Regan Brown
Putting the wrong fuel in your car is an easy mistake to make, especially with the number of diesel cars on the road and the layout of fuel pumps at gas stations. The best thing to do is to prevent it from happening altogether, but if you do end up with the wrong fuel in your tank, it's important to act quickly to prevent damage and avoid turning it into a major expense. The steps you should take will depend on whether you realized your mistake before or after starting your car.
How to Drain Wrong Fuel from Car
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do if you put the wrong fuel in your car | Do not start the engine and call for roadside assistance |
| What happens if you start the car with the wrong fuel | The wrong fuel will mix and circulate in your vehicle, which can cause serious engine damage |
| How to drain the wrong fuel | Purchase a fuel siphon system or stick a hose into the gas tank and pump |
| How long does it take to drain the wrong fuel | It depends on where you live and how much fuel is in the tank |
| What to do after draining the wrong fuel | Refill the tank with the correct fuel and consider replacing the fuel filter |
| How to prevent putting the wrong fuel in your car | Be vigilant and know your car's fuel type, use fuel cards, or install products like SoloDiesel or Diesel Key |
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What You'll Learn
Don't start the engine
If you've filled your car with the wrong type of fuel, it is imperative that you do not start the engine. Starting the engine will circulate the wrong fuel through your engine, causing significant problems and possibly severe damage.
If you realise your mistake before turning on the ignition, you can take the necessary steps to drain the incorrect fuel and avoid costly repairs. The first step is to locate the fuel tank, which is usually at the rear of the vehicle but may be under the hood. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the precise location. Once you have located the fuel tank, place a drain pan or receptacle underneath the drainage plug.
The next step is to remove the drain plug. If your vehicle has an electric fuel pump, you can use it to drain the fuel tank. To do this, locate the fuel pump fuse or relay in your vehicle's fuse box and remove it. Then, turn on the ignition without starting the engine. The fuel pump will activate and start draining the fuel tank. Once the tank is empty, turn off the ignition and replace the fuel pump fuse or relay.
Alternatively, if you have access to a car lift or jack stands, you can use gravity to drain the fuel tank. Position your vehicle on the lift or jack stands, locate the fuel tank drain plug, and remove it. The fuel will flow out of the tank and into the container below.
It is crucial to dispose of the drained fuel properly. Do not pour it down the drain or into the soil, as it can contaminate the environment. Instead, take it to a hazardous waste disposal site or a recycling centre for proper disposal.
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Purchase a fuel siphon system
If you have put the wrong fuel in your car, one of the methods to drain it is to purchase a fuel siphon system. Fuel siphon systems are sold at most auto stores and are manually operated pumps that draw the gas out of your car and into a container.
Firstly, ensure that you buy a siphon system that is approved for combustible materials, as any sparks near your gas tank can be dangerous. You will need six feet or so of small 3/8-inch hose, as well as a pump to draw the fuel out. The old method of sticking a hose into the gas tank and sucking out the gas with your mouth is hazardous to your health and can be incredibly dangerous. You could swallow gasoline or spill enough to create a serious fire hazard.
To use the siphon system, insert the siphon tube into your gas tank. If you are having trouble fitting the siphon into the fuel tank, you may need to call a professional to help you drain the tank by bypassing safety devices that prevent fuel from being taken out of the vehicle. Fix the output tube of the siphon into an approved fuel container. Then, begin pumping the siphon pump until the fuel begins to flow from the tank to the container. Keep the siphon in place until all of the gasoline has been drawn out of the fuel tank.
Once you have finished emptying the tank, be sure to properly dispose of the gasoline. You can either dispose of it by giving it to a mechanic shop or by calling a waste disposal service. Do not pour gasoline down a drain or any other unapproved location.
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Drain and flush the fuel tank
If you have put the wrong fuel in your car, it is important that you do not start your car. By not starting your car, you can prevent the wrong fuel from circulating in your vehicle, making the fix simpler and less expensive. If you have started your car, stop the car in a safe place as soon as possible and turn off the engine to minimise damage.
Now, to drain and flush the fuel tank:
Firstly, purchase a fuel siphon system from an auto store. This is a manually operated pump that will draw the gas out of your car and into a container. Ensure that the pump is approved for combustible materials, as any sparks near your gas tank can be dangerous. You will also need a hose, as well as a pan to collect the fuel. Some vehicles have saddle-type fuel tanks and may require a specialised way of removing the fuel from both sides of the tanks.
