What to Do When Your Car Is Out of Gas

Uh-Oh… Out of Gas? Here’s What to Do Next
Your engine sputters, the dashboard lights flicker, and then—silence. It hits you: you’ve run out of gas. Before panic sets in, take a deep breath. You’re far from the first (or last) driver this will happen to, and with the right steps, you’ll be back on the road sooner than you think.
Whether you're stuck on a busy highway during rush hour, in your own driveway, or stranded on a quiet stretch of country road, what matters most right now is staying calm and knowing what to do next. Trust me. After decades of helping drivers in every kind of roadside jam, I’ve seen it all. From vacationing families caught on mountain roads with an empty tank to commuters inching through traffic when the needle hit “E” a little too long ago—running out of gas happens.
The good news? It’s fixable. This guide is packed with the practical advice, roadside help and wisdom you need to handle the situation like a pro. Let’s walk through your next steps together—with a few laughs, a few lessons, and the peace of mind that help is always within reach.
Ready? Let’s get you moving again.

Turn on Your Hazard Lights and Find a Safe Spot

As your engine starts to sputter and jerk, slowing down the car, safety is top priority. Right away, switch on your flashing hazard lights to warn nearby traffic. Try to carefully steer over to the shoulder or some other safe spot away from vehicles in motion.
Don't delay until it fully dies on you. A car nearly out of gas can diminish power steering and brakes, making it tougher to maintain control. So act promptly. On a highway or interstate, pull as far off the road as possible. And if dark, let those hazard lights shine brightly for maximum visibility.
It's easy to become confused and overlook this crucial move when thinking "now what?" But staying conspicuous and protected must come first - always.

Do You Have Roadside Assistance?

If fortunate enough to have roadside assistance, now's the ideal time to benefit from it. Numerous motorists don't recognize that most roadside assistance plans—whether through your car insurance, AAA, or modern services like DriveSmart—include fuel conveyance directly to your location. Which implies someone can deliver gasoline immediately to your stranded vehicle.
All you need do is call the roadside assistance hotline, furnish your exact location, and they’ll dispatch help with enough fuel to safely reach the nearest gas station. This service is truly a lifesaver, particularly if lack a gas can available and you're stuck on the roadside or in heavy site visitors with no effortless method to walk to a station.
If wondering, “What actions should I take if I run out of gas and don’t have roadside assistance?” don't worry—there are still other choices. But if reading this before finding yourself in that scenario, now's a fantastic time to consider registering for a program like DriveSmart’s for peace of mind on the road.

Call a Friend

If you don't have roadside assistance and find yourself stranded wandering, "Who can I call if I run out of gas?" your best choice is to reach out to a friend or household member nearby. Ask them to deliver a fuel container with no less than a gallon or two to enable you to receive back on the road and reach the closest gas station. Just be sure they deliver the proper type of fuel for your automobile—whether it's regular, top quality, or diesel.
Can you call 911 if you run out of fuel? Technically, sure—but just if you're in an crisis predicament, for example being stranded in a risky place or blocking traffic flow. Even though police can help make certain your safety or arrange a tow, they usually don't offer fuel.
Therefore, unless it's an crisis, your best options are to call a friend or utilize a fuel delivery service. With a bit of luck, one of your buddies will have the ability to bring you a few gallons of gas to get you to the following gas station and on your way. Don't hesitate to toss in a couple of dollars for their trouble. Better yet, keep an emergency fuel can in your trunk for unforeseen circumstances.

Find the Nearest Gas Station

If you’re safe, physically able, and your vehicle is secure, walking to the closest gas station might be the quickest solution. Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to guide you there.
If you don’t have a gas can, you’ll need to purchase one—most stations carry them—and you might want to ask for help on how to fill and carry it safely.
Running out of gas without cash on hand can complicate things. Some gas stations may allow you to leave your ID as collateral and return to pay, or you might need to call someone to cover the cost for you. Members of services like DriveSmart also have access to assistance during financial tight spots.
Let’s be honest—it’s never fun lugging a gas can through rain or scorching heat, but it’s a part of driving life. Stay alert, wear bright or reflective clothing if it’s dark, and keep your phone charged for safety.

