Out of Gas on a Montreal Highway? Here’s What to Do
The fuel light came on 15 kilometres ago and you figured you could make it. Now the engine is sputtering on the Décarie Expressway, the car is losing power, and you are coasting toward the shoulder with an empty tank. Running out of gas in Montreal is embarrassing, inconvenient, and — on a highway — genuinely dangerous. But it happens to more drivers than you think, and knowing the right steps to take keeps a simple problem from becoming an accident, a tow bill, or worse. This guide covers exactly what to do the moment your engine dies, how fuel delivery service works, what it costs, and how to avoid this situation in the future.
⛽ Quick Action Guide
On a highway: Coast to the right shoulder → hazard lights on → stay in your car → call *4141 (expressway) or (514) 483-6944 (city streets).
On a city street: Pull to the curb → hazard lights → call for roadside fuel delivery.
Average arrival: 20–40 minutes. We bring enough fuel to get you to the nearest station.
Step-by-Step: What to Do When You Run Out of Gas
The engine is dying. Here is your action plan from the second you realize you are out of gas:
Do Not Panic — You Have a Few Seconds of Momentum
When the engine dies from fuel starvation, you still have forward momentum. Use it wisely. The car will coast for several hundred metres depending on your speed. Do not brake hard — you need every metre of roll to reach safety.
Turn on Hazard Lights Immediately
Hazard lights work even with the engine off (they run on battery power). Alert every vehicle behind you that you are slowing down. On a Montreal expressway during rush hour, this early warning prevents rear-end collisions.
Steer to the Right Shoulder or Nearest Safe Spot
Signal right and guide the car toward the shoulder. Without the engine running, you lose power steering and power brakes — the wheel and brake pedal become much harder to operate. Use extra force but steer smoothly. If you can reach an exit ramp or side street, even better.
Stay Inside Your Vehicle
On a highway, do not exit the car to walk to a gas station. Quebec Transport authorities advise staying inside your vehicle on expressways. Walking along a highway shoulder is one of the most dangerous things a pedestrian can do — traffic is moving at 100+ km/h just metres away.
Call for Fuel Delivery
On an expressway: Call *4141 — the exclusive highway assistance line. They will dispatch help. On a city street or parking lot: Call Montreal Towing at (514) 483-6944 for roadside fuel delivery. We bring enough gasoline or diesel to get you to the nearest station.
Fuel Arrives — You Drive to a Station
Our technician delivers fuel directly into your tank. The car starts, you drive to the nearest gas station, and fill up fully. The entire interaction takes about 5 minutes once the technician arrives.
How Roadside Fuel Delivery Actually Works
Many drivers have never heard of roadside fuel delivery — they assume running out of gas means an expensive tow to a station. It does not. Here is what happens when you call:
💡 Important: Tell the dispatcher whether you need gasoline or diesel. Putting the wrong fuel type in your tank causes serious engine damage. If you are unsure, check the label on your fuel door or tell the dispatcher your vehicle’s make, model, and year — they will look it up.
How Much Does Fuel Delivery Cost in Montreal?
Fuel delivery is one of the most affordable roadside services — and dramatically cheaper than the alternative (towing to a gas station). Here is what it costs:
For a full breakdown of every roadside service cost, see our complete towing costs guide (2026). If you have a roadside assistance endorsement on your insurance or a CAA membership, fuel delivery may be included — check our insurance towing guide for details.
Out of Gas on a Highway vs a City Street: Different Rules Apply
Where you run out of fuel changes who you call and what happens next. Montreal has specific rules for highway breakdowns:
🛣️ On a Montreal Expressway
• Call *4141 — the exclusive highway assistance line
• Stay in your vehicle — it is illegal to exit on expressways
• A dispatched truck handles fuel delivery or tows to next exit
• Rates are government-regulated
• Applies to: A-15, A-20, A-40, A-25, A-13, A-520, Décarie, Metropolitan
🏙️ On a City Street or Parking Lot
• Call (514) 483-6944 — you choose your own service provider
• You can safely exit the vehicle on most city streets
• Direct fuel delivery to your location — faster and cheaper than towing
• No exclusive zone restrictions
• If in a no-parking zone, fuel delivery prevents a parking ticket + tow
For full details on how Montreal’s highway towing system works, read our exclusive towing zones guide.
Empty Tank? We Bring the Fuel to You.
Gasoline or diesel. City streets or parking lots. 24/7 across Montreal.
