Running out of gas is a situation every driver dreads, but it can happen to the best of us. Whether you were too focused on your journey to notice the fuel gauge or found yourself far from the nearest gas station, running out of gas on a highway can be stressful. However, with the right knowledge, you can handle the situation calmly and safely.




In this post, we’ll go over what steps to take if you find yourself stuck on the road without fuel, how to prevent this from happening, and when to call AAJ Towing and Roadside Assistance for help.

Immediate Steps to Take If You Run Out of Gas

1. Pull Over to a Safe Spot

The first thing to do when you realize your car is running out of gas is to stay calm and find a safe place to pull over. The last thing you want is to be stranded in a dangerous spot on a busy highway.

  • Move to the Shoulder: If possible, move your vehicle to the right shoulder of the highway. Ideally, you should pull over far enough away from the road so that you're not in danger from passing traffic. Make sure you're well out of the flow of vehicles.
  • Avoid the Left Lane: If your car starts stalling when you're in the left lane or on a highway with no shoulders, try to coast to the right lane safely. If you can’t, use your hazard lights immediately and move the car as far out of the active lane as possible.
  • Use Your Hazard Lights: As soon as you realize you're running out of gas and need to pull over, activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers. This will help protect you from getting hit, especially in low-visibility conditions like nighttime or bad weather.

2. Assess Your Surroundings

Once you’ve safely pulled over, it’s time to assess your surroundings and plan your next steps.

  • Locate the Nearest Exit or Gas Station: If you have access to your smartphone, use a map app to find the nearest gas station or service center. Sometimes, you might be closer than you think, and walking to the nearest station might be an option.
  • Check Your Car's Distance to Empty: Some cars display a "distance to empty" indicator, which estimates how many miles you can drive with the remaining fuel. This information can help you decide if you should stay put or attempt to drive a bit farther (if safe).

3. Evaluate Your Options for Fuel Assistance

Now that you've pulled over and assessed your situation, it's time to figure out how to refuel.

  • Call for Roadside Assistance: If you're far from a gas station or feel unsafe walking to one, your best option is to call AAJ Towing and Roadside Assistance for fuel delivery service. We can deliver fuel to your location and get you back on the road quickly.
  • Walk to the Nearest Gas Station: If you're close to a gas station and it's safe to walk, you may opt to go there on foot and purchase a gas can. However, this should only be done if the gas station is close by and there is a safe walking path. Always avoid walking on busy highways.
  • Ask for Help: If there are vehicles passing by and you feel comfortable asking for help, you can wave down a passing motorist or call a friend or family member who might be nearby.

How to Stay Safe While Waiting for Help

Waiting for help when you're stranded on the highway requires some extra precautions. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Stay Inside Your Vehicle

The safest place to wait for help is inside your vehicle, especially if you’re on a busy highway. Sitting inside keeps you protected from other vehicles and bad weather. Keep your seatbelt on while you wait, especially if your car is parked near traffic.

2. Use Warning Signals

If you have roadside safety equipment like reflective triangles, set them up behind your vehicle to alert other drivers to your presence. Placing reflective gear at least 50 to 100 feet behind your car helps prevent accidents by giving oncoming drivers plenty of notice.

3. Stay Visible

Even during the day, visibility is key. Keep your hazard lights on and, if possible, wear a reflective vest if you need to leave your car to check your surroundings or wait outside. Staying visible ensures that drivers can see you from a distance, reducing the risk of an accident.

How to Prevent Running Out of Gas

While getting stranded without gas can happen to anyone, there are several steps you can take to reduce the chances of it happening again.

1. Monitor Your Fuel Gauge Regularly

Many drivers get so caught up in their daily routines or long drives that they forget to check their fuel levels. Make it a habit to glance at your fuel gauge regularly, especially when you're on a long trip or driving in unfamiliar areas.

2. Fill Up When You’re Below Half a Tank

A good rule of thumb is to fill up when your fuel gauge is at or below half a tank, particularly on long trips or when you’re driving through rural areas where gas stations may be scarce. Having at least half a tank gives you extra cushion if you can’t find a station immediately.

3. Use Fuel Apps to Plan Stops

There are numerous fuel apps available that can help you find gas stations along your route. Apps like GasBuddy or Waze can show you nearby stations and even help you compare fuel prices, so you know where to stop next.

4. Don’t Rely Solely on Distance-to-Empty Displays

While many modern cars have a “distance to empty” display, this figure is only an estimate. It can fluctuate based on driving conditions, speed, and terrain. Don’t wait until you're down to your last few miles—refuel as soon as possible when your tank is low.

When to Call AAJ Towing and Roadside Assistance

Running out of gas can be stressful, but the best way to handle it is to stay calm and reach out for help. AAJ Towing and Roadside Assistance offers a range of services, including fuel delivery, so you don't have to worry about walking to a gas station or staying stranded for long periods. Here's why we're your best option:

  • Quick Response Time: Our trained technicians can deliver fuel to your location quickly, so you can get back on the road in no time.
  • Safe and Reliable Service: Whether it's day or night, we're always ready to assist, ensuring your safety while you wait for help.
  • 24/7 Availability: No matter the time, our team is available to provide roadside assistance whenever you need it.