Author Topic: More Drivers Running Out Of Gas (Read 1289 times)

Matthew · « **on:** April 22, 2011, 10:34:31 PM »

More Drivers Running Out Of Gas
April 23rd, 2011

Wow. Some people are in so much denial about gas prices, and not wanting to think about filling up, that they are simply driving until they run out of gas. This is a fantastic lesson in cognitive dissonance.

Think about this for a minute. If increasing numbers of people are in denial about their fuel gauges being on ‘E’, and ignoring the warning lights that comes on during the final miles before their engines cut out, what else are they in denial about?

Via: CBS:

With gas prices pushing $4 a gallon, a lot of people are trying to stretch their dollar at the gas pump, but some of them are trying to stretch it a little too far.

Since the beginning of March, AAA has seen an 18 percent increase in the number of roadside calls for people running out of gas.

Telesphorus · « **Reply #1 on:** April 22, 2011, 11:01:59 PM »

I have an old crate that I almost never drive anymore, and one day when I had to jump it it was so low on gas that it stalled out while recharging. Fortunately I was right by the house just a short distance from the gas station, so I could easily fill up a two gallon gas can and take it home.

stevusmagnus · « **Reply #2 on:** April 22, 2011, 11:15:04 PM »

Does waiting to fill up until your tank is almost completely empty save any money anyway?

MaterDominici · « **Reply #3 on:** April 22, 2011, 11:37:28 PM »

I don't think CBS is portraying the situation accurately. I'd imagine the increase has a lot to do with people not being able to afford to fill their tanks but hoping their car will get them to where they need to be anyhow.

Related, I read recently that depending on the car you drive, you might save money by using a higher-octane fuel (or non-E85 if that is an option for you). You have to test and see what mileage you get out of a tank with each type of gas to know for sure, but I wasn't even aware that higher-octane fuel would get you more miles per gallon.

Telesphorus · « **Reply #4 on:** April 22, 2011, 11:38:57 PM »

Quote from: stevusmagnus

Does waiting to fill up until your tank is almost completely empty save any money anyway?

It does if you're worried about gas thieves. Or, if you're worried of having to get rid of a car with the gas tank full.

:wink:

shin · « **Reply #5 on:** April 27, 2011, 06:42:29 AM »

Quote from: stevusmagnus

Does waiting to fill up until your tank is almost completely empty save any money anyway?

It's not good for the engine to run with very little gas in the tank, I've been told.

herbert · « **Reply #6 on:** April 27, 2011, 07:41:42 AM »