Fuel gaugeSouth Africa

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


92. Fuel gauge

A fuel gauge is an instrument on a vehicle's dashboard that indicates approximately how much fuel remains in the fuel tank. It usually displays a scale from empty to full and may also include a low-fuel warning light.

The reading is an estimate and can change slightly when the vehicle is on a slope, accelerating, braking or cornering. Drivers should refuel before the tank becomes completely empty.

Fuel gauge
A fuel gauge of a Citroen Xsara, the car is turned off or out of fuel.
Wikimedia.org • Santeri Viinamäki • CC BY-SA
What does a fuel gauge show?

A fuel gauge shows the approximate amount of fuel remaining in the vehicle's tank. Most gauges use a scale between empty and full.

What does the low-fuel warning light mean?

The low-fuel warning light indicates that the amount of fuel remaining has reached a low level. The driver should refuel soon rather than relying on the remaining reserve.

Is a fuel gauge completely accurate?

No. A fuel gauge provides an approximate reading. The indicated level can vary because of vehicle movement, road gradient, tank shape and the design of the fuel-level sensor.

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