Emergency Fuel Delivery Edmonton: Out of Gas? Here’s What to Do
⛽ Quick Answer
If you’ve run out of gas in Edmonton, a fuel delivery service brings gasoline or diesel directly to your vehicle — no tow truck needed. Cost: $55–$75 for the service call, plus the cost of fuel. Most providers arrive within 20–45 minutes.
Edmonton Towing delivers fuel 24/7 anywhere in the city. Call us, stay with your vehicle, and we’ll have you driving again in minutes. Fuel delivery in Edmonton is one of the simplest roadside fixes available.
It happens to more Edmonton drivers than you’d expect. The fuel gauge was lower than you thought. You figured you could make it to the next gas station. Maybe the gauge is broken. Maybe you just forgot. Whatever the reason, you’re now sitting on the side of the road with an empty tank — and walking to a gas station in Edmonton’s weather isn’t a great option.
The good news: running out of gas doesn’t mean you need a tow truck. Fuel delivery near me services exist for exactly this situation. A technician drives to your location with a jerry can of gasoline or diesel, puts enough fuel in your tank to get you to the nearest station, and you’re on your way. The whole thing takes about 5 minutes once they arrive.
This guide covers how fuel delivery works in Edmonton, what it costs, what to do the moment your car dies from an empty tank, and critical mistakes that can damage your engine if you put the wrong fuel in.
What to Do When You Run Out of Gas in Edmonton
Your engine sputters, loses power, and dies. Here’s the correct sequence of actions to stay safe and get fuel to your location quickly:
Coast to a safe spot. As soon as you feel the engine losing power, turn on your hazard lights, avoid braking hard, and steer to the right shoulder, parking lot, or side street. Use your remaining momentum to get as far off the traffic lane as possible.
Turn off the engine and stay put. Don’t try to restart the car repeatedly — running a fuel pump dry can damage it ($300–$800 to replace). Leave hazards on and stay inside the vehicle.
Call for fuel delivery. Contact Edmonton Towing at (780) 652-0521. Tell us your exact location (a GPS pin or nearby intersection helps), what type of fuel your vehicle takes (gasoline or diesel), and we’ll dispatch a technician.
Fuel up and go. The technician adds enough gas to get you to the nearest station (typically 10–15 litres). You start the car, drive straight to a station, and fill up completely.
⚠️ Don’t Walk to a Gas Station
Walking along Edmonton’s highways (Henday, Yellowhead, Whitemud) is extremely dangerous — there are no sidewalks and vehicles travel at 100+ km/h. Even in the city, walking to a station in winter at -25°C is a hypothermia risk. A $55–$75 fuel delivery call is far safer than a 30-minute walk in traffic or extreme cold.
How Much Does Fuel Delivery Cost in Edmonton?
Fuel delivery service near me pricing has two components: the service call fee and the cost of the fuel itself. Here’s what to expect:
💡 Why This Is Cheaper Than a Tow
Fuel delivery ($70–$105 total) is significantly cheaper than towing your car to a gas station ($85–$125 for the tow alone, plus you still need to buy gas). It’s also faster — a fuel delivery takes about 5 minutes on-site vs. the time needed to load, tow, unload, fuel, and restart your vehicle.
For a full breakdown of towing costs and when towing is or isn’t necessary, see our guide on the real cost of towing in Edmonton.
Gasoline vs. Diesel Fuel Delivery: Know What Your Vehicle Needs
This is critically important: putting the wrong fuel type in your vehicle can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Before calling for fuel delivery, know exactly what your car requires:
⛽ Gasoline (Regular / Premium)
- Most cars, SUVs, and minivans in Edmonton
- Standard grades: 87 (regular), 89 (mid), 91+ (premium)
- Check your fuel door — it will say “Unleaded Only”
- Regular 87 is fine for most vehicles in an emergency
- Cost: ~$1.35–$1.60/litre in Edmonton (2026)
🛢️ Diesel
- Many trucks (F-250/350, Ram 2500/3500, Duramax)
- Some SUVs (older Mercedes, BMW, VW TDI)
- Commercial vehicles and equipment
- Fuel door will say “Diesel Only” with larger nozzle
- Cost: ~$1.45–$1.75/litre in Edmonton (2026)
⚠️ Wrong Fuel = Expensive Damage
Gasoline in a diesel engine: Can destroy the fuel injection system, fuel pump, and injectors. Repair cost: $2,000–$8,000+. If you accidentally put gas in a diesel vehicle, do not start the engine — call for a tow to a mechanic immediately.
Diesel in a gasoline engine: Less catastrophic but still damaging. The engine will smoke heavily, misfire, and stall. The fuel system will need to be drained ($500–$1,500). Again, if you notice the mistake, do not drive — call for flatbed towing.