Place the pan underneath your drainage plug and then unscrew the plug. The gas will flow out and usually takes several minutes per gallon. Alternatively, stick the hose of the fuel siphon system into the gas tank and pump until the tank is emptied.
Once the tank is drained, you will need to flush the system. This is done by filling the tank with the correct fuel and then leaving some of the correct fuel in the tank. You can then start your car and let the correct fuel circulate through the system, flushing out any remaining incorrect fuel.
You can expect to see smoke and hear a coughing sound as any residue of the incorrect fuel is burnt off, but this is normal. There are also additives available that can help to get rid of any residue.
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Replace fuel filters
The fuel filter is an important component of your car's fuel system, ensuring that your engine runs effectively and smoothly. It strains out particles that could cause damage and stores them until it's replaced. If left unchanged, the particles can block the fuel flow, resulting in performance issues.
When to Replace Fuel Filters
Most vehicles recommend replacing the fuel filter every two years or 24,000 miles, but maintenance schedules vary. Check your owner's manual for service recommendations. Older cars may require a change after 30,000 miles, while modern vehicles can go up to 60,000 miles between changes.
Some signs that it's time to replace the fuel filter include:
- Poor engine performance: The engine may surge, sputter, or hesitate when accelerating.
- Hard starting: The engine cranks longer than usual to start.
- Vehicle stalling: The vehicle stalls, especially during acceleration.
- Fuel system component failure: Contaminants enter the fuel system, requiring other components to be serviced.
Replacing the Fuel Filter
If you're confident in working with car engines and components, you can replace the fuel filter yourself. Here are the general steps:
- Park your vehicle on a solid, level surface, and have a fire extinguisher nearby as you'll be working with flammable fuel.
- Disconnect the battery. Remove the cable from the negative terminal to prevent the engine from starting during the process.
- Locate the fuel filter. It is usually found in the engine compartment or beneath the vehicle near the fuel tank.
- Relieve the pressure in the fuel system by loosening the fuel cap and removing the fuel pump fuse or relay.
- Run the engine until it stops, using up the remaining fuel in the lines. Crank the engine for a few seconds to release any residual pressure.
- Disconnect the fuel lines from the fuel filter.
- Remove the mounting bolts on the fuel filter, if applicable.
- Install the new fuel filter, ensuring the flow arrow points toward the engine.
- Reattach the fuel lines and replace the retaining clips.
- Reinstall the fuel pump fuse or relay.
- Start the vehicle. If it runs normally without leaks, the job is complete.
The replacement process may vary depending on your vehicle's make and model, so it is recommended to consult your owner's manual or a repair guide for specific instructions.
If you're unsure about performing the replacement yourself, it's best to seek the assistance of a trained technician or mechanic.
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Refuel with the correct fuel
Refuelling your car with the correct type of fuel is an essential step to take after you've accidentally filled your tank with the wrong fuel. The correct type of fuel for your car depends on whether your car is petrol or diesel.
If you've put petrol in a diesel car, you'll need to drain the tank, fit new filters, and refill the tank with diesel fuel. This process involves flushing out the wrong fuel using clean fuel of the right kind, leaving behind enough diesel fuel for the driver to get the car to a pump. It's important to note that petrol in a diesel car can cause serious engine damage that may not be covered under warranty.
On the other hand, if you've accidentally put diesel in a petrol car, the process is similar. Once the tank has been drained, it will need to be flushed through, and you'll be able to start the vehicle. It's normal to expect some coughing and smoking as any diesel residue is burnt off. There are also additives available that can help to get rid of diesel residue.
In both cases, it's crucial to act quickly and avoid starting your engine if you've realized your mistake before leaving the service station. This will help to prevent the "wrong" fuel from circulating through your vehicle's system and causing further complications or damage.
To ensure you're refuelling with the correct type of fuel in the future, it's a good idea to be proactive and utilize products that can physically prevent you from inserting the wrong fuel nozzle into your tank. For example, SoloDiesel is a product that blocks a petrol pump from being inserted into a diesel vehicle, while still allowing a diesel nozzle to be used.
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