One concern that frequently crosses the minds of Chevy Camaro owners is how far their car can go when the low gas light illuminates on the dashboard. The answer to that question is not simple, as different models have varying tank capacities, and factors like model year, trim level, driving style, and terrain and weather conditions affect the distance they can cover on the remaining fuel.
According to our research, Chevy Camaro models can go up to 20 to 52 miles with the gas light light On with the remaining 1.5 to 2.5 gallons of fuel. Its 1967-2009 variants can cover an average distance of 20-40 miles. 2010-2015 variants in the 5th generation can go 40-50 miles, while 2016-2023 models in the 6th generation can cover 45-52 miles.
This article explores the fuel capacities of various Camaro models and the distance you can cover with an empty tank.
Fuel capacity of various Chevy Camaro models
The fuel tank sizes of Chevy Camaro models can vary by generation, engine variants, and trim levels. First and second-generation variants from 1967-1981 have varying fuel capacities ranging from 18 to 21 gallons.
Fuel tank sizes for third-generation cars from 1982 to 1992 range from 15 to 16 gallons. 1993-2002 models in the 4th generation have 15-16 gallons sizes. The latest 5th and 6th generation models from 2010-2023 have tank sizes of 18-19 gallons.
Moreover, gas capacities for special editions and trim levels with different engine options vary slightly. Therefore, you need to check the particular model year’s specifications to find its exact tank size.
Amount of fuel left in the tank for Chevy Camaro when low gas light comes On
The low gas light warning alerts drivers when the fuel level in the tank drops to a predetermined threshold, usually 1/8th of its size. Ideally, you should expect a warning light at around 2 gallons left in the tank for a 16-gallon size.
At the same time, the exact amount of fuel left depends on tank shape, its size for various model years, and vehicle position on the ground. As consulted from different owners, it typically indicates that around 1 to 2.5 gallons of gas remain for all variants.
From my personal experience with the 2012 model Camaro, there are around 1.5-2 gallons are left in the tank when a low gas warning illuminates on the dashboard. However, sometimes, you can expect variations because of a malfunctioning fuel level sensor in the tank.
Chevy Camaro miles after low gas light
Determining how far a Chevy Camaro can go after the low gas light comes on involves various factors, including driving conditions, terrain, and individual driving habits.
On average, a Camaro can cover anywhere from 20 to 540 miles after the low fuel warning appears for 1967-2009 models. For example, 5th generation variants from 2010-2015 can cover 40-50 miles on the leftover fuel with a low gas warning light.
Similarly, many owners have reported covering 45-52 miles for 6th-generation models from 2016 to the present. However, I will not recommend pushing the limits of your vehicle in this manner, as it can cause fuel pump damage and other issues.
Therefore, you should stop after 20-30 miles or visit the nearest gas station as soon as the warning light comes on.
What Chevy Camaro trim level has the highest mileage on an empty tank?
Different trim levels of the Chevy Camaro yield varying distances on low fuel. It depends on their design, engine, and transmission options, as larger engines can consume more gas at the outcome of higher output power.
For example, performance-oriented SS trim levels in the 6th generation with 6.2-liter V8 engines and the 10-speed automatic transmission have 20 mpg combined fuel economy.
A fuel-efficient Base trim level with manual transmission averages 24-25 mpg. Similarly, smaller 2.0-liter I4 engines with automatic transmission have a combined average of 25-26 mpg for 2017-2022 models.
Therefore, you can expect a varying number of miles for each trim level, with Base trim outperforming others due to better fuel economy. However, individual driving habits and maintenance significantly determine the actual mileage to empty for each trim level.
Does low fuel cause a check engine light on the Chevy Camaro?
The low fuel warning differs from the check engine light. It usually does not cause this warning light to come on in a Chevy Camaro because it is related to a malfunction in the vehicle’s emissions, ignition, or fuel systems.
However, it can lead to other issues, such as a misfire or fuel system problem, and it can trigger the check engine light. Therefore, having the car diagnosed by a qualified mechanic is essential to determine the underlying cause.
A practical method to find the miles Chevy Camaro goes with a low gas warning
You can assess the number of miles you can cover when a low gas light illuminates on your Camaro with the help of a practical method.
First, fill the gas tank with its rated capacity and start driving. The next step is to reset the trip meter to 0 when the low gas light comes ON.
Visit the nearest gas station, and note the number of gas gallons refilled in your car. The difference between this reading and tank capacity will give you an idea of the remaining gas when a low fuel warning illuminates.
Multiplying it with the average miles per gallon (mpg) of your Camaro model plus the trip meter reading will estimate the miles your car can cover with a low gas light. You can repeat this procedure 3-4 times to refine your findings.
Effect of different driving modes of Chevy Camaro on its distance to empty gas tank
The Chevy Camaro has different driving modes, such as Tour, Weather, Snow/Ice, Sport, and Track. These modes can influence fuel efficiency and performance.
Switching to the Tour or Snow/Ice mode when the low gas light is on can help optimize gas consumption, potentially extending the distance it can travel on the leftover gasoline in the tank.
Experimenting with different driving modes and monitoring their impact on fuel efficiency can provide valuable insights for car owners.
However, it depends on your driving habits and using a gas pedal or throttle in a particular mode that can impact the fuel economy and, consequently, the distance to empty (DTE) for your car.
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