I picked up my 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid at the end of September. The low fuel light kicks on when the “miles to empty” reading is around 20, but then it only takes 8 gallons of gas, meaning I’ve still got 2 1/2 gallons (almost a quarter tank!) left. What gives?
Idiot-proofing so people don’t run it out of gas. It’s essentially your emergency store of fuel, just to get you to the gas station before you run out and hurt the car.
Running it until empty is fine on a lawnmower, but a complex modern vehicle is a different matter. Shit goes south REAL fast if there’s none of that vital explodey juice flowing around where it’s supposed to be, and it racks up a damn good paycheck for whatever mechanic it’ll be dragged to.