What to Do If You Run Out of Gas on the Highway: A Comprehensive Guide to Roadside Assistance and Towing Services

Published on Mar 09, 2025

What to Do If You Run Out of Gas on the Highway

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Running out of gas on the highway can be one of the most frustrating experiences for any driver. It’s not just inconvenient, but it can also pose serious safety risks. Fortunately, with a little preparation and the right knowledge, you can handle this situation with ease and avoid any unnecessary stress. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to take if you run out of gas on the highway, explore the importance of towing services, and highlight some real-life cases to give you a better understanding of how to approach the problem.

United Towing Service Inc.
united towing
United Towing Service Inc.

26170 Adams Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562, USA

1. Recognizing the Signs of Running Out of Gas

Before you find yourself stranded on the side of the road, it's important to understand the signs that your fuel level is critically low. Often, modern vehicles have a fuel light that turns on when you're running low, but not all cars will alert you in advance. Some early warning signs include:

  • The fuel gauge needle is close to "E".
  • The engine starts to sputter or feel sluggish.
  • You hear unusual sounds coming from the engine, indicating it's not receiving enough fuel.
  • The car begins to lose power or feels like it's going to stall.

If you notice these signs, it's a good idea to pull over to a safe area and either drive cautiously to the nearest gas station or take steps to seek roadside assistance. Ignoring these signs could leave you stranded on a busy highway, putting you and other drivers at risk.

J & J Towing
j and j towing
J & J Towing

4560 N Webster Ave, Perris, CA 92571, USA

2. What to Do When You Run Out of Gas

Once you’ve realized that you’ve run out of gas, the first thing to do is to stay calm. Panicking will only make the situation more stressful. Here’s what you should do:

Step 1: Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Spot

As soon as you realize that your car is out of fuel, try to move it to the side of the road or a safe area. This will protect you from passing traffic and help you avoid further damage to your vehicle. If you’re on the highway, try to coast to the shoulder or the nearest exit ramp. Make sure to use your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

Step 2: Call for Roadside Assistance

If you don’t have enough gas to make it to a nearby station, you’ll need to call for roadside assistance. Many insurance companies and car manufacturers offer roadside assistance services, which can send a technician to deliver gas to your location. Make sure to have your insurance or towing service provider's contact information handy for a quick call.

Step 3: Contact a Towing Service

If roadside assistance isn’t available or you’re in an area where it’s difficult to get help, you can contact a local towing company. They can either tow your car to the nearest gas station or bring you the fuel you need directly. This option may be more expensive than roadside assistance but can be invaluable in emergency situations.

3. The Importance of Roadside Assistance and Towing Services

When you run out of gas on the highway, you may need more than just a fuel delivery. Towing services play an essential role in ensuring your car is safely moved off the road and to the appropriate repair or service shop. Many towing services offer emergency fuel delivery, but in some cases, you may need your car towed if other mechanical issues arise.

Real-Life Case: A Nighttime Emergency

Imagine you’re on a long road trip and find yourself in the middle of nowhere at night with your fuel gauge blinking empty. It’s dark, and there’s no sign of civilization around. The best option here would be to contact a towing service with 24/7 availability. One customer shared how they were stuck on a deserted highway late at night after running out of gas, and a local towing service responded quickly. They not only delivered gas but also ensured the driver was safely on their way without any further delays.

What Towing Companies Offer

Aside from emergency fuel delivery, reputable towing companies provide a variety of services to help drivers in distress, such as:

  • Flatbed towing for cars with mechanical issues.
  • Battery jump-start services for cars that run out of power.
  • Lock-out assistance if you accidentally lock your keys inside the car.
  • Flat tire assistance if you need a quick fix on the side of the road.

4. How to Prevent Running Out of Gas

The best way to avoid running out of gas on the highway is by being proactive. Here are some tips to help you stay ahead of the problem:

  • Always keep an eye on your fuel gauge and try to refuel when it gets to a quarter tank.
  • Plan your route ahead of time, especially on longer trips where gas stations may be sparse.
  • Use a mobile app to track nearby gas stations along your route.
  • Consider keeping a small can of emergency gas in your car if you often drive long distances.

5. Conclusion: Trustworthy Towing Services Are Just a Call Away

Running out of gas on the highway can be an overwhelming experience, but with the right knowledge and a reliable roadside assistance plan, you can resolve the situation quickly and safely. Don’t wait until you're stuck on the side of the road – it's worth looking into towing services that offer emergency fuel delivery, especially if you often drive in remote areas. Your safety should always come first, and with the help of professional towing companies, you can stay prepared for any unexpected breakdown.

If you ever find yourself in need of towing or roadside assistance, be sure to reach out to a trustworthy service provider. Many companies offer comprehensive packages that include fuel delivery, 24/7 support, and a wide range of other services that can give you peace of mind on the road.

Remember, next time you find yourself in an emergency situation like running out of gas on the highway, don’t hesitate to call for professional help. A towing company that you can rely on is just a call away – and they’ll have you back on the road before you know it!

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