One of those errors we make when you least expect it is misfueling. You may be in another vehicle, driving to an appointment, or just distracted as you fill up the tank. With one decision at the petrol station, you can find yourself stuck with a car that won’t start and an unsuspecting repair bill.
If you have spilled petrol in a diesel car or diesel in a petrol car, it is important to know what steps to take.
It’s important to not panic. In many situations, a professional fuel drain service can have the soiled fuel drained before it can cause any additional issues. We make sure motorists are aware of what options are available to them and how they can be supported if they find themselves in a misfuelling incident at MR Fuel Fixer.
What Is Misfueling?
The misfueling occurs when the wrong fuel is used in the vehicle. The two most frequent are filling a car with petrol or a car with diesel.
While today’s cars use various fuels, none will run on the wrong fuel.
When turning the ignition or starting the car on, the issue can get more severe. This enables contaminated fuel to flow through the system and enter critical areas like the fuel pump and fuel injectors.
But it is important to act promptly to minimise further damage.
What Happens When You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car?
This effect is determined by the fuel you have injected and the type of engine to which it is fed.
A Diesel Car with Petrol in it.
It is dangerous to top up a diesel car with petrol. The fuel injection system requires important parts to be lubricated by diesel fuel. The properties of petrol are different, and can decrease this lubrication.
Fuel pump and injector friction may result as a consequence of this. When the contaminated fluid is moving around the system, it can cause costly mechanical problems.
You might notice:
- Unusual knocking noises from the engine.
- Excessive smoke from the exhaust.
- Reduced engine performance.
- Starting problems.
- Warning lights on the engine or engine stalling.
If you see that you’ve put petrol in your diesel car, don’t start the engine! Have professional fuel removal services do the job instead.
Diesel in a Petrol Car
If a petrol vehicle is fuelled with diesel, it can pose issues as well. Diesel is heavier, and will not burn in a petrol engine.
Once contaminated fuel gets to the engine, it can cause problems in the combustion process and leave deposits in the engine parts, like spark plugs.
Symptoms that are often seen are:
- Engine misfiring.
- Excessive exhaust smoke.
- Poor acceleration.
- Rough engine performance.
- Failure to restart or stall of the engine.
While the repercussions may vary from a petrol contaminated diesel car, never take the risk that it is harmless.
What Should You Do Immediately After Misfueling?
If you’ve discovered your error before you leave the gas station, follow these steps.
Turn off the gas and stop filling the tank.
Return the fuel nozzle and refrain from adding any additional wrong fuel. Make a note of what you have already added.
1. Do NOT start the engine.
This is the most important step. Do not turn the ignition and engine on. Certain cars have a fuel pump that comes on whenever the ignition is turned on—even if the engine is not running.
2. Let your gas station attendant know.
Explain what has happened. If your vehicle is in the way of a pump, do not attempt to move it alone; ask employees to assist you to move it safely. Use only when not running the engine.
If you are not sure about how to safely drain the fuel, contact a professional fuel drain service.
Contact a specialist with a misfuelling incident. Inform them what make and model the vehicle is and what type of fuel was placed in the tank; and, if the engine has been started or not.
3. Follow professional advice
A technician can take a look at the situation and suggest the right fuel removal procedure. Do not attempt to drain the tank, correct fuel handling techniques and safety precautions should be used.
If you are already away from your car stop at a safe location and turn off the engine once it is safe. Do not restart it.
How Is a Misfueling Problem Fixed?
Typically, professional fuel recovery begins with the examination of the vehicle and the contamination.
The process is dependent on the design of the vehicle and if the fuel has been contaminated and circulated through the system.
The typical fuel drain service can include:
- Test the equipment and determine the wrong fuel.
- Safely accessing the fuel tank.
- Removing the contaminated fuel using specialist equipment.
- Cleaning of affected areas of fuel system as necessary.
- Changing the removed fuel for the appropriate fuel.
- Using the correct safety procedures before turning over the ignition.
Not all vehicles require the same amount of work. For instance, a car that has not been running may need another approach to a car that has been driven with dirty fuel.
