Every day, towing companies throughout the U.S. respond to callers in need of roadside assistance because they've run out of fuel. Though it can have unfortunate consequences, motorists continue to "drive on empty.” Below are some of the dangers of letting your tank get too low before refueling.

Why You Shouldn’t Drive on an Empty Tank

1. Attracting Condensation

When the fuel tank is mostly empty, moist air will create condensation on the inside of the tank. This results in water mixing with your fuel. In older vehicles with a metal gas tank, this can also cause corrosion in the tank and fuel lines. Though newer vehicles often feature plastic tanks, the mixture of water and gas can still affect performance and fuel mileage.

2. Building Up Sediment 

Over time, sediment builds up in the bottom of your fuel tank. This can occur through contaminants in gasoline or from tank corrosion. Either way, because it is at the very bottom, it doesn't usually affect your driving ability until the tank has nearly run dry. At that point, the contaminants will start entering your engine, causing damage that will be expensive to fix.

3. Needing Towing

The final reason you shouldn't drive on empty is that you risk running out of gas and ending up on the side of the road on the phone with a towing company. This isn’t just inconvenient. It can also be dangerous, especially if your vehicle is somewhere difficult to see—for instance, beyond a bend in a busy highway. For safety's sake, you should never let your tank fall below a quarter full.

If you've run out of gas or have otherwise found yourself in need of roadside assistance, contact A1 Towing Cincinnati in Ohio. This family-owned and -operated company offers 24/7 emergency towing service throughout the Cincinnati Tri-State area. You can message them online via their website or call (513) 602-5493 to request a tow truck.