> **Quick Answer:** Steer immediately to the right shoulder, get as far from traffic as possible, and turn on your hazard lights before the car fully stops. Don't stand between your car and traffic. Call roadside assistance or a friend with a gas can. Most gas delivery services arrive in 30 to 60 minutes. You need at least one gallon to get to the nearest exit.
## What Do I Do the Moment My Car Dies on the Highway?
The second you feel the engine lose power, take your foot off the gas and steer hard to the right shoulder. Do not brake suddenly. Let the car coast as far right as you can, ideally past the white fog line and onto the paved shoulder edge. As you're coasting, signal right and turn on your hazard lights. Once stopped, keep the hazards flashing, shift into park, and leave the engine in the off position.
Get out of the car on the passenger side if traffic is passing on your left. Walk up a small embankment or behind a guardrail if one is there. The shoulder feels safe but is statistically one of the most dangerous places to stand. If you have road flares or a reflective triangle in your trunk, place them 100 to 200 feet behind the car to warn approaching drivers.
Stay with your car unless it is in an actively dangerous position. If you broke down in a lane, near a blind curve, or on a bridge with no shoulder, [what to do on a bridge breakdown](/car-broke-down-on-bridge-what-to-do/) is different from a standard shoulder stop. Get yourself out first, then call.
## How Do I Get Gas Delivered to Me on the Highway?
Call roadside assistance and ask specifically for fuel delivery, not a tow. AAA offers gas delivery as part of membership and will bring enough fuel to get you to a station. If you don't have a membership, search "fuel delivery near me" or use the motor assist option in apps like Urgent.ly or Honk. Many tow companies also carry a small gas can and will deliver a gallon or two for a flat fee, typically $50 to $80 depending on location.
If a friend or family member can bring gas, have them bring at least one gallon in an approved red plastic fuel container, not a random bottle. One gallon of regular unleaded will move most passenger cars roughly 25 to 35 miles, which is enough to reach the nearest exit and fill up properly.
If you're on a busy interstate like I-40, I-80, or I-95 with long gaps between exits, mention that when you call. A dispatcher can help estimate how far the nearest fuel source is and whether a tow makes more sense than a gas run.
## Is It Safe to Stay in My Car or Should I Get Out?
Get out of the car if you're on a high-speed highway with traffic passing close. Stay in the car if you're in a low-visibility situation like heavy rain, fog, or nighttime conditions with no shoulder lighting, and traffic is not immediately beside you. The risk calculation changes depending on conditions.
If you stay inside, keep your seatbelt buckled. A vehicle stopped on a shoulder that gets rear-ended turns your seatbelt into the only thing between you and a serious injury. Keep doors closed and windows up if traffic is close. If you have a passenger, both of you stay on the same side, away from the lane.
Never stand directly behind or in front of your car while waiting. Position yourself as far off the roadway as the terrain allows.
## Do I Ne
*Photo: Pexels*
ed a Tow or Just a Gas Delivery?
You need only gas delivery if your car ran dry and there's no other mechanical issue. However, running a tank completely empty can sometimes damage a fuel pump. Modern electric fuel pumps are cooled and lubricated by the gasoline surrounding them. Running dry, especially repeatedly, can shorten pump life. If your car won't start after you've added gas, the fuel pump may have failed. At that point, a tow is the call. See [what to do when your fuel pump fails on the highway](/fuel-pump-failed-on-highway-tow-truck-or-mobile-mechanic/) for the next steps.
If you're far from any exit and the nearest gas is 30 or more miles away, a tow to the nearest town is often faster and cheaper than waiting for a fuel delivery with a long drive time. Compare the wait times before you commit.
## What Does Emergency Gas Delivery Cost?
Fuel delivery from a private service typically runs $50 to $100 for the service call, not counting the price of the gas itself. AAA members get it included with most membership tiers, though fuel cost may still apply depending on your plan. If a tow truck is already coming out for another reason, many drivers will deliver a can for $20 to $40 on top of the hook-up fee.
If you end up needing a full tow after the gas situation doesn't fix the problem, [roadside assistance costs without a membership](/roadside-assistance-without-insurance-membership-cost/) are worth knowing upfront so you aren't blindsided.
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*Photo: Pexels*
## Common Questions
**Q: Can I walk to a gas station from the highway?**
A: Do not walk along a highway shoulder to find gas. It is illegal on most interstates and genuinely dangerous. Call for delivery or wait for a state trooper to assist you.
**Q: Will a cop stop to help me if I'm out of gas on the highway?**
A: Yes. Highway patrol and state troopers regularly check on disabled vehicles. If you have a cell signal, call 911 or your state's non-emergency line to let them know your location and situation. Some states also have highway service patrols that specifically assist stranded drivers at no charge.
**Q: My car won't start after I added gas. What happened?**
A: Running the tank completely dry can air-lock the fuel line or stress the fuel pump. Try cycling the ignition key to the "on" position without cranking for five seconds, then off, then repeat two or three times before attempting to start. This lets the pump prime. If it still won't start, the pump may have failed and you need a tow.
**Q: How do I tell someone my exact location on the highway?**
A: Look for green mile marker signs on the right shoulder. They show your milepost number and often the highway number. Give that number plus the highway name and direction of travel to any dispatcher or emergency operator. That's the fastest way to get someone to your exact spot.
**Q: Does running out of gas damage my car?**
A: Usually no, but it can. The main risk is fuel pump damage from running dry, as the pump depends on fuel for cooling. Debris from the bottom of a low tank can also get pulled through the fuel filter. If this happens repeatedly, expect to replace the fuel filter sooner than normal.
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*Need roadside help? Visit [Tow With The Flow](https://towwiththeflow.com/ran-out-of-gas-on-highway-what-to-do/) for real answers when your car breaks down.*
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*Need roadside help? Visit [Tow With The Flow](https://towwiththeflow.com/ran-out-of-gas-on-highway-what-to-do-2/) for real answers when your car breaks down.*
Ran Out of Gas on Highway: What to Do Right Now
Photo: Pexels