How far can you drive on 0 miles to empty a Ford Fusion?

In practice, you should not count on a long stretch after the gauge reads zero. Most Ford Fusion models carry a small fuel reserve after the “0 miles to empty” reading, typically about one to two gallons, which usually translates to roughly 20 to 60 miles depending on driving conditions and engine. The exact amount varies by model year and configuration, and the distance-to-empty estimate is not a precise countdown.

Understanding the 0 Miles to Empty reading

The “miles to empty” (DTE) figure is an estimate generated from recent fuel economy data and current engine conditions. When the gauge shows 0, it doesn’t mean there is no fuel left—there is typically a small reserve in the tank. The actual remaining fuel can vary with fuel economy at the moment, driving style, and terrain, so the displayed number should be treated as a guideline rather than a guarantee.

Fuel capacity and typical range

The Ford Fusion generally uses a fuel tank in the mid-teens of gallons (roughly around 16 gallons, depending on year and trim). With typical combined fuel economy ranging from the mid-20s to low-30s miles per gallon (again depending on engine and year), a full tank can cover roughly several hundred miles. When the gauge hits 0, you are safely within a reserve, and the remaining distance you can travel will depend heavily on how you drive and the vehicle’s configuration at the time.

Factors that influence how far you can go once the reading reaches zero can vary widely. The following list highlights the most impactful elements you should consider.

• Driving style (steady cruising vs. rapid acceleration and hard braking)


• Current fuel economy, which can change with speed, load, and terrain


• Engine and transmission efficiency for your specific Fusion model


• Load in the vehicle (passengers and cargo) that affects energy use


• Terrain and driving environment (hills, wind, stop-and-go traffic)


• Use of accessories such as air conditioning or heater, which increases fuel consumption

In practical terms, a typical range from the reserve is enough to reach a safe refueling point under normal driving conditions, but there is no universal mileage guarantee. The reserve helps you reach a gas station, but you should not rely on it for planning long trips.

What to do if you see 0 miles to empty

If your Fusion shows 0 miles to empty, act as a prudent driver and plan to refuel as soon as safely possible. The following steps can help minimize risk and avoid being stranded.

• Plan a stop at the nearest gas station using a destination feature or map app


• Drive in a fuel-efficient manner to maximize the remaining reserve (steady speed, minimal abrupt accel/braking)


• Avoid long highway stretches or steep grades if you’re already near 0


• Check your surroundings for safe refueling options and parking spots


• Keep the tank from dropping to a quarter or below on future trips to maintain a comfortable reserve

In practice, the 0-mile-to-empty warning is a precautionary signal, not a guarantee of immediate fuel loss. Plan to refuel promptly and avoid relying on the reserve for extended travel.

Summary

The 0 miles to empty reading on a Ford Fusion is an estimate, not a precise countdown. Most vehicles maintain a small fuel reserve—usually around one to two gallons—after the reading hits zero, equating to roughly 20–60 miles depending on engine, year, driving style, and conditions. Exact numbers vary, so treat the reading as a guideline and refuel soon to avoid getting stranded. Plan ahead, drive efficiently, and keep fuel above a comfortable level on longer trips.

How many miles is left on E?

You can drive about 30 to 50 miles on average once your fuel light comes on, but this varies by vehicle and driving conditions. Some larger vehicles can go up to 80 miles, while aggressive driving or high speeds can significantly reduce that distance. It is best to refuel as soon as possible to avoid damaging your fuel pump, which can get a risk from sucking up debris from the bottom of the tank. 
How to estimate your specific mileage

• Note your trip meter: After the light comes on, reset your trip meter and drive until you can fill up. The mileage you've driven since the light turned on is a good estimate for your car.
• Calculate based on gallons left:
  1. Find your average miles per gallon (MPG) by dividing the miles you drove by the gallons it took to fill up.
  2. Figure out how many gallons you have left. Subtract the number of gallons it took to fill your tank from your total tank size.
  3. Multiply that result by your average MPG to get a rough estimate of your remaining range. 