(514) 483-6944
Why Running Out of Gas Is More Dangerous Than You Think
Most people think running out of gas is just an inconvenience. In reality, it creates several risks that can cost you far more than a tank of fuel:
Highway collision risk. A stopped vehicle on a highway shoulder is a magnet for distracted drivers. Rear-end collisions with stopped vehicles on shoulders cause serious injuries and fatalities every year across Quebec.
Loss of power steering and brakes. When the engine dies, you lose hydraulic power assist for both steering and braking. The brake pedal becomes extremely stiff and the steering wheel requires much more force. If you are not prepared for this, you can lose control while trying to pull over.
Fuel pump damage. Modern fuel pumps are cooled and lubricated by the fuel they sit in. Running on empty or completely dry forces the pump to operate without this protection, overheating it and drastically shortening its life. A fuel pump replacement costs $500–$1,200. Running out of gas repeatedly is a fast way to kill one.
Fuel system contamination. The bottom of your fuel tank collects sediment and debris over years. When the fuel level drops to zero, this sediment gets sucked into the fuel lines, filter, and injectors — potentially causing clogs and misfires that require cleaning or replacement.
Catalytic converter stress. An engine starved of fuel runs lean — too much air, not enough fuel — which creates extreme exhaust temperatures that can damage the catalytic converter. A catalytic converter replacement costs $500–$2,000+.
⚠️ Diesel Drivers Especially: Running a diesel engine completely dry introduces air into the fuel system, which requires a fuel system bleed (or “priming”) to restart. This is not something most drivers can do roadside — it often requires a tow to a mechanic. If you drive a diesel, treat the fuel light as an emergency, not a suggestion.
What NOT to Do When You Run Out of Gas
Panic and embarrassment lead to bad decisions. Avoid these common mistakes:
❌ Do not walk along a highway to find a gas station. This is the most dangerous option. Highway shoulders are not designed for pedestrians. Drivers do not expect to see people on foot and may not see you until it is too late — especially at night, in rain, or during winter.
❌ Do not stop in a travel lane. Coast as far as needed to reach a shoulder, exit ramp, or side street. Stopping in a live lane creates an immediate collision hazard for you and every vehicle behind you.
❌ Do not ask strangers to siphon fuel. Modern vehicles have anti-siphon valves that prevent this. Even if it were possible, handling fuel without proper containers is a fire and spill hazard — and illegal on public roads.
❌ Do not put diesel in a gasoline car (or vice versa). If a helpful stranger offers fuel, make absolutely sure it is the correct type for your vehicle. Wrong fuel can cause thousands of dollars in engine damage. Gasoline in a diesel engine is especially destructive.
❌ Do not keep trying to start the engine repeatedly. Once the tank is dry, cranking the engine just burns out the starter motor and drains the battery. You end up needing both fuel delivery and a battery boost.
How to Avoid Running Out of Gas in Montreal
Prevention is always better — and cheaper — than a roadside emergency. Follow these habits:
⛽ Never-Run-Empty Checklist
☐ Refuel when you hit a quarter tank — do not wait for the light
☐ Know your car’s fuel range: most cars get 50–80 km after the warning light
☐ On road trips, fill up before entering rural areas with long station gaps
☐ In winter, keep the tank at least half full — condensation in near-empty tanks can freeze fuel lines
☐ Use GasBuddy or Waze to find the nearest open station when the light comes on
☐ Know that some Montreal-area stations close at 10 PM or 11 PM — plan evening drives accordingly
☐ If renting a car, check the fuel level before leaving the lot
☐ Save (514) 483-6944 in your phone — just in case the worst happens
Diesel Vehicles: Why Running Dry Is an Even Bigger Problem
If you drive a diesel vehicle — common among trucks, some SUVs, and European sedans in Montreal — running out of gas (technically, out of diesel) has an additional consequence that gasoline cars do not face:
Air enters the fuel system. Diesel engines rely on a sealed, pressurized fuel system. When the tank runs dry, air fills the fuel lines and injectors. Unlike gasoline engines, you cannot just add diesel and turn the key — the air pockets prevent the fuel from reaching the injectors.
Fuel system bleeding is required. A mechanic must bleed (or prime) the fuel system to remove the trapped air and re-establish fuel flow. Some newer diesels have an automatic priming system, but many older models require manual bleeding — a process that takes 30–60 minutes with shop equipment.
This often means a tow. Roadside fuel delivery gets diesel into the tank, but if the engine will not start due to air in the system, you may need a breakdown tow to a diesel mechanic. The total cost — fuel delivery plus tow plus bleeding — can easily reach $400–$600. One more reason diesel drivers should never let the tank go below a quarter.
