What to Do If You Accidentally Fill Your Gas Tank With Diesel
As gas prices rise, more and more people are thinking about the fuel they put in their cars, but you probably already know that two types of fuel are usually available at your local gas station: petrol and diesel.
Both are refined from crude oil, but they are produced using completely different processes and additives and are in no way interchangeable. Many people will insist that it is not easy to fill fuel incorrectly because the pumps are color-coded (diesel pumps usually have green handles) or at least clearly marked, and diesel injectors are larger than petrol injectors, making them difficult to fit into a gas engine. column. car filler neck.
Ah, but note that the word “difficult” does not mean “impossible.” Despite these problems, people manage to misfill their cars every year. A combination of stress, distraction, and determination is all it takes, though sometimes mistakes happen on the other end, like when a truck mistakenly pumps diesel into underground gas storage tanks. Whatever it is, what does it mean if you put diesel in your gasoline-powered car?
Not all fuels are the same
Diesel and gasoline are very different fuels. Diesel is heavier than gasoline, has a much lower octane rating, and ignites in a completely different way. Gasoline has a characteristic odor, and diesel fuel is much thicker than gasoline, which is a thin, watery substance.
If you doubt that you have just been pumped into the car, do not risk it. Putting diesel in a gas tank is a very, very bad idea. Depending on how much diesel you put in there, you may be able to drive the car for a while before it starts rattling and hissing, but it will eventually stall. Driving a car after filling up with diesel fuel is the worst idea because it distributes diesel fuel through the fuel line and engine, sticking everything around and requiring serious effort to clean.
What to do if you just filled up with diesel fuel
If you realize your mistake before you try to drive, here’s what you should do:
- Don’t drive him. Have we clarified it? The diesel in your gas tank is a minor issue. Driving a petrol car with diesel will be a huge challenge. It doesn’t matter if it’s just a small amount – if you have a diesel in there, move away from the ignition.
- Notice how much diesel you just put in there. It doesn’t have to be exact, but the beleaguered (and probably surprised) mechanic who will eventually help save your car will find it useful to know if it’s mixed with half a tank, a whole tank, or just a small amount of diesel fuel. there.
- Call a mechanic. If you’re at a service station, the kind people who work there can help you, especially if you haven’t driven a car. What needs to happen is this: your gas tank needs to be drained and cleaned. This is relatively easy, although it will make your schedule and wallet more difficult.
If you didn’t notice and realize your mistake a quarter mile down the road when your car made very disturbing noises and stalled, you’ll need to call a tow truck and call a mechanic to fix it for you. Be warned that this will be expensive. In the best case, the fuel system just needs to be drained and cleaned. The mechanic will need to drain the gas tank, clean out the fuel lines and fuel injectors (which may require them to be dismantled and removed to clear blockages, increasing costs), and inspect everything for damage. This can take several hours and can cost you up to $1,000 depending on the vehicle and the problems it is having.
The worst case scenario is severe damage to your car’s cylinders from trying to burn the wrong fuel. This can be incredibly expensive and can cost even more than your car repairs. That’s right: buying $20 worth of diesel by mistake can cost you a brand new car.
Again, this mistake is not easy to make, but it does happen. Always be careful when handling hazardous substances such as fuel.