Why Do Cars Run Out of Gas? Common Causes in Edmonton
Running out of fuel might seem careless, but it’s surprisingly common — and Edmonton’s conditions make it even more likely. Here are the real reasons drivers need fuel delivery near me services:
🔧 Faulty fuel gauge — A broken or inaccurate fuel gauge is the #1 reason for unexpected empty tanks. The sender unit inside the fuel tank can fail, showing half a tank when you’re actually near empty. This is especially common on older vehicles.
❄️ Cold weather burns more fuel — Edmonton’s winter temperatures force your engine to work harder, use more fuel for warming, and increase idle time. A vehicle that gets 500 km per tank in summer may only get 350–400 km in January.
🚗 Longer-than-expected detours — Construction season (May–October) reroutes traffic across the city. A detour that adds 15–20 km to your commute can drain a tank faster than planned.
🚫 Gas station deserts — Some areas on the outskirts of Edmonton and rural highways between cities have long stretches without a station. The run from Edmonton to Fort McMurray, for example, has sparse fueling options.
📉 Fuel leak — Less common but dangerous. If you’re running out of gas faster than normal, you may have a fuel line leak. A strong gasoline smell near your car is a red flag — don’t start the engine and call for breakdown towing instead of fuel delivery.
⏱️ Rushing and forgetting — The simplest reason of all. A busy morning, a late evening, and suddenly you’re past the point of no return.
Out of Gas? We Bring the Fuel to You — 24/7
Gasoline & diesel delivery anywhere in Edmonton • 20–45 min response
Can Running Out of Gas Damage Your Car?
Yes — running your fuel tank completely dry can cause real mechanical problems beyond the inconvenience. Here’s what’s at risk:
One instance of running out of gas probably won’t destroy your car. But doing it repeatedly — or cranking the starter over and over trying to restart an empty engine — significantly increases the risk of fuel pump failure. The $55–$75 cost of a fuel delivery service call is cheap insurance against a $800 fuel pump replacement.
Diesel Fuel Delivery for Trucks and Commercial Vehicles
Diesel fuel delivery is essential for Edmonton’s large truck and commercial vehicle fleet. Diesel trucks (F-250/350 Power Stroke, Ram 2500/3500 Cummins, Chevy/GMC Duramax) have massive fuel tanks and burning through a tank on Alberta highways is not uncommon — especially when towing trailers.
Our diesel delivery service works exactly like gasoline delivery — call, tell us your location and that you need diesel, and we dispatch a technician with diesel fuel. There are a few diesel-specific considerations:
- Air in fuel lines: Diesel engines can be hard to restart after running dry because air enters the fuel system. Most modern diesels have self-priming fuel systems, but older models may need manual bleeding. Our technicians can help with this.
- Winter diesel: In Edmonton’s extreme cold, standard diesel can gel below -20°C. Winter-blend diesel (available at Edmonton stations from October–April) has anti-gel additives. Our fuel delivery uses seasonally appropriate fuel.
- DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid): Modern diesel trucks also require DEF. If your DEF is empty, the truck may enter a reduced-power “limp mode.” We carry standard diesel fuel — for DEF, you’ll need to reach a station or dealership.
For larger commercial vehicles or heavy equipment that need significant fuel volumes, our heavy-duty service can assist or coordinate with bulk fuel providers.
Fuel Delivery vs. Other Options When You Run Out of Gas
When your tank hits empty, you have a few options. Here’s how they compare:
How to Prevent Running Out of Gas
These simple habits will help you avoid needing an emergency fuel delivery call:
⛽ Follow the Quarter-Tank Rule
Never let your fuel drop below a quarter tank. This gives you a comfortable margin and keeps the fuel pump submerged (extending its life). In winter, this also prevents condensation from building up in the tank.
📱 Use a Fuel Tracking App
Apps like GasBuddy and Waze show nearby gas stations and current prices. They can also alert you when you’re approaching low fuel — useful for long highway drives.
🔧 Get Your Fuel Gauge Checked
If your fuel gauge seems inaccurate — dropping faster than expected, stuck on full, or jumping around — have a mechanic check the fuel level sender. It’s a relatively inexpensive fix that prevents a much more costly roadside situation.
🗺️ Know Your Route’s Gas Stations
If you regularly drive highways with long gaps between stations (Highway 63 to Fort McMurray, Highway 43 to Grande Prairie), plan fuel stops in advance. Fill up at the last station before the gap, not the one you hope is around the next corner.
❄️ Adjust for Winter Fuel Economy
According to Natural Resources Canada, vehicles use 15–25% more fuel in cold weather due to cold starts, idling to warm up, heavier winter tires, and snow-covered roads. Budget for more frequent fill-ups between November and March. See how Edmonton’s winters affect your car.
📞 Save an Emergency Number
Save (780) 652-0521 in your phone now. If you ever do run out of gas, having a reliable number ready means you get fuel faster and avoid calling a random provider in a panic.
