Fitting the wrong diesel fuel into your car, or even filling up your petrol car with diesel fuel, can swiftly turn a pleasant journey into a stressful one. Or you’re driving a strange car, hiring a car or just distracted at the fuel station. Misfuelling can occur to anyone, however, for whatever reason.
Fortunately, there are actions you can take that can minimize the potential for damage and avoid having to pay for unnecessary repairs. MR Fuel Fixer offers expert advice to the drivers if they need wrong fuel recovery.
This guide will tell you what you’ll observe if you use the incorrect fuel and how to properly respond if such an occurrence should occur.
What Does Wrong Diesel Mean?
There are a number of fuel-related mis-steps that can be considered “wrong diesel.” The most common is to fill a petrol vehicle with diesel. But there can also be occasions when the driver gets the petrol/diesel mix wrong when using a different car or accidentally pouring in the wrong fuel or fluid.
The errors can impact the way the engine performs, as petrol and diesel engines have different combustion systems.
A petrol car uses, for instance, spark plugs to start the fuel-air mixture burning. Compression ignition is used in a diesel engine. Hence, the proper fuel should be used for the proper engine.
If you suspect that you’ve filled with the wrong fuel, don’t attempt to fix it by topping up the tank or driving until the fuel tank is empty.
What Happens If You Put Diesel in a Petrol Car?
Diesel will not burn correctly in a petrol engine due to differences in the way diesel and petrol burn. A petrol car’s fuel system can be contaminated with diesel which can impact on its performance and fuel efficiency.
You might see some of these warning signs:
- Starting engine is difficult.
- Misfiring or rough running of the engine.
- Rumors of too much smoke coming from the tail pipe.Too much smoke from the exhaust pipe.
- Reduced engine power.
- Engine misfiring or not starting.
But the severity of the issue will vary according to the car and if the engine has been cranked. Prompt action can help prevent additional issues.
What If You Put Petrol in a Diesel Car?
Filling up a diesel vehicle with petrol can be especially dangerous. In some diesel fuel systems, the diesel fuel is used for lubricating important components. This lubrication can be decreased, causing more friction in the fuel pump and injection system, by petrol.
Modern diesel vehicles may have high pressure fuel system that is sensitive to contamination. Running the engine and driving the car can cause this fuel to flow through them, which can make repairs more costly.
If it’s found that a petrol car has been filled with diesel fuel, remove any fuel immediately and switch off the engine. Don’t attempt to add diesel fuel to the tank as a way of reducing the petrol.
Instead, call a professional fuel recovery service provider who will be able to evaluate the situation and may recommend the right solution for you.
What Should You Do After Using the Wrong Diesel?
If you think you’ve accidentally filled your car with the wrong fuel, do the following steps.
1. Always leave the engine switched off.
If you see the error when refueling, do not start the car. Don’t start the car engine, as some cars will start the fuel pump even when the ignition key is not in the ignition lock.
2. Tell the Petrol Station Staff.
Inform them of the incident. If the vehicle is in the way of a pump, please request assistance in moving the vehicle to a safe area. Do not move it unless it is safe to do so without starting the engine.
3. Get in touch with the Fuel Recovery Specialist.
Make sure to let the officer know which fuel you added, the quantity that was added to the tank and if you started the vehicle or did a drive.
This information will be useful for the technician to know what is going on and what to do.
5. Do not use self-made fuel drains.
Refrain from attempting to siphon fuel or break apart fuel-system components. Fuel is flammable and needs to be handled appropriately with proper safety measures.
A professional technician can change contaminated fuel, evaluate if the fuel system needs flushing and recommend if more fuel system mechanical work is required.
How Does Professional Wrong Fuel Recovery Work?
The purpose of a professional wrong fuel recovery service is to remove the contaminated fuel safely and determine if the vehicle can be safely operated.
MR Fuel Fixer’s website explains about a mobile service to clean diesel when running on petrol, petrol when running on diesel and AdBlue contamination.
This can be done through:
- Initial assessment: The technician reviews the vehicle information and situation.
- Fuel draining: Special equipment is used to remove contaminated fuel.
- System flushing: Technician checks if there is a need for extra cleaning.
- Good fueling: Fuel supplied to the vehicle is correct.
- Safety checks: The technician determines if the vehicle can be restarted safely.
Not all incidents will require the same procedure. If you have already been driving with the wrong fuel, the mechanic might want to check the car and/or repair it.
For more information about the service, check out the official MR Fuel Fixer website.
How Can You Prevent a Wrong Diesel Mistake?
The following are some good habits that will help minimise the chance of misfuelling:
- Be sure to inspect the type of fuel before refueling the vehicle.
- Carefully read the label on the pump.
- Be extra cautious when driving a hire car or car that is not yours.
- Don’t hurry when filling the tank.
- If you don’t know what fuel your vehicle takes, refer to the owner’s manual.
- If you realize that you have selected the wrong nozzle, STOP immediately.
- These are useful if switching between petrol and diesel vehicles.
Why Choose MR Fuel Fixer?
An incorrect fueling incident can spoil your day and leave you with a confused next step. A specialist can provide clear guidance, which can help to manage the situation.
MR Fuel Fixer is a mobile wrong fuel recovery service offered throughout the UK, 24 hours a day. It is also responsible for car, van and commercial vehicle assistance on its website.
During the booking process, communicate what occurred and verify if service is available and when and how much the service will cost at your location.
When accidentally using the wrong fuel products visit MR Fuel Fixer to discuss what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does wrong diesel mean?
Wrong diesel is a general term for any mistake made with regard to the use of diesel, for example, when getting diesel into a petrol car, or the wrong fuel into a diesel car. The answer will vary based on the contamination.
2. What should I do if I put diesel in a petrol car?
Avoid starting the engine. If it is on, turn it off immediately when it is safe. Then call the professional wrong fuel recovery service for advice.
3. Can the wrong diesel damage my engine?
Yes. The wrong fuel can lead to poor fuel combustion and contamination of fuel system parts and starting difficulties. There are different risks associated with the fuel used and for those that have driven the vehicle.
4. What if I have already driven with the wrong fuel?
Stop at a safe location and turn off the car. Do not restart it. Report the distance that was traveled to the recovery specialist and the fuel that was used.
5. Can a professional drain the wrong fuel at the roadside?
There are many problems that can be rectified on site at the vehicle using specialist equipment. But in some cases, a closer look may be needed or repair work performed at a garage.
6. How much does wrong fuel recovery cost?
The cost varies according to the vehicle, location, amount of contaminated fuel and work required. Call MR Fuel Fixer to quote for your situation.
7. Is MR Fuel Fixer available 24/7?
MR Fuel Fixer claims they can recover a different fuel in 24 hours. Check with the team to see if they are available in your area.
Get Help With Wrong Diesel Today
Using the incorrect fuel is stressful, but it can be helpful to take action promptly to minimize additional damage. Do not drain the fuel, don’t try to clean it yourself and consult a professional.
Contact MR Fuel Fixer if you have accidentally put diesel in a petrol car or petrol in a diesel car to get advice on correct professional wrong fuel recovery.
Note: This article does not give a diagnosis of a particular vehicle. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult a competent technician for advice in the event of fuel contamination.