what happens when you run out of fuel

Your engine starves, coughs, and dies—very dramatic, very avoidable—and you instantly lose most power assistance, so steering gets heavy and braking needs a firmer boot.

Petrol cars risk overheating the in-tank fuel pump (it relies on fuel for cooling), while modern diesels can suck in air, needing a bleed/prime and sometimes a sulky tow.

If it happens, pull over safely, hazards on, and add a decent splash (think 10–15 litres) so the pickup isn’t sipping fumes; then prime if it’s a diesel and crank gently.

Make it a rare party trick: keep the gauge honest, don’t trust the last “0 km to empty”, and your wallet will thank you more than a servo pie ever could.