When am I really empty? 05 plate SE Sport 2.0D

[Bigmunkynutz]

This maybe a random question, but my needles in the red I've done 400 miles since last fill up at 38mpg average (new car, last was 1 ltr corsa and I am only 25, so can get giddy with the turbo).

My comp is saying 45miles to empty. How accurate is this? Is zero actually empty?

[cookie]

Best way to find out is wait till you have a day when you are feeling bored, and then just drive till car splutters to a stand still, then call out RAC/AA.

[fenton_jd]

I have done this 3 times now.

When you turn the key, and the fuel gage doesnt move AT ALL, then your car will splutter.

[Higgy50]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I have been led to believe (from a Volvo dealership) that this diesel engine is designed to run on a couple of cylinders when the fuel gets too low to preserve fuel and encourage you to fill up......apologies in advance if this is incorrect!

The only other thing I would say is if you run it empty and there is s**t in your fuel tank you may end up with problematic blockage if your not careful.....have to say I run to about quarter tank and fill up again where possible......this point is generally about 300-325 miles.

[fenton_jd]

I only did it because i was sick of still having 7-8 litres left in the tank when the needle technically showed as empty.

Its a VERY strange chug i have to say. Maybe it does only run a couple of cylinders becaue it become almost undrivable during the time it chugged.

[Higgy50]

That is what the dealership I bought my V50 from told me.....sounds like you've got some experience of this now!!......I'll chose to learn from your trial I think!!

[Jonnieb2009]

BMN,

Our fuel tanks are 12-13 gallons depending on engine.
The yellow warning light comes on at about 60-65miles left. If you run until 0 showing on the guage and trip then generally most cars have a 1 gallon reserve. My car does an average of 30 mpg, so I will get 30 miles on that reserve. I tend to fuel up once a week and thats enough 360miles.