What to Do If You Run Out of Gas in a Remote Area

Running out of gas in the middle of nowhere—no gas stations nearby, no cell signal, and no other cars around—can feel intimidating. Here’s what to do to stay safe and get help:

Stay With Your Vehicle — Your car is more visible to rescue teams and much safer than wandering alone through unfamiliar terrain.

Use Emergency Signals — Set up a reflective triangle, keep your hazard lights on as long as the battery holds, or wave a white cloth from a window to signal for help.

Conserve Your Phone Battery — Use your phone sparingly, only for essential calls or emergency services, to preserve power.

Look for Roadside Assistance Options — Even with limited reception, you might be able to send a text or use satellite communication services. Programs like DriveSmart employ advanced technology to connect drivers even in low-signal areas.

Stay Patient and Prepared — If no immediate help arrives, eventually a passing driver or highway patrol may spot you. Stay calm, stay hydrated, and protect yourself from the elements.

Preparation truly matters here. Always keep water, snacks, and a portable phone charger in your car—you’ll thank yourself if you ever find yourself stranded.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Running Out of Gas

Prevention is always better than cure. While I’m here to help when you’re stuck wondering, “I ran out of gas, now what?”, my real goal is to help you avoid that stressful situation altogether. Here are some practical tips to keep you fueled and worry-free:

Refuel at a Quarter Tank — Don’t wait for the low fuel warning light to come on. Gas stations aren’t always nearby, so topping off when you hit about one-quarter tank is smart.

Know Your Car’s Actual Range — Every vehicle responds differently when the needle hits “E.” Get familiar with how far your car can truly go on a low tank.

Monitor Your Fuel Efficiency — If your gas mileage drops unexpectedly, it might be a sign of maintenance issues like dirty fuel injectors or underinflated tires that need attention.

Use Fuel-Finding Apps — Apps like GasBuddy help you locate the cheapest gas stations nearby, saving you money and making refueling more convenient.

Keep an Empty Gas Can in Your Trunk — It’s handy to have one on hand, but never store it full for safety reasons.

Get Regular Vehicle Checkups — If running out of gas becomes a pattern, it might indicate a mechanical problem.

Set Fuel Reminders — If you tend to forget, set a reminder on your phone to check your fuel level regularly. Your future self will thank you!

What Happens When You Run Out of Gas?

If your car runs out of gas while driving, it’s definitely inconvenient—but not impossible to handle. Here’s what typically happens:

Loss of Power – You’ll likely notice the engine start to sputter or stall, followed by a loss of power steering and reduced braking assistance, making the car harder to control.

Warning Lights – Dashboard indicators like the check engine or battery light may come on, signaling trouble.

Coasting to a Stop – Without fuel, your car will gradually lose momentum and come to a halt.

Is running out of gas harmful to your vehicle? Unfortunately, yes. Frequently letting your tank run dry can damage the fuel pump, clog filters, and strain engine components. So, it’s best not to make it a regular habit.
Running out of gas on a busy highway can also create a dangerous situation. That’s why it’s crucial to stay calm, act quickly, and get your vehicle safely off the road to avoid putting yourself and others at risk.

How DriveSmart Lends a Hand When Low on Fuel

DriveSmart is more than just another emergency road service, it's a comprehensive safety net engineered to eliminate driving concerns wherever your travels may lead. Whether you're stranded with an empty tank, in need of a tow, or seeking protection from unexpected repairs, DriveSmart is available to assist.
As a member, you gain access to fuel deliveries around the clock for when you run out of gas, swift connections to local roadside specialists, special discounts, extensive vehicle protection plans, and customized help anytime needed.
So if you ever ponder "What do I do if I'm stuck on the side of the road out of fuel with no money?" or "Who can help pull me out of a jam if I'm parked on the highway without fuel?", DriveSmart is your go-to solution. No matter what surprises the road throws your direction, DriveSmart has you covered - providing truly hassle-free driving security.

Ready to Stop Worrying About Running Out of Gas?

Join DriveSmart today and gain instant access to exclusive offers, personalized support, and the confidence you need every time you hit the road. Don’t wait for an empty tank—stay prepared, protected, and powered with DriveSmart.

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