What Happens if You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car

So, what happens if you put the wrong fuel in your car? Whether it’s early in the morning, after a hard day of work, or during a normal day, you will be forgiven for actually putting the wrong fuel in your car.

Some might realize at that moment, others might realize after, and others might have just used the car before realizing it. Either way, calm down, in this article, we will tell you the steps you must take to remedy this lethal mistake for your car or motor engine.

What happens?

Before we start with the steps, let us explain what happens to the engine. Putting diesel in a petrol car doesn’t have the same effects as putting petrol in diesel.

Diesel doesn’t just power the car but also lubricates the fuel pump to keep other components of the car running smoothly.

On the other hand, petrol does exactly the opposite. That’s why putting petrol in a diesel car is more lethal than the other way around.

As the petrol will increase friction between the engine parts, causing them to break after or while driving.

Keep in mind, that diesel parts are expensive and are increasing in price over the years.

If you put diesel in a petrol car, it’s wrong but won’t cause the same damage as you do the other way around. That’s due to the fact that diesel needs to be ignited to be able to start the car, and some cars will not switch on due to this.

Also, Diesel pump nozzles may be bigger than the petrol fuel holder of your car, so it wouldn’t fit. In fact, it’s proven that it doesn’t happen that much.

What to do?

If you put the wrong fuel in your car, the most important step is the first one. Don’t start the engine. Doing so, you are liable for a huge cost to repair the damage to the engine.

If you realise before starting the engine, talk with any fuel attendant to help you push the car into a safe area while waiting for a towing service.

While you are waiting for towing services, the fuel attendant may have the service of removing the fuel from your car, if so, you should make use, but, still won’t start filling and starting the engine.

Once the car is towed to your home, take it to the mechanic or call for fuel removal, however, check with the mechanic to make sure that your car is actually clean and ready for the new fuel.

After doing so, you are free to fill your car with the RIGHT fuel and start driving again.

What if the engine was started?

If you don’t realize before starting the engine, it’s likely that your car will stop during your journey to the destination.

It’s unlikely that your engine will survive the damage, and it’s likely to get an expensive bill to fix the engine.

If by the unlikely chance you realize when arriving at the destination without your car stopping then repeat the steps as discussed.

Damage is likely to have been done though still.

Drive Safe With Us

A cue tip is to always keep your mechanic, tower and fuel services number handy in the car.

Accidents like these are expenses on their own, have a look at our car and motor insurance package to cut unnecessary costs in the long run.

It’s important to be informed on what to do when something like this happens, hence why, it’s important to stay calm and not rush anything.

Read our article about the technologies that will leave your mind blown after reading about them.