Having fuel in the wrong tank can be a costly and inconvenient mistake. Whether you accidentally put petrol in a diesel tank or vice versa, it’s essential to know what steps to take as soon as possible. 

If you unintentionally put the wrong fuel in your automobile, continue reading to understand the warning signals.

Signs You Have The Wrong Fuel in Your Tank

1. Decreased Engine Performance

Improperly filling the fuel tank with the wrong gasoline or diesel can lead to decreased power output and reduced fuel efficiency.

If too high of an octane rating is used, the fuel will not appropriately combust within the engine, resulting in lower levels of power. On the other hand, if too low of an octane rating is used, the fuel can knock or ping as it combusts, which can drastically reduce engine performance. 

Additionally, incorrect diesel fuel can also cause a decrease in engine performance if it does not meet the manufacturer’s requirements for cetane rating and sulfur content.

2. Increased Exhaust Smoke

This is because petrol and diesel are incompatible and will react when mixed, causing the engine to run poorly. Depending on the severity of the contamination, the issue can range from minor to catastrophic. 

If you accidentally put diesel in a petrol vehicle or vice versa, your car may produce plumes of black or grey smoke from its exhaust pipe. This indicates a problem with your fuel mixture, as diesel cars are designed to burn diesel fuel only, and petrol cars run on petrol only.

3. Car Won’t Start

If you have recently filled up at a gas station and your car isn’t starting, chances are you got the wrong fuel. Diesel fuels are often a different colour than gasoline and may be easier to identify when mixed, but most stations today have separate pumps for each fuel.

What To Do When You Have the Wrong Fuel in Your Tank

Stop Driving 

Stop driving immediately after you have put the wrong fuel in your tank. Doing this will help minimise damage to your vehicle before it gets too severe.

Do not Start Your Engine

If you have already started your engine and noticed the mistake, it is essential to turn off the engine as soon as possible and leave it off until the situation has been resolved.

Call for Help

If you are still trying to figure out how to resolve the issue, call for help instead of trying to fix it yourself. Many professional services specialise in draining and refilling tanks containing the wrong fuel type. They will be able to assess your situation and provide advice on what to do next.

Drain & Refill The Tank

Once the wrong fuel has been drained from your tank, you can then fill your tank with the correct type of fuel. Be sure to check the owner’s manual for the exact type of fuel that needs to be used, as not all vehicles require the same kind of fuel. 

Conclusion

The wrong fuel in your tank can be a severe problem if addressed after a while. Still, thankfully most of the negative consequences can be avoided by taking some simple precautions. Make sure you read the filler cap labels on the side of your car for confirmation that you are filling up with the correct fuel, and always keep your receipts so you can review your last fill-up as an added safeguard. 

If you’ve accidentally filled your tank with the wrong fuel and need to drain the fuel tank, Petron Diesel UK is here to help you! We have been draining fuel for over 12 years and have been in the automotive industry for 20 years. Contact us immediately!

Misfuelling your car can be an expensive mistake, and it is something that many drivers worry about when filling up at the gas station. Misfuelling is the act of putting the wrong type of fuel in your car – for example, putting diesel in a petrol engine. This can cause problems for the engine and cost you a lot of money. In this article, we will explore the cost of misfuelling your car and how to avoid it.

What Happens? 

When it comes to misfuelling your car, the cost can vary depending on the severity of the mistake. If you catch the mistake quickly enough, then the cost may be relatively low. You may just need to have the fuel line flushed and the incorrect fuel removed from the tank. However, if the wrong fuel has already been used in the engine, then the cost can be much higher. In this case, the engine may need to be rebuilt or replaced, which can cost thousands of dollars.

In addition to the cost of repairing the damage done to the engine, there are other costs associated with misfuelling your car. The fuel itself can be expensive, as you may need to purchase a new tank of the right fuel to replace the incorrect fuel. There may also be additional labour costs involved in the repair process.

Finally, it is important to consider the cost of the time and hassle that comes with misfuelling your car. Even if you can get the car repaired quickly, there may still be delays and inconveniences that can be costly in terms of lost time and productivity.

Overall, misfuelling your car can be a costly mistake. It is important to take steps to avoid misfuelling your car.

Car Symptoms to Look Out for

If you think you may have misfuelled your car, there are certain symptoms you should look out for. These include:

1 – Unusual Noises

If you hear a clunking or knocking noise, this could be a sign that your car is misfuelled. This noise is usually caused by the wrong fuel entering the engine, which can cause damage to the pistons and other components.

2 – Poor Performance

If your car is misfuelled, you may notice a decrease in performance. This could be in the form of a decrease in power, acceleration, and fuel economy.

3 – Engine Warning Lights

If you see any warning lights on your dashboard, this could be a sign that your car got loaded with the wrong fuel.

4 – Check Engine Light

If you see a check engine light on your dashboard, this could be a sign of misfuelling. It is important to get your car checked out as soon as possible to avoid any further damage.

5 – Fuel Smell

If you smell fuel, this could be a sign that you have misfuelled. This is due to the wrong fuel entering the engine, which can cause damage to the pistons and other components.

Preventing Misfuelling

The best way to prevent misfuelling your car is to double-check the fuel type before filling up. Make sure to write down the fuel type in your car’s manual or on a sticker in the fuel tank, so you don’t forget. Additionally, you can use a fuel-type indicator to make sure you are putting the right fuel in your car.

