A few weeks ago, I had to drive home for a family dinner. My brother accompanied me. We hit the road late (I blame my brother), and it was only when in the driver’s seat that I realized my gas tank was a quarter full. Now I’m one of those people who seldom lets their gas dip below half, so I’m not sure how I reached this point. Nevertheless, I decided we could make our two-hour journey without filling up. Plus, while home, my parents planned to switch out my current car with a newer one, so it would be a waste of money to fill up the tank. I would save the most by riding close to empty.

The first 90 minutes of the ride passed without incident. We passed many gas stations without notice.