I Ran Out of Gas on the Highway – The Maryland Guide to Getting Back on the Road

Everyone has been there-ran out of gas and suddenly found themselves stranded on the side of the road. Whether it happens on a busy highway or a quiet backroad, running out of fuel can be stressful and inconvenient.

Maryland’s 71,129 miles of roadway mean plenty of places where drivers might face this situation. But knowing what to do if you ran out of gas can make all the difference between a quick fix and a long wait.

This guide will walk you through the most common reasons for running out of gas, steps to stay safe, and how to handle the situation quickly and effectively. Whether you need roadside assistance or want to prepare for emergencies, we’ve got you covered.

Situations That Can See You Running Out of Gas

Running out of gas is probably the easiest to see coming of all the things that can leave a driver stranded. Your dashboard will be a big help here, assuming, of course, you’re paying attention.

You should also take a close look at your other driving habits while you’re at it; you may find you do things that can increase your chances of a gas shortage. Avoid these temptations and oversights, and you’re more likely to keep that tank topped up:

Driving on Empty to Save Money? Think Twice

This can be a bad habit for many drivers regardless of the economy. It’s more common now that the cost of a gallon has surged over the last year or so. 

Higher prices tend to make people run that red “E” as they try to squeeze every last mile out of their fuel dollars. Maryland was one of the few states to try and ease that burden last year by pausing the gas tax, so at least that’s something!

Over-Reliance on Electric Vehicles Can Leave You Stranded

Maryland is one of the nation’s leading states for electric vehicle (EV) ownership and adoption. More than 60,000 have been registered, and Governor Moore is committed to some aggressive goals for EV sales. 

Drivers of EV hybrids can and do forget to keep their gas tank topped up as a contingency against their battery running low. This could require an EV tow which has its own set of requirements.

Maximize Your Gas Mileage to Avoid Running Out

Keeping your gas tank topped off is only half the battle. Learning how to optimize your fuel expenditure is the other. Avoiding traffic is an excellent way to do this – which is easier said than done, but it can cut the kind of gas-guzzling caused by idling.

Combining trips is another good way to get the most out of your fuel budget. It also helps to make drivers less fearful of their next bill at the pumps. Here are more ways to get better gas mileage to reduce your chances of running dry.

Even respecting the road’s best practices won’t always protect you from something as common as running out of gas. Whatever mistake or oversight brings you to that point doesn’t have to be compounded. 

You can avoid undue stress when you have an emergency plan that will get you the gas you need, keep you safer, and hopefully save you some money.

Poor Route Planning in Remote Areas

Traveling in rural or remote areas often means longer distances between gas stations. Drivers who don’t map out their route or fail to account for limited fueling options may find themselves running out of gas in isolated areas with no immediate access to assistance. This can be especially problematic during road trips or vacations through national parks and other less-populated regions.

Malfunctioning Fuel Gauge or Sensor Errors

Older vehicles or cars with mechanical issues may experience problems with fuel gauges or sensors, leading to inaccurate readings. Drivers may believe they have more gas than they actually do, only to suddenly run out without warning. Sensor errors are particularly common in vehicles with high mileage, making regular maintenance essential to avoid such mishaps.

Smart Ways to Avoid Running Out of Gas

Running out of gas on the highway can be stressful, but with a little preparation, you can avoid the situation altogether. Use these practical tips to stay prepared and keep your tank full when you need it most:

1. Track Your Fuel Levels Regularly

Always pay attention to your fuel gauge-don’t assume you have more gas than you actually do. Make it a habit to check the gauge every time you start your car, especially before heading out on longer trips.

2. Plan Your Refueling Stops Early

For longer journeys, map out gas stations along your route and plan to stop before reaching the quarter-tank mark. Apps like GasBuddy can also help locate stations and compare prices.

3. Keep Emergency Gas in Your Vehicle

Store a portable gas can in your trunk for emergencies. Make sure it’s approved for fuel storage to avoid leaks, and refill it regularly so it’s ready when needed.

4. Avoid Procrastinating at the Pump

Resist the urge to “push it” when you’re nearing empty-waiting too long to refuel is a common cause of getting stranded. Make it a habit to refill at a quarter tank rather than waiting until the light comes on.

5. Maintain Fuel Efficiency

Drive efficiently to reduce fuel consumption. Avoid sudden acceleration, heavy braking, and excessive idling. Regular vehicle maintenance, such as tire pressure checks and oil changes, also helps optimize gas mileage.

6. Watch for Warning Signs of Fuel System Problems

If you notice signs like poor fuel economy, difficulty starting, or jerking movements, it could indicate an issue with your fuel pump or filter. Address these problems early to avoid unexpected breakdowns.

7. Use Technology to Stay Informed

Modern vehicles often have range estimates displayed on dashboards. Take advantage of this feature and monitor how far you can travel on your current tank. You can also use navigation apps that track nearby gas stations in real time.

