When your vehicle is low on fuel, the fuel light will turn on to remind you to fill it up with gas. It is important not to ignore this indication, even if most drivers tend to do so, as safety should be a top priority for everyone. Here are a few things you need to know about the fuel tank capacity to prevent engine damage. 

What is the Standard Fuel Tank Capacity?

A tank is an integral part of your car’s engine system that stores flammable fuels such as oil and gasoline. Many people ask, “How many gallons of gas does a car hold?”. An average gas tank has a capacity of 45 to 65 liters. Bigger vehicles like trucks and minivans have a bigger tank capacity. 

The size of your vehicle determines the average gas tank size. For example, a small car normally holds about 12 gallons of gas. A larger car with a bigger tank can hold about 15 gallons of gas and even more in a few cases. 

It is also important to understand that miles per gallon (MPG) has little to do with the size of your petrol tank. With larger tanks, you are able to travel more without needing to stop to fill up. However, it does not affect gas mileage. Also, the larger the tank size, the heavier it will be. 

Reserve Tank 

The term “reserve tank” comes from the automobile industry and refers to vehicles with extra tank capacity. Reserve tanks contain about 15% of the capacity of the primary tank. However, new models do not come with reserve tanks, and you can find these tanks only in vintage models built for long-distance travel. 

Modern Cars and their Fuel Tanks 

The majority of modern cars stop functioning when there are only 5 to 10 liters of gas left in the tank, making it impossible for you to empty your tank fully. Also, the new cars with reserve tanks indicate the quantity after including the reserve tank. Moreover, for safety reasons, your fuel light will inform you about getting low on gas before you hit that 5 to 10-liter mark.

What is the Toyota Corolla Gas Tank Size?

Toyota Corolla has produced several cars over the decades, and they are available in different fuel types, including petrol and diesel, with automatic and manual transmissions. The majority of the models from 2002 to above offer 55L fuel capacity, while most models before 2002 offer 50L fuel capacity 

Can You Fill Up a Gas Tank More Than the Rated Capacity?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. Here is an explanation for this

Depending upon the average size of the tank, the manufacturer might fit a bigger tank in order to make room for the air to prevent vapor locking. The gas chamber is bigger, not for extra fuel but to provide room for air. 

Obviously, you cannot fill a 17-gallon container with 19 gallons of gas, but there is a slight possibility that you might cross it a little.

If you’re worried about running out of fuel on the road, consider choosing a vehicle with a reserve tank to provide extra gas.

How Much Is a Full Tank of Gas?


The fuel price keeps changing and also varies from state to state. In general, to calculate the cost of your tank, multiply the price per gallon by the size of your tank. For example, if a gallon costs about $5 and your tank holds a capacity of 20 gallons, then a full tank would cost you about $100. However, a point to keep in mind is that fuel efficiency varies in every vehicle, so the miles you will travel in a full tank will differ from one vehicle to an other. 

Does the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Pick-up have the Highest Fuel Tank Capacity?

Toyota Land Cruiser 79 comes 2nd with a fuel tank capacity of 180 liters, just below the Ford Super Duty 450 gas tank size of 181 liters.  The Land Cruiser 79 is powered by a 4.5-liter V8 turbo diesel engine that produces about 430Nm of torque. Due to its reliability, performance, and tank capacity, it is a popular choice in Africa, Australia, and the Middle East, where it is extensively used for mining, agriculture, and exploration activities. 

What Will Happen if I Keep Driving on an Empty Fuel Tank?

Not only will your vehicle stop all of a sudden, but driving it at really low fuel can also cause damage to your car. As the level of fuel keeps getting lower, your car can pick up debris from the bottom of the tank, which can cause damage to the fuel filter and pump. Moreover, it can cause damage to your catalytic converter. In the end, leaving your vehicle completely dry can cause costly damage to your car. 

The majority of the vehicles have an engine management system that shuts down before your engine can get into any sort of trouble. However, there is no such system in place if you drive a petrol vehicle. 

How to Make Fuel in My Vehicle Last Longer?

Various tactics can help you make your vehicle’s fuel go the extra mile. Some of the tricks include 

  • Removing extra weight from your car 
  • Avoid idling 
  • Keeping the pressure of your vehicle topped up 
  • Being cautious of how often you are using the Air Con 

What to Do If You Do Not Have Enough Fuel to Reach the Gas Station?

If reaching the gas station before running out of petrol is not possible for you, the most suitable option is to pull your vehicle and turn the hazard light on. You should contact someone who can bring fuel for you. 

Driving your car until it runs out of gas and leaving you stranded on the side of the road can put you in a vulnerable situation and even cause damage to your vehicle.