How to maximize your mileage

• Drive smoothly: Avoid hard acceleration and braking to conserve fuel. 
• Maintain a steady speed: Stick to the speed limit and avoid high speeds when possible. 
• Minimize A/C use: Using the air conditioning can decrease your fuel efficiency. 
• Reduce weight: Remove any unnecessary heavy items from your car. 

How far can you go on 0 miles to empty a Ford Focus?

You can go an estimated 20-50 miles on a Ford Focus after the "0 miles to empty" reading, but it's risky and not guaranteed, as it depends on factors like your driving style, the car's age and condition, and road conditions. It is best to treat the "0 miles" warning as a final alert and find a gas station immediately. 
Why the uncertainty

• Built-in reserve: Most modern cars, including the Ford Focus, have a reserve fuel capacity after the gauge reads empty to prevent you from running out immediately. 
• Varying estimates: The exact distance varies by model year, driving conditions, and even how the car was last refueled. 
• "Distance to Empty" vs. "0 miles": The "Distance to Empty" feature is an estimate, and "0 miles" means the estimate has run out, not that the tank is completely empty. 

What can affect your range

• Driving style: Aggressive driving or heavy acceleration uses more fuel and will shorten your remaining range. 
• City vs. highway driving: Highway driving is generally more fuel-efficient, so you might get more miles than in stop-and-go city traffic. 
• Vehicle condition: An older or poorly maintained car may not be as fuel-efficient as a newer one. 

What to do

• Treat "0 miles" as the last warning: Do not rely on getting extra miles after the "0" reading. 
• Look for the nearest gas station: Head to a gas station as quickly and safely as possible. 
• Refuel immediately: The best course of action is to fill up the tank completely to avoid running out. 

How many miles can you go on 0 miles to empty?

You can typically drive 30 to 50 miles after the "0 miles to empty" warning, but this can vary significantly by vehicle and driving conditions. While some cars might go further, it is best to assume the lower end of the estimate and refuel as soon as possible to avoid potential damage to your fuel pump and being stranded. 
Factors that influence how far you can go

• Vehicle model: The actual reserve fuel varies by make and model. Larger vehicles may have a larger reserve, potentially allowing for up to 75 miles or more. 
• Driving style: Aggressive driving with rapid acceleration and braking will deplete the remaining fuel faster than smooth, consistent driving. 
• Driving conditions: City driving uses more fuel than highway driving. However, if you are running on reserve, it is generally recommended to use your most fuel-efficient driving style to maximize the distance. 
• Vehicle maintenance: A well-maintained vehicle will be more fuel-efficient and the fuel pump will operate more effectively.

Risks of driving on empty

• Fuel pump damage: The fuel pump can overheat and become damaged if it is not submerged in fuel, which can force it to suck air and debris from the bottom of the tank. 
• Inconvenience: You could be stranded in a dangerous or inconvenient location, such as the side of a highway. 
• Cost: Replacing a damaged fuel pump can be expensive, and being inconvenienced by running out of gas can lead to other costs like towing or late fees. 

What to do when you see "0 miles to empty"

1. Find the nearest gas station immediately. Use your GPS or look for signs. 
2. Drive calmly. Avoid hard acceleration and braking to conserve as much fuel as possible. 
3. Avoid non-essential accessories. Turn off the radio, air conditioning, and other accessories to reduce the load on the engine. 
4. Don't wait. Do not put off refueling. It's never a good idea to test the limits of your fuel tank, as you could damage your car or be stranded. 

How far can a Ford Fusion go on empty?

If you do a lot of highway driving, your Distance to Empty warning may give you an earlier alert of up to 80 miles of remaining fuel. If you are towing a trailer or idling for extended periods, your Distance to Empty feature may alert you at 35 miles or less.