Mercedes Mullins
Putting the wrong fuel in your car can have various consequences, from engine damage to the car not starting at all. The type of wrong fuel and the amount put in the tank are factors that determine the impact on the car. For instance, diesel in a petrol car can create excessive pressure and heat, damaging the catalytic converter. On the other hand, petrol in a diesel engine can act as a solvent, dissolving the lubricant and damaging the fuel pump. Mixing fuels, even briefly, should be avoided as it can lead to major issues.
How long will a car run with the wrong fuel?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Petrol in a diesel car | The car will likely run erratically or stall completely. |
| Diesel in a petrol car | The car may not start because gas engines cannot combust diesel. |
| E10 in an incompatible car | The car will still run, but internal structures may be damaged over longer periods due to bioethanol's corrosive properties. |
| Ethanol in a non-flexible-fuel vehicle | The "check engine" light may flicker, but this will probably not cause permanent damage. |
| Diesel in a petrol engine | The engine may give off smoke, cut out, or fail to start at all. |
| Petrol in a diesel engine | The engine may misfire, lose power, and the smell of fuel may be noticeable within the vehicle and from the exhaust pipe. |
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What You'll Learn
Petrol in a diesel car
Putting petrol in a diesel car can have severe consequences on the vehicle's health and operation. The engine will not be able to process the wrong fuel and will not run correctly. Even a short journey with the wrong fuel will likely lead to major issues with the engine. The vehicle may experience a loss of power, and the smell of fuel within the vehicle. The engine may also misfire, and you may smell fuel coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle may also stutter when pulling away in lower gears.
Diesel cars use fuel as lubrication oil, ensuring engine parts run smoothly to prevent wear and tear. When petrol is added to diesel, the mixture acts like a solvent, dissolving the lubricant. Switching on the ignition circulates the mixture and increases friction between components, damaging parts such as fuel lines and pumps.
If you realise you have put the wrong fuel in your car, it is important to act quickly. The best thing to do is to not start the engine and call for help. A professional may be able to drain the fuel tank and flush the system with the correct fuel. Draining the wrong fuel from a vehicle can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on how much fuel has been put in the tank and how accessible it is.
Some people suggest filling the rest of the tank with premium petrol and driving the car. It might smoke a bit, but it shouldn't hurt the car as long as it runs fine. Keep topping it off after using a quarter of the tank. Do this two to three times, and it should be fine. However, if the car doesn't run properly, you will need to drain the tank and refill it with diesel.
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Diesel in a petrol car
Putting diesel in a petrol car is not ideal, and it is important to act quickly. The engine will not be able to process the diesel and will not run correctly. In some cases, the car may not start at all. If the car does start, it will likely produce smoke and run poorly.
If you realise your mistake before starting the engine, do not turn on the ignition and call for a tow truck to take your car to a garage to have the diesel drained. The longer the diesel remains in the tank, the more damage it can cause. The repair process will be more complicated and expensive if you attempt to drive the car, as the diesel will enter the fuel line and engine system.
If you have driven the car with diesel in the tank, you may experience a range of issues, including the engine misfiring, a loss of power, and the smell of fuel within the vehicle and coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle may also stutter in lower gears. These issues can occur after driving as little as 10km or 500m.
To fix the issue, a professional will need to drain the fuel tank and flush the system with the correct fuel. In some cases, you may need to replace the entire fuel system or even the engine, which can be very costly.
In summary, putting diesel in a petrol car can cause serious issues, and it is important to act quickly to minimise the potential damage and cost of repairs.
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E10 in an incompatible car
E10 fuel is a blend of 90% regular unleaded and 10% ethanol. It was introduced in the UK in September 2021 to help motorists lower their carbon footprint and is already in use in several other countries. While most petrol vehicles will be able to use E10, it is incompatible with some older vehicles—as many as 600,000 of those currently on UK roads.
If you put E10 fuel in an incompatible car, it will still run in the short term. However, continual use can lead to long-term problems. Ethanol is a solvent, and the higher ethanol content could potentially cause degradation of plastic and rubber components like hoses, fuel lines, seals, and filters. Classic cars, in particular, could suffer damage if E10 fuel is left sitting in the tank for long periods of time. Ethanol is also a hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water from the atmosphere, which could lead to condensation and corrosion in the fuel tank.
