Is it possible to drive a gallon of gasoline for 2,000 miles?

As fuel prices continue to rise, drivers are starting to figure out exactly what’s needed to get to the next destination. You want to be able to see how far your car can go, whether you're driving to work or on errands. What is the maximum mileage you can drive with one gallon gasoline?

Average new cars get 27 mpg. Some cars will get better fuel economy than others, but the average car can still achieve 27 MPG. However, it’s never wise to attempt driving on one gallon of fuel, as it could run out at any point and leave you stranded. 

Many factors affect how far your fuel can take you. We look at those in this article and discuss why you shouldn’t let your tank run empty.

There are many factors that affect how far you can drive on one gallon of gas

1. Traffic

What kind of traffic your car is in will have a huge impact on how fuel efficient it is. You will get a lower fuel economy if your vehicle is driven in urban traffic.

That’s why the EPA determines fuel economy ratings by city and highway numbers. You will find that the rating for a city vehicle is significantly lower than one for a highway car. 

2. Tire Pressure

You know it’s important to keep an eye on tire pressures for your on-road safety. With that said, it’s just as important to the fuel economy.

Maximum fuel economy will be achieved by using tires that conform to the manufacturer's standards. You can find this number on the placard found on the driver’s side door. 

RELATED : How to find the correct tire pressure for your car (4 Steps).

3. Style for Driving

You might believe the way you handle your car on the road has nothing to do with fuel economy, but you couldn’t be further from the truth. How you treat your car on the road can make a huge difference in fuel economy. Driving aggressively will cause your vehicle to burn more fuel than you would if it was properly maintained.

Fuel is wasted by changing your speed, acceleration too quickly and braking frequently. These tactics not only cause fuel to be wasted, but also make it more visible to the police. 

RELATED : How far can you drive after your gas light turns on?

4. Car Maintenance

You must maintain a regular maintenance program to ensure your vehicle runs at peak performance. Regular oil changes and replacements of the air filters are crucial to maintaining a vehicle's efficiency.

You can make your engine run more harshly if you don't attend these services. This will cause you to use up more fuel. Thankfully, you don’t need to perform oil changes as frequently today, with some cars able to go 10,000 miles between changes with synthetic oil. 

5. Terrain

The terrain used by the EPA to test cars for fuel economy is uneventful and flat. The same fuel economy cannot be reproduced on different terrain.

You will experience a decrease in fuel economy if you drive on hills or mountains. This is also true for driving on dirt roads which are more difficult to navigate. 

6. Electric Equipment

You may have noticed that electric cars can be limited in driving range by running accessories. But the opposite is true for a gasoline-powered vehicle. There will be a significant drop in fuel economy depending on what you run. These electronics require power to function.

The air conditioner will reduce your car's fuel efficiency slightly. But, it can also be true when you open the windows, which could lead to more drag. However, when cars are tested by the EPA, the air conditioning isn’t running, so it’s hard to replicate the same numbers, especially on the warmest days. 

7. 4×4

It doesn't matter if you have a vehicle with both two- or four-wheel drives, it is best to use two-wheel driving whenever you can. Fuel economy ratings will drop further if all four wheels are used.

This is how it works: Do two wheels require more power than four? It’s safe to say the energy needed is double that of the normal configuration. 

8. Towing/Hauling

If you drive a vehicle that’s meant for hauling and towing, you must know that the EPA didn’t load it up to test the fuel economy numbers. You will see the rating only if you have an empty vehicle.

The fuel economy rating will be affected by every extra pound you add to your car's cargo. This cargo hauling also applies to anything that’s loaded up on the roof rack of your vehicle or if you decide to fill the vehicle with people. It’s one of the reasons we suggest taking unnecessary cargo out of your vehicle when you can. Don’t drive around with a bunch of junk in your car if you want to maximize fuel economy numbers. 

Also, the aerodynamic drag created by pulling a trailer or boat behind your car can reduce its rating. In some cases, you can see a dramatic drop in efficiency, so it’s something to pay attention to. 

RELATED: Can you drive on empty?

What is the worst thing for your car if you run on empty? You Might Get Injured

1. Be Stranded

You could be running out of gas at any moment, so it is a good idea not to go on empty. If the gas runs out, the car’s engine is going to stop, leaving you wherever you are. Sometimes you may not be safe.

Apart from finding a parking spot that is safe, it's also important to know how to fill up your car with gas. This can be done by walking to a station nearby or waiting for roadside assistance. 

2. Clog Fuel Filter

The gas tank will eventually reach its bottom and more dirt, sediment, and debris will collect. These particles tend to sit at the bottom of the tank, where they don’t normally cause problems. 

If the pump begins to draw in these particles, the fuel filter will trap them. The fuel filter can block the flow of gasoline and cause performance problems. 

3. Tank Pump Damage

Although the filter prevents contaminants from entering the fuel pump, it is still possible for them to get in. The fuel pump is made to last for the life of the car, but that’s not going to happen if you run your tank on empty.

The pump may overheat if it is not properly lubricated. You could pay more to replace the pump because you will need to drain the tank, which can lead to additional labor. Do not wait for the fuel to run out before it gets too low. It’s like having an insurance policy against expensive repairs. 

4. Cause engine damage

When the vehicle starts running empty, it can cause the fuel pump to absorb air. This can cause an imbalance in the fuel-air ratio.

You might initially notice misfiring. You can only continue to drive your car like that and you will end up paying for expensive repairs.