Older drivers with petrol and diesel vehicles told to keep this much fuel in their cars

Older drivers have been issued a simple fuel warning (Image: Getty)

Motoring experts have issued a crucial warning to elderly motorists with the keys to petrol and diesel vehicles. 

Specialists at the Older Drivers Forum have warned elderly road users need to ensure they have “adequate fuel” before setting off on a journey. 

The older driver awareness experts admitted the elderly should always keep at least a ”quarter of a tank” in their vehicles at all times. 

They issued the warning as they encouraged road users to plan ahead for journeys before setting off this winter.

The Older Drivers Forum said: “With a petrol or diesel car make sure to always have a quarter of a tank of fuel in case there are unexpected delays.”

Motorists should always keep a quarter of a tank of fuel at all times (Image: Getty)

Experts at Auto Protect stress motorists should never run their vehicles on a virtually empty tank of fuel. 

They stress that consistently driving on low fuel can cause a "number of internal issues” with possible damage to fuel pumps and filters. 

Breakdown experts at the RAC explained: “The engine management system on diesel cars shuts down before completely running dry to minimise damage. A car powered by unleaded fuel, however, runs the risk of emptying completely.

“When an engine draws in the gunk and debris sitting at the bottom of the tank you risk damage to your fuel tank, fuel pump and filter system.

“As unwanted materials travel through your pump, particles can get stuck and clog the system, eventually corroding it. Repeatedly running your tank dry could also cause your pump to overheat, wearing it out prematurely.”

As well as the risk of damaging a model, drivers could put themselves in a “dangerous” situation if their vehicle suddenly breaks down.

Auto Protect added: “The consequences of running out of fuel are a sudden loss of power to your engine, potentially on a busy road. This in itself is dangerous. 

“Now consider having to pull over without the use of your engine, if you’re on a hill or in the middle lane with no hard shoulder it’s impossible. 

“Being stranded in your car is always a potentially dangerous situation to be in and not one worth risking.”

Data from RAC Fuel Watch shows petrol prices have slowly crept up in January with unleaded petrol up a penny per litre to stand at 137.68p per litre.

Diesel has also increased over the first month of 2025 with average costs up from 142.91p per litre to 144.05p.