Is Your Fuel Gauge Playing Tricks? Don’t Get Stranded!

A few weeks ago, Juma, a friend was travelling to say hello to his in-laws in Bungoma. He’d fueled his car, the fuel gauge confidently declaring that he’s got hundreds of kilometers to go. So, he kicked back, relaxed, and pumped the fuel.

Six hours later, his beloved “baby” started sputtering. It coughed and finally gave up in the middle of nowhere near Kakamega Forest. Panic set in because he realised he was stranded and worse still, during the wee hours of the morning. He tried to restart the engine, again and again, each attempt sounding more desperate than the last. 

He called Amos, his “mechanic” who walked him through a troubleshooting checklist, but nothing worked. He made some calls and got some mechanics from nearby who concluded that it was official, his car was dead.

Desperate for a second opinion, he called for professional help, and alas, the mechanic told him while laughing, “Bro, hii gari haina mafuta!” (You’re low on fuel).

Juma couldn’t believe it. He pointed at the fuel gauge saying, “I have a full tank.” So, they pulled a dipstick, cleaned it and lowered it into the fuel tank, and it was empty!

The culprit? It was the fuel gauge.

Yes, that tiny needle on your dashboard that supposedly tells you how much fuel is left. Being his first car, Juma realised that a faulty fuel gauge can play tricks on you. 

But why did this happen? Here’s Peach Cars‘ deep dive into the world of fuel gauges and the reasons behind their deceitful behaviour.

What’s a Fuel Gauge and How Does It Work?

First things first: what exactly is a fuel gauge? It’s that little meter on your dashboard showing how much fuel is in your tank. Simple, right? Well, not always.

A fuel gauge has two main parts:

1. The sender unit in the fuel tank
2. The gauge on your dashboard

How does it work? The sender unit floats on top of the fuel in your tank. As fuel levels change, the sender unit moves up or down. This movement sends an electrical signal to your dashboard gauge, showing you how much fuel you have left.

Why is My Fuel Gauge Lying to Me?

There are a few common culprits behind a misleading fuel gauge. The most frequent offender is the fuel sender unit. This small component resides in your gas tank and acts as a fuel level sensor. As the fuel level fluctuates, the sender unit sends signals to your dashboard gauge, which then displays the corresponding information. However, if this little gadget becomes damaged or malfunctions, it can send inaccurate signals, making your gauge believe you have more fuel than you actually do.

Other potential culprits include a faulty gauge itself, a corroded electrical connection, or even a damaged wiring harness. Basically, anything that interrupts the communication between the fuel sender unit and the fuel gauge can lead to a reading that’s far from accurate.

Signs Your Fuel Gauge is a Fibber

Keep an eye out for these telltale signs of a dishonest fuel gauge:

• The gauge needle dances wildly as you drive.
• The gauge stubbornly insists you’re empty even after a fresh fill-up.
• The gauge gets stuck on a particular reading and refuses to budge, regardless of your fuel level.
• You unexpectedly run out of gas, despite the gauge claiming you had plenty left. (Sound familiar?)

How to Deal with a Faulty Fuel Gauge

So, what do you do if your fuel gauge is lying to you? For one, track your mileage. Always reset your trip meter every time you fill up. This way, you’ll know roughly how far you’ve driven and when you might need fuel.

Also, make sure that you fill up regularly. Don’t wait until your tank is almost empty. Make it a habit to fill up when you’re at half tank. While at it, listen to your car. If it coughs and starts losing power, it might be running out of fuel, regardless of what the gauge says.

Most importantly, reach out to Peach Cars for a diagnosis and get your fuel gauge fixed. 

The Importance of a Working Fuel Gauge

You might be thinking, “Why bother fixing my fuel gauge? I can just keep track myself.” We can tell you for free that you will learn the hard way. A working fuel gauge is more important than you might think. 

Here are reasons why you should have Peach Cars help you repair your fuel gauge:

1. Running out of fuel can leave you stuck in dangerous situations, especially at night or in remote areas.
2. Running on an empty tank can damage your car’s fuel pump and engine.
3. Knowing exactly how much fuel you have helps you plan your fill-ups better and avoid emergency (and often more expensive) refuelling.
4. No more stress about whether you’ll make it to the next petrol station!

By understanding the signs of a faulty fuel gauge and taking proactive steps, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and enjoy stress-free journeys. Remember, a little knowledge can go a long way (just like a full tank of gas!).

Meanwhile, if you are thinking it’s time to upgrade your car, give us a call at +254709726900. We have a wide selection of both new and used cars at affordable prices! We also offer a hassle-free selling experience, so you can focus on the important things, like planning your next adventure (with a reliable fuel gauge, of course!).