Other Roadside Services That Help When You Are Stranded
Running out of gas is just one way to end up stuck. Montreal Towing handles all of these with one phone call:
⛽ Fuel delivery — Gasoline or diesel brought directly to your vehicle.
🔋 Battery boost — Cranked the engine too many times on empty and killed the battery? We handle both.
🛞 Tire change — Empty tank and a flat tire? Yes, it happens.
🔑 Car unlocking — Wallet locked inside with no way to pay at a station? We unlock first.
🚛 Flatbed towing — If the fuel delivery reveals a bigger problem (diesel air lock, fuel pump failure).
Full roadside assistance across every Montreal neighbourhood including Plateau, Old Montreal, Verdun, and the full service area. Keep our number alongside the emergency contacts in your roadside emergency kit.
Frequently Asked Questions: Running Out of Gas in Montreal
What should I do if I run out of gas on a Montreal highway?
Turn on your hazard lights immediately, coast to the right shoulder using your remaining momentum, and stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt on. On a Montreal expressway (Autoroute 15, 20, 40, etc.), call *4141 for the exclusive highway assistance service. On city streets, call (514) 483-6944 for direct fuel delivery.
How much does roadside fuel delivery cost in Montreal?
Roadside fuel delivery in Montreal typically costs $75 to $125 for the service call, plus the cost of the fuel itself. The technician delivers 5 to 10 litres — enough to drive to the nearest gas station. This is significantly cheaper than a tow, which would cost $100 to $250 for the same situation.
Can running out of gas damage my car?
Yes. Running the fuel tank empty can damage the fuel pump (which relies on fuel for cooling and lubrication), introduce sediment into fuel injectors, stress the catalytic converter from lean running, and — in diesel vehicles — allow air into the fuel system requiring professional bleeding. Repeated empty-tank incidents shorten the fuel pump’s lifespan significantly.
How far can I drive after the gas light comes on?
Most passenger cars have 50 to 80 kilometres of range remaining when the fuel warning light first illuminates. However, this varies significantly by vehicle, driving conditions, and speed. Highway driving at 100 km/h burns fuel faster than city driving at 50 km/h. Treat the light as a signal to refuel immediately — not a challenge to see how far you can stretch it.
Does insurance cover running out of gas?
If you have a roadside assistance endorsement on your Quebec auto insurance policy, fuel delivery is typically one of the covered services. Standard auto insurance without the endorsement does not cover it. Some premium credit cards and CAA memberships also include fuel delivery as a benefit. The SAAQ provides an overview of Quebec insurance options.
Should I walk to a gas station if I run out of gas?
Not on a highway — walking along highway shoulders is extremely dangerous and is advised against by Quebec transport authorities. On a quiet city street where a gas station is visible and safely reachable by sidewalk, walking may be an option — but many stations no longer sell jerry cans, and carrying fuel on foot has its own spill and safety risks. Calling for fuel delivery is safer in all situations.
What happens if a diesel car runs completely out of fuel?
When a diesel vehicle runs dry, air enters the high-pressure fuel system. Simply adding diesel to the tank is often not enough to restart the engine — the air pockets must be purged through a fuel system bleeding process. Some newer diesels have automatic priming, but many require manual bleeding by a mechanic. This can mean a tow to a shop in addition to fuel delivery.
How quickly can fuel delivery arrive in Montreal?
Montreal Towing’s average arrival time for fuel delivery is 20 to 40 minutes depending on your location and traffic conditions. Central neighbourhoods like Plateau, Griffintown, and Old Montreal tend to have the fastest response times. Once on-site, fuelling takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
Can I get fuel delivery at 3 AM in Montreal?
Yes. Montreal Towing provides 24-hour fuel delivery service, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Late night and early morning calls may have slightly longer arrival times depending on technician availability, but the service is always operational. This is especially valuable since many Montreal gas stations close between 10 PM and 6 AM.
Where can I get roadside fuel delivery in Montreal right now?
Call Montreal Towing at (514) 483-6944 for immediate fuel delivery anywhere on Montreal city streets, parking lots, and residential areas. We deliver gasoline or diesel to your exact location 24/7. On expressways, call *4141 for the exclusive highway service. Tell the dispatcher your fuel type and exact location for fastest response.
Don’t Walk. Don’t Wait. We Bring the Fuel.
Gasoline or diesel delivered to your car — anywhere in Montreal, any time of day.
Average arrival: 20–40 minutes. You drive away in under 5 minutes.
(514) 483-6944