Running out of fuel or putting the wrong fuel in your car can be stressful and confusing. Many people make the mistake of filling their car with the wrong type of fuel. If you’ve accidentally put petrol in a diesel car, or diesel in a petrol car, don’t panic. This article explains what happens if you misfuel your car, what risks are involved, and what you should do next.
What Is Misfuelling?
Misfuelling happens when you put the wrong type of fuel in your car. This means putting petrol in a diesel car or putting diesel in a petrol car. Both mistakes can cause damage to your car. It’s a common mistake that can happen when you’re in a rush or distracted. But don’t worry, you can fix the problem if you act quickly.
What Happens When You Put Petrol in a Diesel Car?
Diesel cars are designed to run on diesel fuel, which is thicker and oilier than petrol. Petrol engines work differently. If you put petrol in a diesel car, here’s what happens:
Lack of Lubrication: Diesel fuel helps lubricate parts of the engine. Petrol doesn’t have the same lubricating properties, which can cause the engine parts to wear out faster.
Damage to Fuel System: Diesel cars have high-pressure fuel systems. Petrol can damage these parts, like the fuel injectors and fuel pump.
Engine Problems: Petrol doesn’t ignite in a diesel engine the same way. Your car might struggle to start, or it could misfire and cause damage to the engine.
Possible Breakdown: If too much petrol is added, the engine might stop completely. The petrol will mix with the diesel, and the car won’t work properly.
If you’ve put petrol in a diesel car, don’t start the engine. It’s best to call a mechanic or breakdown service to help you.
What Happens When You Put Diesel in a Petrol Car?
Putting diesel in a petrol car can also cause serious problems. Petrol engines rely on spark plugs to start, but diesel fuel doesn’t burn the same way as petrol. Here’s what happens:
The Car Won’t Start: A petrol engine can’t start if there’s diesel in it. Diesel needs higher temperatures to burn, and it won’t ignite in a petrol engine.
Fuel System Blockage: Diesel is thicker than petrol, and it can clog the fuel injectors and fuel lines in a petrol engine.
Damage to the Fuel Pump: The fuel pump in a petrol car is not made to work with diesel. Diesel can damage the pump, leading to expensive repairs.
Complete Breakdown: If diesel stays in the engine for too long, it can cause more damage. The engine might need to be completely fixed or replaced.
If you’ve put diesel in a petrol car, don’t try to start it. Call for help to avoid causing further damage.
What to Do If You Misfuel Your Car
If you realise you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car, don’t panic. There are simple steps you can take to fix the problem.
Step 1: Don’t Start the Engine
The first thing to do is stop and don’t start the engine. Starting the engine will pump the wrong fuel through the system, which can make the problem worse.
Step 2: Call for Help
After stopping the engine, call for help. You can contact your breakdown service or a towing company to take your car to a garage. Many breakdown services offer fuel drainage. They will safely remove the wrong fuel from your car and replace it with the right one.
Step 3: Drain the Fuel
A professional will drain the wrong fuel from your car’s tank and fuel system. This is an important step to prevent further damage to the engine.
Step 4: Check for Damage
Once the wrong fuel is drained, the mechanic will check for any damage to the engine or fuel system. If any parts are damaged, they will replace them. After that, the engine will be tested to make sure it works properly.
Step 5: Refill with the Correct Fuel
Finally, the mechanic will refill your car with the correct fuel. After everything is checked and fixed, your car should be good to go.
How to Prevent Misfuelling
While misfuelling can happen to anyone, there are some simple ways to avoid it in the future:
Pay Attention When Refuelling: Always double-check which fuel nozzle you are using. Petrol and diesel nozzles are different sizes, so it’s easy to tell them apart.
Check the Fuel Type: Before you start pumping fuel, look at the fuel cap or the sticker on your car. This will tell you if your car needs petrol or diesel.
Don’t Rush: If the petrol station is busy or you’re in a hurry, take a moment to make sure you’re using the right fuel. It’s better to take your time than to make a mistake.
Ask for Help: If you’re unsure about which fuel to use, ask a staff member at the petrol station. They will help you and make sure you’re using the right fuel.
What to Do If You’ve Misfuelled in Derbyshire
If you’re in Derbyshire and you’ve misfuelled your car, there’s no need to worry. Many breakdown services in the area can help. You can call a breakdown service, and they will come to your location to drain the wrong fuel and get your car back on the road.
You can also contact a local garage, and they will help you fix the problem. If you’re unsure of what to do, it’s best to call for help instead of trying to fix it yourself.
Conclusion
Misfuelling is a common mistake, but it’s something that can be fixed. Whether you’ve put petrol in a diesel car or diesel in a petrol car, it’s important to stop the engine immediately and call for help. In Derbyshire, there are many breakdown services that can help you drain the wrong fuel, flush the system, and get your car back on the road. By staying calm and following the right steps, you can fix the problem and avoid long-term damage to your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if I put petrol in a diesel car?
Putting petrol in a diesel car can cause engine misfires, damage to the fuel system, and possible breakdowns. It’s best to call for help immediately.
2. Can I drive my car if I put the wrong fuel in?
No, you should not drive your car after misfuelling. Starting the engine will cause more damage. Stop the car and call for help.
3. How much will it cost to fix misfuelling?
The cost of fixing misfuelling depends on the damage. Draining the wrong fuel and flushing the system can cost £100 to £300. If more repairs are needed, it can be more expensive.
4. Can I fix misfuelling myself?
It’s not safe to fix misfuelling on your own. You should call a professional to drain the fuel and check for damage.
5. Can I prevent misfuelling?
Yes, you can prevent misfuelling by checking the fuel nozzle, looking at the fuel type, and being careful when refuelling.