If the engine or fuel system has already been damaged, additional mechanical work might be required.
Can Misfueling Damage Your Fuel Pump and Injectors?
Yes. The risk is based on the nature of the contamination and the amount of time the engine has been running on the incorrect fuel.
This is especially problematic with petrol in a diesel vehicle as it may be detrimental to the lubrication requirements of some fuel system parts. This can cause issues with the high pressure fuel pump/injectors.
The use of diesel in a petrol car can lead to combustion issues and fouling of fuel system components.
Complications can be increased with the longer the contaminated fuel remains in circulation. That’s why it is the sensible thing to do to turn off the engine before taking professional help.
How Can You Prevent Misfueling in the Future?
Some additional care at the petrol station means you won’t end up with an expensive mistake.
Here are some simple habits to follow:
- Before filling up check vehicle’s fuel type.
- Always read the nozzle label and NOT the colour of the nozzle.
- Be extra careful when driving a hire car or other person’s car.
- Use a pump while filling.
- Discuss fuel reminders on the fuel flap.
- Do not make a hasty decision about what fuel to use.
If you drive more than one vehicle regularly, it’s important to get in the habit of checking the fuel type.
Why Choose Professional Fuel Drain Assistance?
Draining contaminated fuel is not an easy task of just flushing out the tank. Fuel systems vary across vehicle designs and some require special access and equipment.
A professional fuel drain service will be able to inspect the vehicle, drain the wrong fuel and make sure that if a further flushing or inspection is required, it will be done.
MR Fuel Fixer offers fuel recovery services to professionals who can help motorists with fueling issues. If you have substituted petrol for diesel or diesel for petrol, it’s important to get early professional advice so that you don’t end up in an unnecessary mess.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the meaning of misfueling?
Misfueling refers to putting the wrong fuel into a vehicle. Some examples are: using petrol in a diesel vehicle or diesel in a petrol vehicle. May cause engine instability and cause damage to fuel system components.
2. Can I drive my car after misfueling?
No. You should avoid driving after putting the wrong fuel in your vehicle. If the motor is already operating, halt as soon as safe to do so and shut it down. Call a professional fuel recovery expert.
3. What happens if I accidentally put a small amount of petrol in a diesel car?
Even if it is just a little bit, if there is a lot of diesel fuel in the tank, it can cause an issue depending on the vehicle. Never presume safety to drive. Do not operate the engine, and consult a professional.
4. How long does it take to fix a misfueling problem?
The time varies depending on the vehicle, the size of the tank and the amount of wrong fuel and whether the engine has been started. Simple fuel drains can take less time than fuel drain jobs that involve further system flushing or system inspection.
5. Does misfueling always damage the engine?
No, Misfueling doesn’t necessarily mean your engine was damaged beyond repair. There’s a good opportunity to troubleshoot the issues with professional fuel removal before the contaminated fuel circulates if the vehicle has not been operated.
6. Can I fix a misfueling problem myself?
Not recommended. Removing fuels needs to be done with appropriate equipment and safe handling procedures. A professional technician will be able to evaluate the vehicle and perform the needed work.
7. Does breakdown cover include misfueling?
Some breakdown policies cover the cost of using the wrong fuel, others are an extra service. Review your policy thoroughly, to make sure you know what is covered and if fuel draining is covered.
8. What should I do if I put AdBlue in my diesel tank?
Don’t turn the engine on or the ignition. AdBlue is NOT fuel and can cause serious contamination issues in the diesel fuel system. Seek special assistance as soon as possible.
Need Help With a Misfueling Problem?
Changing the wrong fuel in your vehicle can be an annoyance, but if the problem is acted upon early enough, it does not have to cause a larger issue.
Do not start or operate the vehicle. Rather, call a professional to determine what is contaminated and how to have the fuel removed.
We know how stressful it can be at MR Fuel Fixer when your vehicles have been fuelled incorrectly. We want to make help easy to obtain and help you return to the road as safely as possible.
Need help with incorrect fuel in your vehicle? Contact MR Fuel Fixer today for professional fuel drain assistance.
Website: https://mrfuelfixer.co.uk