Filling your vehicle's tank with the incorrect fuel type is an easy but potentially costly mistake. While misfuelling a diesel-powered vehicle with petrol is common due to the larger nozzle on diesel dispensers, it's essential to learn what will happen if diesel is used in petrol engine. This blog explores the consequences and solutions for such misfuelling incidents, emphasising the importance of using the right fuel.
What happens if you put diesel in a petrol car or vice-versa?
Given below are some of the issues that can arise from misfuelling:
Misfuelling with Diesel in a Petrol Car:
- Clogging of Fuel System: Diesel has a thicker consistency than petrol and can clog the fuel system in a petrol car. It includes the fuel lines, injectors, and the fuel filter.
- Spark Plug Issues: Diesel's properties can lead to issues with the spark plugs, affecting the ignition process and potentially causing misfires.
- Fuel Filter Damage: The fuel filter in petrol engines is not designed to handle diesel, and its use can lead to fuel filter damage.
- Engine Misfires: Misfuelling can result in engine misfires, producing exhaust smoke and potentially causing the car to stall.
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency: The incorrect fuel can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, increasing fuel consumption and operating costs.
- Engine Damage: If the engine is started with diesel in the petrol car, it can lead to significant engine damage and potentially costly repairs.
Misfuelling with Petrol in a Diesel Car:
- Lubrication Issues: Diesel engines rely on the lubricating properties of diesel fuel to operate efficiently. When petrol is used, it lacks the necessary lubrication, leading to potential damage.
- Combustion Problems: Petrol doesn't ignite in the same way as diesel. It can cause combustion issues, leading to poor engine performance, knocking, and potential damage to the engine.
- Fuel System Contamination: Petrol can contaminate the diesel fuel system, including the fuel lines, injectors, and the fuel tank. This contamination can lead to clogs and reduced engine efficiency.
- Starting Problems: Attempting to start a diesel engine with petrol in the tank can result in difficulty starting or even engine stalling.
- Emission Concerns: Misfuelling can increase emissions, contributing to environmental pollution and potentially violating emissions regulations.
What are the consequences of misfuelling?
Misfuelling, or putting the wrong type of fuel into a vehicle, can lead to serious complications. Here is why this is problematic: the primary difference between petrol and diesel engines is their combustion process.
Diesel engines use compression ignition, while petrol engines use spark ignition. Because diesel is denser and oilier, it's designed to self-ignite under high pressure. Petrol lacks these lubricating properties, and when introduced into a diesel engine system, it can cause insufficient lubrication, leading to metal components grinding against each other. This can lead to significant wear and tear, possibly damaging the engine's internal components.
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your vehicle, it's crucial to use the fuel specifically designed for its engine type.
What to do if your car is filled with the wrong fuel?
If you've misfuelled your vehicle, follow these steps:
- Do not start the engine: Turning the engine on can circulate the incorrect fuel, exacerbating potential damage.
- Inform petrol station staff: They can assist in moving your vehicle to a safe location.
- Put the vehicle in neutral: This allows the car to be moved without engaging the engine.
- Call for professional assistance: Contact your breakdown service or a specialised fuel drainage company to remove the contaminated fuel safely.
Taking these steps promptly can prevent significant damage and reduce repair costs.
Remedial instructions for wrong fuelling
Depending on the situation, different remedial actions are necessary:
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If the Engine Has Not Been Started:
- Do not turn the ignition on.
- Arrange for the vehicle to be towed to a service centre.
- Have professionals drain and flush the fuel system.
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If the Engine Has Been Started:
- Turn off the engine immediately.
- Do not attempt to restart the vehicle.
- Seek professional advice to assess and repair any damage.
Attempting to address the issue without professional help can lead to further complications.
Tips to avoid misfuelling
Preventing misfuelling is crucial and can be achieved through the following measures:
- Stay Attentive: Always double-check the fuel type before refuelling.
- Label the Fuel Cap: As a reminder, a clear label indicating the correct fuel type is near the fuel cap.
- Choose Familiar Fuel Stations: Using the same fuel stations can reduce confusion due to consistent pump layouts.
- Avoid Distractions: Focus solely on the refuelling process to prevent mistakes.
Implementing these practices can help prevent the inconvenience and potential costs associated with misfuelling that could impact the premium and other components of your car insurance policy.
Conclusion
Now you know what happens if you put diesel in a petrol car and vice versa. It is a more common mistake than one might think. You must stay focused and alert when refuelling your vehicle to avoid such errors. Avoid refuelling when tired, place reminders near the fuel cap, and always use the correct fuel type. Additionally, having car insurance is a legal requirement in many countries, providing financial protection in case of accidents, theft, or damage. Car owners must be adequately insured to avoid legal penalties and financial risks.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.