Is it bad to run my car low on gas?

The Warning Light Tango: Is Coasting on Empty Really a Death Sentence?
We have all been there. You are cruising down Sherwood Way or Loop 306, jamming to your favorite Texas country station, when that little amber light flickers to life. Your brain immediately does the math: "Do I have enough gas to get to the office, or do I need to stop now?" We have all heard the horror stories from our gearhead uncles about how running low on gas will suck up all the "gunk" at the bottom of the tank and destroy your engine. It is a classic automotive urban legend, but how much of it is actually true? As your trusted neighbors in San Angelo, we want to clear the air on this fuelish dilemma.

The Fuel Pump Cooling Conundrum: Fact or Fiction?
Let us address the elephant in the garage: the fuel pump cooling myth. Many drivers believe that if you run your tank below a quarter, the fuel pump will overheat and die because it is no longer submerged in gasoline. In many modern vehicles, this is actually a legitimate concern. Your fuel pump is an electric motor that lives inside the gas tank, and it relies on the fuel surrounding it to act as a coolant. If you make a habit of running on fumes, you are essentially cooking your fuel pump. While it might not happen overnight, chronic low fuel levels can lead to premature pump failure. And replacing a fuel pump? That is not a cheap fix, and it is certainly not how you want to spend your weekend.

The Sediment Scare: Does the Bottom of the Tank Hold a Monster?
Then there is the terrifying tale of "tank sediment." The theory goes that all the dirt, rust, and debris in your gas settles at the bottom of the tank, and the moment you run low, the pump sucks it up like a vacuum cleaner, clogging your fuel filter and injectors. The reality is a bit more nuanced. Your fuel pump actually sits in a little bucket or sump at the bottom of the tank, meaning it is always drawing from the bottom anyway. However, if your tank is severely rusted or contaminated with debris, running it dry can cause the pump to pick up a higher concentration of that junk. Furthermore, running out of gas completely can cause the engine to run lean, which can damage your catalytic converter. The verdict? It is not an instant death sentence, but it is definitely bad for your car's long-term health.

Why San Angelo Needs a Shop That Evolves With the Industry
Just because we have been turning wrenches since 1966 does not mean we are stuck in the past. At Ric Henry's Auto Service, we believe that a legacy shop should be a leader in technology, not a museum piece. Cars have changed dramatically over the last five decades, transforming from simple mechanical machines into complex computers on wheels. You need a shop that understands this evolution. You need a team that has evolved with the industry. That is why we have fully modernized our facility. We use the same diagnostic tools and equipment that the dealerships use, ensuring that your vehicle gets the precise care it needs, whether it is a classic carbureted ride or a brand-new fuel-injected daily driver.

Dealer-Level Care Without Rearranging Your Life
We know that your time is valuable, and sitting in a waiting room for hours is not how you want to spend your day in San Angelo. That is why we offer comprehensive auto repair services designed around your lifestyle. We offer concierge pickup and early-bird drop-off, making it easy to get your car serviced without missing a beat at work. We also provide online booking and phone status updates. Our philosophy is simple: we explain the repair before we sell the repair. We are San Angelo's trusted dealership alternative with honest diagnostics. Plus, we stand behind our work with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all services we provide. We treat our customers like family, which is why we have been the go-to shop for generations of San Angelo drivers.



Trusting Your Ride to the Hands of Professionals
When you hear a weird noise or see a warning light, you need a shop you can trust. You need a shop that has a proven track record of honesty and excellence. We take big Texas pride in being the team San Angelo can trust for generations. Our family auto repair roots date back to 1966, and we have been proudly serving San Angelo drivers ever since. Whether you need a minor fix or a major overhaul, our experienced technicians are equipped to handle it all. We also offer multiple other system maintenance services to keep your car running smoothly for the long haul. Trust your car in the hands of Ric Henry's Auto Service, where we combine old-school values with new-school technology.