatch coverage.
Request towing or roadside help with MyTow
MyTow is a digital app where you can request a tow or roadside assistance in less than one minute. This is the time to submit your request, not a truck arrival estimate. Arrival depends on your location, traffic and dispatch coverage.
