Maybe it's because you were low on cash one week or just didn't have the time, but running out of gas is not uncommon.

Channel 11's Gordon Loesch wanted to know how much time you really have when that low-fuel light comes on.

It is minutes or hours before you're stranded?

Erin Liposky knows all too well what it's like to be stranded.

Liposky said, "I can remember one week I ran out three times in one week."

The West Mifflin native says she frequently sees her gas light, but takes a chance anyway.

Liposky said,"I figure I can get a little bit more out of my car even when it's on E. I definitely gamble."

So how much is a little more?

Loesch decided to hit the road and find out.

He drove a a Nissan Maxima.

When Loesch began, the gas warning light was on.

He reset the odometer and took off.

Loesch drove all over Pittsburgh while the needle was on empty.

Finally, at 39 miles, the car began sputtering and finally stopped. Watch Gordon Loesch Run His Gas Tank Dry

He pulled over on the side of the Parkway East.

Loesch performed the same test driving a Ford Explorer.

That time he only went 12.6 miles until his tank was drained.

AAA says there are so many variables drivers should never count on a big reserve.

Lou Ickes from AAA said, "The size of the fuel tank, the configuration of the fuel tank, how many miles per gallon your car gets, whether you're in traffic, whether you're on a highway...they all enter into it."

He said AAA rescues out of gas drivers several times a day.

Drivers like Kelly Hager who ran out of gas in Fox Chapel.

She was at the veterinarian’s office and when she came out her car wouldn't start.

This wasn't the first time it's happened to her.

Hager said, "No, we did it on New Years Eve with both the kids in the car."

Loesch contacted Ford about the fuel reserves in the Explorer.

Ford spokeswoman Kelli Felker said, "We do provide a fuel reserve in all vehicles after the "empty" indicator light illuminates. The amount varies by vehicle because of the differences in fuel economy. In general, it's enough so most customers within a reasonable range of a gas station can refuel before the tank is emptied."

Nissan Spokesman, John Schilling said, "The low-fuel light comes on when the DTE (distance to empty) indicator shows about 40 miles, this would be approx. 2-3 gallons of fuel left in the tank."