If you accidentally fill up an incompatible car with E10, it might cause rough running and poor cold starting, but it won't cause any immediate damage, depending on the vehicle and how much fuel has been put in. If your car is having trouble starting, you should call for recovery if you have breakdown cover. The RAC advises that if you do accidentally use E10 fuel, you should top up with E5 once a third to half of the tank has been used to dilute the negative effects.
If you have put the wrong type of fuel in your car, do not start the engine and call for professional help. A professional may be able to drain the fuel tank and flush the system with the correct fuel.
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What to do if you put the wrong fuel in your car
Putting the wrong fuel in your car can cause serious damage to your vehicle, so it is important to act quickly. The wrong fuel can cause issues with the engine, fuel system, and catalytic converter. If you have turned on the ignition, you may experience a range of symptoms, including the engine misfiring, a loss of power, and the smell of fuel within the vehicle.
If you realise your mistake before turning on the ignition, do not start your engine and leave your car key out of the ignition. Inform the staff at the petrol station of your mistake. You should then contact a professional mechanic to drain the fuel tank and flush the system with the correct fuel. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the amount of wrong fuel in the tank and the accessibility of the tank.
If you have turned on the ignition, pull over to a safe spot as soon as possible and turn off the engine. Then, contact a professional mechanic or a towing service to have your vehicle towed to a garage. A professional will be able to assess the damage and determine if any parts need to be replaced.
In some cases, you may be able to fill the rest of the tank with the correct fuel and continue driving. However, this should be avoided unless specifically advised by a professional mechanic. Driving with the wrong fuel, even for short journeys, can lead to major issues with your engine and other components.
To prevent putting the wrong fuel in your car, pay attention at the pump and carefully review each button and nozzle to confirm the fuel type. Eliminate distractions, such as putting your phone away, to ensure you are focused when refuelling.
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How to prevent putting the wrong fuel in your car
Putting the wrong fuel in your car can have serious consequences. From reduced performance and fuel efficiency to costly repairs and even permanent engine damage, it is a mistake that can be stressful and expensive. Therefore, it is important to take preventative measures to avoid this. Here are some tips to help you avoid putting the wrong fuel in your car:
Pay Attention at the Pump: Eliminate distractions when fuelling your car. Leave your phone in the car, carefully review each button and nozzle to ensure you are choosing the correct fuel type. Even if you are in a rush or at a new gas station, take the time to double-check the fuel type to avoid costly mistakes.
Understand the Different Fuel Types: Know the difference between fuel types such as unleaded, premium gas, diesel, and ethanol. Understand that diesel pumps typically have larger nozzles that won't fit into a gasoline tank, and gas nozzles are smaller and can fit into a diesel tank. This knowledge can help you identify any discrepancies and prevent misfuelling.
Consider a Misfuelling Prevention Device: For diesel vehicles, you can purchase a diesel fuel tank insert that prevents gas nozzles from fitting into the tank. Some car manufacturers now equip diesel vehicles with similar mechanisms as a standard feature. This can be an effective way to prevent accidentally filling your diesel vehicle with gasoline.
Double-Check the Recommended Fuel for Your Car: Always verify the fuel type recommended by the manufacturer for your specific car model. This information can usually be found in the owner's manual or by contacting the car manufacturer directly. By knowing the correct fuel type, you can reduce the risk of accidentally selecting the wrong fuel.
Stay Vigilant and Aware of Warning Signs: Be mindful of any unusual engine noises, reduced performance, or other warning signs that may indicate you have used the wrong fuel. If you suspect you have used the wrong fuel, stop driving immediately and seek professional help if necessary. Taking immediate action can help minimize potential damage to your vehicle.
By following these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of putting the wrong fuel in your car and avoid the associated costs and stress. Remember, misfuelling can happen to anyone, so staying vigilant and taking the time to double-check can make a big difference.
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Frequently asked questions
The first thing to do is not to start the engine. Then, call for professional help to drain and flush the fuel from your car. If you've put a minuscule amount of petrol in your diesel engine, it may run smoothly without you noticing any impact, but it's still recommended to have your tank drained to avoid potential damage to your engine.
Diesel in a petrol car may not cause any permanent damage if the engine is not started. However, it still needs to be properly flushed. Diesel acts as a lubricant for the fuel system, and thinner gasoline can cause the fuel pump, filter, and injectors to wear.
Petrol in a diesel car is a more serious issue, requiring extensive flushing and cleaning work. Petrol will increase the friction in your diesel engine, damaging the fuel pump. The car will likely run erratically or stall completely.
