What to Do If You Run Out of Gas on the Highway – Essential Guide for Drivers

Published on Mar 09, 2025
What to Do If You Run Out of Gas on the Highway Running out of gas on the highway is every driver's nightmare. Whether you’re on a long road trip or heading home from work, it can happen to anyone. But don’t panic – knowing what steps to take can make a stressful situation much easier to handle. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process, from staying safe to finding help through towing services and emergency roadside assistance. 1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation The first step when you realize you’re low on fuel is to stay calm. Panicking can cloud your judgment and prevent you from making the right decisions. Here’s what you should do immediately: A. Pull Over Safely If you’re in heavy traffic, use your vehicle’s momentum to coast to a safe spot on the shoulder. Ensure your car is at least a few feet from the road. Use your hazard lights to alert other drivers that your car is stopped. B. Evaluate Your Location If you’re on an interstate, try to assess where you are using landmarks or road signs. Take note of your surroundings for when you contact roadside assistance or towing services. 2. Call for Help: Towing and Roadside Assistance Services When you run out of gas, there are a few reliable options to consider. The most convenient choice is to call for emergency roadside assistance or a towing service. A. Roadside Assistance Coverage Many car insurance policies and credit cards offer roadside assistance as part of their benefits. If you have this coverage, it’s time to give them a call. Here’s what you can expect: Fuel Delivery: Some services will deliver enough fuel to get you to the nearest gas station. Towing: If your car is in a dangerous location, a tow truck can move your vehicle to a safer area or the nearest station. B. Towing Services If you don’t have roadside assistance, there are plenty of towing companies that can help you. Most towing companies offer fuel delivery services, and some even specialize in emergency fuel delivery to drivers in distress. Here’s how to find a reputable towing company: Use a GPS or smartphone to find local towing services or call your insurance provider for recommendations. Be sure to ask about the service fees for emergency fuel delivery before agreeing to any service. 3. Stay Safe While Waiting for Help While you wait for the towing service or roadside assistance, keeping your safety a top priority is crucial. Here are some tips: A. Remain Inside the Vehicle If you’re on a busy highway, it’s safer to stay inside your car rather than trying to walk to the nearest gas station. Keep your seatbelt on while in the car and lock your doors. B. Make Your Vehicle Visible Use your hazard lights to make sure other drivers see your vehicle. If you have reflective emergency triangles or flares, place them around your car (if safe to do so) to alert drivers. 4. Real-Life Case Studies: How Towing Services Can Save the Day Let’s take a look at some real-life scenarios where towing services and emergency assistance have been life-savers for drivers who ran out of gas. A. The Nighttime Breakdown: Laura’s Experience Laura was driving back from a weekend getaway when she ran out of gas on a desolate highway at night. With no gas station in sight, she felt helpless and anxious. Fortunately, her insurance provider offered 24/7 roadside assistance, and within 30 minutes, a technician arrived with a gallon of gas. Thanks to the swift service, Laura was able to continue her journey with minimal delay, all while feeling safe and secure. B. The Busy Interstate: Mark’s Close Call Mark was traveling through a busy interstate during rush hour when his car stalled due to a lack of gas. With traffic speeding by at high speeds, Mark called his towing service, which responded quickly. The team not only delivered fuel but also ensured his vehicle was safely towed to the nearest gas station. This quick response prevented Mark from being stranded in a dangerous location and minimized his stress. 5. Why You Should Always Have Roadside Assistance or Towing Coverage Running out of gas can be a stressful event, but it doesn’t have to derail your entire day. Here’s why having roadside assistance or towing coverage can be a game-changer: Convenience: Roadside assistance services can help you get fuel or tow your car to a safe location without you having to worry about finding help on your own. Peace of Mind: With coverage, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of paying expensive fees out of pocket or worrying about not having enough fuel. Safety: Having professional help ensures that you’re in safe hands, particularly if you break down in a hazardous area like a busy freeway. 6. How to Prevent Running Out of Gas in the Future While it’s good to know what to do when you run out of gas, prevention is always better than cure. Here are a few tips to help avoid this situation: A. Keep Track of Your Fuel Gauge Regularly check your fuel gauge, especially on long drives, and refuel when it’s halfway to empty. If your car has a "low fuel" warning light, make sure you fill up before it gets to that point. B. Plan Your Routes If you’re traveling in a rural area or on long stretches of highway, plan your route and identify gas stations along the way. Consider keeping an emergency fuel container in your trunk for extra peace of mind. 7. Get Reliable Roadside Assistance Now If you're a driver who wants peace of mind, consider signing up for a reliable roadside assistance or towing service today. With many providers offering fuel delivery services, you'll never be left stranded in an emergency. Choose a service that fits your needs and get the help you deserve when you need it most.

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