When fuel delivery is the right choice
Fuel delivery is almost always the faster and cheaper resolution for a straightforward out-of-gas situation. See the complete fuel delivery roadside service guide.\n\nFaster: A fuel delivery takes 15-20 minutes once the technician arrives. A tow to a gas station, fill-up, and return trip takes 45-90 minutes minimum. If the vehicle has no other issues, fuel delivery gets you back on the road significantly faster.\n\nCheaper: A fuel delivery service call plus fuel costs $60-100. A tow to a gas station runs $75-150 for a local tow plus the gas station fill-up. Fuel delivery is almost always less expensive for a pure out-of-gas situation.\n\nSimpler: Fuel delivery resolves the situation at your location without the coordination of a tow destination, shop access, and a way to get back to your vehicle.
When towing is the better choice
Several situations make towing a better option than fuel delivery even for an out-of-gas vehicle. See how to choose between recovery and transport services generally.\n\nThe vehicle has other problems: If the vehicle was running poorly before it ran out of fuel — warning lights on, strange noises, overheating — the fuel may not be the only issue. Towing to a shop for diagnosis is more practical than delivering fuel to a vehicle that may not run properly even after refueling.\n\nThe location is unsafe for a long wait: A fuel delivery wait of 30-45 minutes in a dangerous location may be worse than a tow that arrives in 20 minutes and removes you from the situation. If personal safety is a concern, a tow is the right call.\n\nFuel delivery is not available: In some rural areas or during unusual demand periods, fuel delivery may not be available within a reasonable timeframe. If the fuel delivery wait exceeds 90 minutes and a tow company can respond in 30, towing to a gas station may be the faster overall resolution.\n\nDiesel fuel delivery not confirmed: If you drive a diesel and cannot confirm that the responding operator carries diesel, requesting a tow to the nearest diesel station eliminates the risk of arriving with the wrong fuel.
Cost comparison by scenario
The cost difference between fuel delivery and towing for out-of-gas situations varies by scenario.\n\nStandard daytime out-of-gas on a surface street: Fuel delivery $65-85 total. Tow to gas station $75-100 plus fill-up cost. Fuel delivery is $10-30 cheaper and significantly faster.\n\nAfter-hours out-of-gas: Fuel delivery $90-120 total. After-hours tow $100-150 plus fill-up. Similar cost with fuel delivery still slightly cheaper.\n\nWith roadside membership: Fuel delivery service call covered, member pays $8-15 for fuel. Tow may also be covered. When both are covered, fuel delivery is still faster for a pure out-of-gas situation. See the full cost comparison between fuel delivery and towing.\n\nDiesel fuel delivery available: Same economics as gasoline — fuel delivery is faster and cheaper than towing.
What to tell the dispatcher when requesting service
When you call for roadside service out of gas, specifying fuel delivery rather than leaving the choice to the dispatcher ensures you get the fastest resolution.\n\nTell the dispatcher: I ran out of fuel, I need fuel delivery, my vehicle is otherwise fine. This is a straightforward request that dispatches a fuel delivery technician rather than a tow truck.\n\nIf you are unsure whether the vehicle has other issues, describe both the fuel situation and any other symptoms. Let the dispatcher help you determine whether fuel delivery or a tow is more appropriate based on the full picture.\n\nIf you have already requested a tow and want to switch to fuel delivery — or vice versa — call back immediately to change the request. A dispatch change is easy to make before a technician is en route; it is more complicated after they have already departed.