Emergency Car Kit Essentials for Unexpected Situations

Even with careful planning, emergencies can still happen. Equipping your car with a well-stocked emergency kit can make a big difference when facing unexpected situations-especially if you run out of gas on the highway. Here are some must-have items to keep in your vehicle:

• Portable Gas Can: A portable, approved gas container allows you to safely store and transport fuel if you need to walk to a nearby gas station.
• Flashlights and Extra Batteries: Essential for visibility at night or in low-light conditions, especially if you’re stranded after dark.
• Reflective Triangles and Road Flares: Help make your vehicle more visible to other drivers and improve safety while waiting for assistance.
• Jumper Cables: Useful for dealing with a dead battery, which can often accompany fuel-related issues in colder weather.
• First Aid Kit: Ideal for treating minor injuries in case of an accident while waiting for help.
• Blankets and Water Bottles: Provide comfort and hydration if you have to wait for an extended period.
• Multi-Tool or Basic Tool Kit: Handy for small repairs or adjustments while waiting for assistance.

By keeping these items in your car, you’ll be better prepared for any roadside emergency, giving you peace of mind no matter where your journey takes you.

Out of Gas on the Highway? Follow These 6 Steps to Get Back on the Road

The first thing to do is stay calm. Getting upset or angry won’t help you make a clear-headed decision to solve the problem.

You’re likely to get yourself into more trouble unless you can gauge if a dry gas tank is your only concern or if running dry has created new risks. Most of all, it’s important to remember that you have multiple options to get out of this particular jam, so stay positive!

Step 1: Stay Safe and Assess the Situation

Running out of gas can cause an accident or be an accident waiting to happen. Assessing the situation for actual and potential risks is essential. Move your vehicle out of travel lanes if possible, and turn on your hazard lights.

Sometimes it’s safer to stay inside your car while you wait for gas to arrive, and sometimes it isn’t. It all depends on the situation. Here’s some more advice to consider.

Step 2: Use an Emergency Gas Can (If Available)

Having emergency gas in the trunk is an excellent idea for every Maryland driver because you don’t have to wait for help to arrive. Keeping an approved portable gas can onboard is the right way to do it since not just any old container will do.

Approved designs help to avoid spills and leaks, which can be extremely dangerous while filling and pouring. Here are some solid recommendations for you.

Step 3: Call Someone You Trust for Help

Getting a top-off could be as simple as calling someone in your personal circle and asking them to drop by with a few gallons. This should limit the expense solely to the price of the gas you need.

You may also cover the other person’s gas outlay if you’re nice. Just don’t expect to be too popular if friends or family have to bail you out late at night or in the middle of some bad Maryland weather!

Step 4: Contact a Roadside Assistance Service

Needing emergency fuel is classified as roadside assistance since it’s a low labor and relatively inexpensive fix. Only choose companies who are licensed and insured and who have a good reputation.

Take the extra time to study their website and ask about their insurance and licenses before using them. Many drivers also wonder whether free roadside gas and jumpstart services are available to help in emergencies. Only choose companies who are licensed and insured and who have a good reputation.

Step 5: Call #77 for Free Emergency Gas on Maryland Highways

If you’ve run out of gas on Maryland’s state-owned highways, help is just a phone call away. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) provides assistance through its Coordinated Highways Action Response Team (CHART) Emergency Response Technicians (ERTs)—yes, it’s a long name, but their service is straightforward and reliable.

Fortunately, you don’t need to memorize the name. Simply dial #77 for quick assistance. These teams are available to provide approximately one gallon of gas, which is often enough to help you reach the nearest gas station safely.

While one gallon may not take you far, it’s a critical lifeline to help you avoid being stranded on busy roadways. For more information about MDOT SHA CHART services, visit the Maryland State Highway Administration website.

Step 6: Call Law Enforcement for Emergencies Only

This is a last resort because the police are extremely busy dealing with serious matters elsewhere. That’s not to say it isn’t serious if you ran out of gas on the highway; it’s just common sense to request police assistance only when you’re out of other options. 

You can move this tip up the list if your car is blocking traffic or you feel you’re at risk of an accident or physical harm from running out of gas in a dangerous area. Dialing #77 will connect you directly to the police if you’re close to a Maryland Transportation Authority facility. You can dial 911 if you feel running out of gas has created an emergency. 

It’s best to use the non-emergency dispatch number for your county if you or others aren’t in significant danger as you wait for the emergency gas. Contact the local police to get their non-emergency contact and keep that number on file.

It’s ultimately a good idea to cultivate a “big picture” mindset. The rapid rise of EVs and EV charging stations are a sign that the number of gas-powered vehicles you’ll see on the road is slowly starting to lessen.

This means that the number of gas stations you’ll see around Maryland in the future may start to diminish. This may take a long time to happen, but developing good gas habits now will help make your vehicle future-proof!

Contact the Geyers Team When You Run Out of Gas

We’re devoted to delivering the highest standard of roadside assistance, towing, and recovery throughout Maryland.

We bring decades of experience and a trained and licensed team straight to your side whenever you run out of gas. We’re even happy to do the pouring so you don’t have to get your hands dirty before getting back on the road.

We operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can get the gas you need without taking unnecessary risks like blocking traffic – or having your mom be mad at you for two weeks because you called her at 1 am! 

Just call us instead at (301) 298-8519 any time to have one of our trained and friendly staff come to your location, or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch!