Running on Empty is the 36th young adult novel in the long running and successful Hardy Boys casebook series for boys written by Franklin W. Dixon.

In it The Hardy Boys investigate the disappearance of their friend, Chet Morton, and go undercover.

Thieves hot wire and steal Chet Morton's prize Corvette.

In response the brothers Frank and Joe go in chase of Chet's kidnappers.

The two brothers attempt to join the gangs to get leads on Chet and uncover a chopshop ring.