Valuable lesson learned this morning

[AST8U]

2026 explorer ST
On the way home I got the gas light saying I had 50 miles left on my gas tank. I figured that I would just get it in the morning as I have to take my kid to school and go to work. I park in the driveway as I do and think nothing of it, This morning I go outside to start my vehicle and it will not start at all. Keep in mind my driveway is on a incline and I could not get it in to Neutral to roll down the hill. I had to go to the gas station to get a gallon of gas to come back and fill the tank with a gallon to finally get it started. once it was started i tried to drive away and it died again not to start, I finally got it to go to neutral and roll down the hill to start it and get to the gas station.. LESSON LEARNED
So I guess to anyone out there parking on a incline with low fuel do not back in as it seems the pickup for the fuel in twords the back of the tank

 

[Gadgtfreek]

I guess the pickup, due to acceleration, makes sense back there?

 

[Frank-n-Beans]

I learned this lesson within my first week as well.

 

[Chairborne Ranger]

Regardless of the vehicle since I started driving in 1973 I don't like to get much below half a tank before I fill up and restore my peace of mind. I often read on owners forums for newer autos that the fuel pump is cooled by the fuel in the tank and that letting the level get too low can cause the pump to overheat and fail. I used to fly general aviation single engine planes and one of the most common causes of crashes is fuel starvation. This knowledge definitely has made me more vigilant about the fuel on board of whatever I'm operating.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Before I got my ST, i was reading about this issue on the FB groups. So as a result I just never let it go below 1/2 a tank. Once i get to that point, i find a gas station.

I need to make it a point to practice the procedure on how to get it into nuetral to roll, just in case

 

[Gadgtfreek]

Here is how I see it: I'm generally a 1/4- to 1/2-fill-up. I just fill up every Friday, and it's usually about 1/3. If it's still over 1/2 on Friday, I still fill up.

At 1/4 a tank, you should be at 5 gallons, which is plenty for starting. At 50 miles to go, you may be at 2 gallons. I try to impress on the women in my life who like to run to the light, please just do it at 1/4 tank, lol. My wife is actually quite good; she won't let it get under 1/2.

 

[Birdofprey]

Always be prepared. Never ever go home needing gas.