What to do if you’ve put Petrol in a Diesel Car
Hopefully, you’ve stumbled across this article just out of curiosity because you’d simply like to know what to do if the event ever happens to present itself. But if you’ve happened to have experienced a momentary brain lapse at the bowser and you’ve filled your diesel car with petrol, the first thing you need to know is DON’T START THE CAR!
Secondly, try not to panic!
Hey, it’s easy to do and it happens quite often so don’t beat yourself up – just don’t start the car! Putting petrol in a diesel car can cause extensive damage to your engine, especially if you start up and the petrol starts to circulate through it. But it can be easily fixed if handled correctly.
Here’s what to do in this scenario:
- Stay there at the pump. If you need to move the car, get someone to help you push it into a parking bay. Just don’t start it up.
- The fuel needs to be properly drained from your car so call NRSA on 0477 004 159 and we’ll come to you.
Here’s why:
When you put petrol fuel in to a diesel car, the mix of petrol in diesel acts as a solvent, reducing lubrication and causing damage to the fuel pump. Other parts of the fuel system can also be damaged if not dealt with properly. Switching on your ignition will start to circulate the unhealthy mix of petrol and diesel through your fuel system, further contaminating and damaging other parts of your engine – which will require costly repairs, or replacing completely. So you see, it’s definitely not advisable to turn on or try to drive the car to a mechanic!
Oops, you’ve already started the car…
If you have turned the car on and continued on your merry way before the realisation of what you’ve just done has hit you, it’s important to pull over and stop the car immediately – whenever it is safe to do so, of course! Newcastle Roadside Assistance can come to you so don’t search for the nearest mechanic and continue driving, the longer your engine is running, the more damage you’ll do. Call us on 0477 004 159.
What to do if you’ve put Diesel in a Petrol car
Again, putting diesel in a petrol car is a common mistake and can happen to anyone. The first thing you need to know is DON’T START THE CAR!
Secondly, again, try not to panic!
Here’s what to do in this scenario:
- Stay there at the pump. If you need to move it, get someone to help you push it. Just don’t start it up.
- The fuel needs to be properly drained from your car so call NRSA on 0477 004 159 and we’ll come to you.
Here’s Why:
The diesel-in-a-petrol-vehicle scenario is the lesser ordeal of the two and the damage that can occur is usually less severe than adding petrol to a diesel engine. Still, putting the wrong fuel into your car can cause serious damage so it’s important that you act quickly to limit any damage occurring. If the engine is started the diesel fuel will coat the spark plugs and the fuel system.
If you’ve realised your mistake before moving on from the bowser, it’s vitally important that you don’t start the engine so as to not start circulating the diesel around your engine. Unless the amount of diesel in your tank is very small, you will most likely need the fuel drained from your vehicle before driving it again. If you’re unsure as to how small an amount is small enough, it’s important not to chance it and just hope for the best. Give Newcastle Roadside Assistance a call on 0477 004 159 and we’ll offer our professional advice.
Oops, you’ve already started the car…
If you have turned the car on and continued on your merry way before the realisation of your mistake hits you, it’s important to pull over and stop the car immediately or whenever it is safe to do so. Perhaps you’re not entirely sure if you have put the wrong fuel in or not… If you’re unsure of if you’ve mistakenly filled up with diesel, you can quickly confirm the type of fuel in your tank by checking your tax receipt.
Typical signs of the wrong fuel being pumped into your vehicle:
- The car is misfiring
- The engine is smoking
- The engine suddenly cuts out or fails to start at all.
Newcastle Roadside Assistance can come to you so don’t search for the nearest mechanic and continue driving, the longer your engine is running the more damage it can cause. Call us on 0477 004 159.
