What to Do If You Run Out of Gas in London, Ontario: A Safe Recovery Guide
It happens to the best of us. You're driving home from work in Masonville, or maybe you're cruising down the 401 headed towards Woodstock, and you realize the fuel light has been on a little longer than you cared to admit. Then, the engine stutters.
Running out of gas is more than just an inconvenience; in a busy city like London, Ontario, it can be a genuine safety hazard—especially if it happens on a high-speed stretch like Highbury Avenue or the 401/402 interchange.
At EmsTowing, we've helped countless neighbours in Byron, Hyde Park, Westmount, and Lambeth get back on the road after a "dry tank" emergency. Here is your step-by-step guide on what to do when the tank hits empty.
What happens if your car runs out of gas while driving?
When your vehicle runs out of fuel, you will notice a sudden loss of engine power. Your power steering and power brakes will still work for a moment, but they will become much harder to operate once the engine completely dies.
If you feel the car sputtering, your first priority is to get off the main travel lanes. Use your momentum to pull over to the right-hand shoulder. Avoid stopping on a bridge or in a live lane of traffic if at all possible. Once stopped, turn your wheels away from the road and engage your hazard lights immediately.
Is it bad for your car to run out of gas?
While the immediate problem is that you're stuck, running your tank to empty can actually cause mechanical issues. Your fuel pump relies on gasoline to stay cool and lubricated. When the tank is empty, the pump can overheat. Additionally, any sediment or debris at the very bottom of your tank can be sucked into the fuel system, potentially clogging your fuel filter.
If you find yourself frequently running on fumes, you might eventually need more than just a splash of gas—you might need a battery-boost.php if you've spent too much time trying to crank an empty engine.
Can you call someone to bring you gas in Ontario?
Yes! You don't always need a full tow just because you ran out of fuel. Many towing companies, including EmsTowing, offer roadside fuel delivery. We can bring enough gasoline or diesel to your location—whether you're stuck in a parking lot in White Oaks or on the side of Highway 3—to get you safely to the nearest gas station.
If you are in a particularly dangerous spot, such as the left-hand shoulder of the 401, we may recommend a highway-recovery.php to move your vehicle to a safer location before refueling.
How much gas does a roadside assistance service bring?
Typically, roadside fuel delivery services bring 5 to 10 litres of fuel. This is not meant to fill your tank, but rather to give you enough range to reach the closest station. In London, that usually means you're only a few minutes away from a pump once we arrive.
Safety Tips for London Drivers
If you are stranded in London, keep these local tips in mind:
- Know Your Location: If you're on the 401 near Highbury or Colonel Talbot Rd, look for the nearest kilometer marker. This helps our dispatchers find you much faster.
- Stay with the Vehicle (Usually): On busy London streets like Fanshawe Park Road or Oxford St, it is generally safer to stay inside your locked vehicle with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
- Winter Hazards: If you run out of gas during a London winter, your heater will stop working almost immediately. Keep an emergency blanket in your trunk.
- Avoid "Gas Can Walking": Never attempt to walk along the 401 or 402 to find a gas station. It is extremely dangerous and often illegal.
Need Help Now?
Whether you need a quick fuel delivery, a lockouts.php service because you locked your keys inside while checking the tank, or a tow to a local mechanic, EmsTowing is here to help. We serve the entire London area, including st-thomas.php and woodstock.php.
If you have more questions about our services, check out our faq.php.
Stuck with an empty tank? Call EmsTowing at (226) 476-4176 for fast, friendly roadside assistance.