Where We Deliver Fuel in Edmonton
Edmonton Towing’s fuel delivery service near me coverage includes every neighbourhood, highway, and commercial area in the Edmonton metro region:
We also service all major highways — the Henday, Yellowhead, Whitemud, QEII, and Highway 14. See our full Edmonton service area for coverage details.
Other Roadside Problems We Handle on the Same Call
Out of gas and also dealing with another issue? Our roadside technicians can help with multiple problems in a single visit:
- Battery boost / jump start — If the car won’t start after adding fuel, it may be a dead battery from running accessories while stranded
- Tire change — Flat tire on top of an empty tank? We handle both
- Car lockout service — Locked out of your car while trying to find fuel
- Breakdown towing — If the car doesn’t start even with fuel, it may need a tow to a mechanic
Learn more about all our roadside assistance services, or read our guide on what to do while waiting for roadside help in Edmonton.
Does Insurance Cover Fuel Delivery?
Many Alberta auto insurance policies and roadside programs include fuel delivery as a covered service. Here’s where to check:
Insurance roadside add-on: Most Alberta insurers offer roadside assistance for $20–$40/year. This typically covers fuel delivery (service call only — you still pay for the fuel), plus battery boosts, tire changes, lockouts, and towing.
Manufacturer roadside programs: Most new vehicles include 3–5 years of complimentary roadside assistance from the manufacturer. Fuel delivery is almost always included. Check your owner’s manual or call your dealership.
AMA membership: AMA members in Alberta have fuel delivery included in their membership, though wait times during peak periods can be 60–120+ minutes. See our guide on fast roadside help across Edmonton without the wait.
Even if you don’t have coverage, fuel delivery at $70–$105 is a reasonable expense that gets you moving quickly and safely. For a complete guide on what insurance towing and roadside coverage includes in Alberta, visit our insurance services page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fuel Delivery in Edmonton
How much does fuel delivery cost in Edmonton?
A fuel delivery service call costs $55–$75, plus the cost of the fuel itself ($15–$35 for 10–15 litres). Total cost is typically $70–$105 for a standard gasoline delivery. Diesel may cost slightly more. Some providers charge an after-hours surcharge of $15–$25.
Do you deliver diesel fuel?
Yes. We deliver both regular gasoline and diesel fuel. When you call, specify that you need diesel — this is critical because putting the wrong fuel type in your vehicle causes severe engine damage. We carry seasonally appropriate diesel (winter-blend in cold months).
How fast can you deliver fuel?
Typical response time is 20–45 minutes, depending on your location and current demand. Once the technician arrives, adding fuel takes just 3–5 minutes. You can be driving again within 30–50 minutes of your initial call.
Can running out of gas damage my car?
Yes. The fuel pump can overheat when it runs dry (it uses fuel as a coolant), sediment from the tank bottom can clog fuel injectors, and the catalytic converter can be damaged from running lean. Avoid cranking the starter repeatedly when the tank is empty, as this accelerates pump damage.
Is it cheaper to get fuel delivered or tow my car to a gas station?
Fuel delivery is significantly cheaper. A delivery costs $70–$105 total, while a tow to a gas station costs $85–$125 for the tow alone, plus you still need to buy fuel. Fuel delivery also saves time — you avoid the loading and unloading process.
I put the wrong fuel in my car — what should I do?
Do not start the engine — this is critical. If you haven’t turned the key, the fuel is only in the tank and can be drained relatively easily ($300–$500). If the wrong fuel has been pumped through the engine, damage to injectors, pumps, and sensors can cost $2,000–$8,000+. Call for a flatbed tow to a mechanic immediately.
Does insurance or AMA cover fuel delivery?
Many auto insurance policies with roadside assistance add-ons cover the service call portion of fuel delivery (you still pay for the actual fuel). AMA membership also includes fuel delivery. Check your insurance policy or call your provider to confirm your coverage before you need it.
What if my car won’t start even after adding fuel?
If the engine cranks but doesn’t start after adding fuel, the fuel pump may need to prime (try cycling the key to the ON position a few times without starting). If it still won’t start, the fuel pump may be damaged, or there could be a separate issue. Our technician can attempt a battery boost on-site or arrange a tow to a mechanic.
Can I get fuel delivery for a diesel truck?
Yes. We deliver diesel fuel for all vehicle types, including heavy-duty trucks like the F-250, Ram 2500, and Duramax-equipped trucks. Diesel engines may require priming after running dry — our technicians can assist with this. For bulk diesel delivery to commercial equipment, contact us for custom arrangements.
How much fuel do you bring?
We typically deliver 10–15 litres of fuel — enough to get you to the nearest gas station safely. This is plenty for any vehicle to drive 50–100+ km to fill up. If you need a larger quantity for a specific reason, mention it when you call and we’ll accommodate where possible.
Ran Out of Gas? We’ll Be There Fast.
24/7 gasoline & diesel delivery across Edmonton. No tow needed. No membership required.