It is also important to be aware of the different types of fuel available. Make sure you know the difference between petrol and diesel, as well as any other fuel types available in your area.

Finally, if you think you have misfuelled your car, it is important to get it checked out as soon as you can.

Conclusion

Misfuelling your car is a very costly mistake and can lead to very expensive repair bills. It is important to always double-check that you are using the right fuel for your vehicle, as the damage caused by misfuelling can be severe and long-lasting. If you do make the mistake of misfuelling your car, it is important to contact a professional mechanic as soon as possible to minimise the damage and costs involved. Prevention is key when it comes to misfuelling and it is always best to be safe than sorry.

If you need fuel draining services, come to Petrol in Diesel UK. We have been fuel draining for over 12 years and we have been in the motoring trade for 20 years.

Putting the wrong fuel in your car can be an incredibly stressful and inconvenient situation. Unfortunately, this is a common mistake that can be easily avoided. If you do end up putting the wrong fuel in your car, there are several important steps that you should take immediately to minimise the damage and ensure the safety of your vehicle. This article will provide a guideline on what to do immediately after putting the wrong fuel in your car. 

1. Don’t Panic

As soon as you realise you’ve made a huge mistake by putting the wrong fuel in your car, the urge to panic will usually kick in. Take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse and further compound the issue.

2. Turn Off Your Engine

Once you have taken a few deep breaths and calmed down, it is vital that you stop your car’s engine immediately. Continuing to drive your car with the wrong fuel in it can cause serious damage to your engine and other components.

3. Call for Help

If you are unable to move your car or it is unsafe to drive, you should call for professional help. A tow truck or mobile fuel draining service can be called to help you with the situation. It is important to ensure that the tow truck or mobile fuel draining service you use is reputable and experienced in dealing with this type of situation.

4. Try to Remember How Much Wrong Fuel You’ve Put In

Take a few moments to try to remember how much wrong fuel you have put in your car. If you remember exactly how much, this can help the professionals you speak to in the next steps and can help them assess the situation more accurately.

5. Don’t Even Attempt to Start Your Car

Under no circumstances should you attempt to start your car after it has been filled with the wrong fuel. Even if you need to pull over to the side of the road, do not turn the key. Starting the car can cause extensive damage to the engine and other components, resulting in costly repairs or even a complete engine rebuild.

6. Clean Up the Spill

If you have spilt fuel, it is essential to clean it up as soon as possible. Fuel can be a fire hazard and can also cause environmental damage if left unchecked. You should use absorbent materials, such as kitty litter, to soak up the fuel and then dispose of the absorbent materials in the correct manner.

7. Contact Your Insurance Company

If you are insured, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They may be able to provide you with assistance in dealing with the situation and may even cover the cost of repairs or towing.

8. Have Your Car Inspected

After the wrong fuel has been drained from your car, it is advisable to have your car inspected by a professional mechanic. This will help to ensure that any damage caused by the wrong fuel has been identified and repaired.

Conclusion

It’s important to take certain steps immediately after putting the wrong fuel in your car. Make sure to never drive the car until all the wrong fuel has been completely removed and you have received the go-ahead from the mechanic. Taking these steps can help protect your car and ensure that it is running correctly.

Stuck in the middle of nowhere and need help with wrong fuel removal? Petrol in Diesel UK is the one to call. We provide mobile fuel draining in the UK, wherever you are. Our team of experienced technicians is always available to help with all kinds of wrong fuel problems. Whenever you need fuel assist in the UK, give us a call, and we’ll get your car back on the road quickly and safely.

Having the right fuel for your car is an essential factor in ensuring that it runs smoothly and efficiently. With the proper fuel, you can get the best performance out of your vehicle while reducing fuel costs, emissions, and maintenance prices.

Before deciding on the right fuel for your car, it is crucial to research and ask the experts. An automotive technician can help you determine the best fuel for your vehicle and advise you on how to maintain it. Additionally, many online resources are available to help you make an informed decision.

If you accidentally put the incorrect fuel in your car, here’s a quick guide to what you should do.

E85 in a Gas Car

E85 fuel is a blend of gasoline and ethanol available at some gas stations. It is specifically designed for cars that are labelled as flex-fuel, which means they are able to switch between regular gasoline and this blend. If you use this blend in a vehicle that is not flex-fuel, you may experience some problems.

If you accidentally put E85 fuel in your vehicle, the check engine light will likely come on. However, you can still drive your car as long as you fill the rest of the tank with regular gasoline. This will not cause any long-term issues.

Diesel in a Gas Car

If you mistakenly fill your car with diesel fuel rather than gasoline, stop driving the vehicle immediately. Pull over, turn off the engine and avoid further damage. While diesel fuel can fit into the gas tank, regular gas engines won’t be able to combust the diesel, so the vehicle will eventually stop running.

The most effective way to clear fuel residue from your vehicle is to have a skilled technician at our Honda service centre near Roslyn drain the tank, fuel lines, fuel rails and injectors. Doing this yourself can be tricky, so it’s best to leave it in the hands of a professional.

Gas in a Diesel Car

This mistake is incredibly hazardous to your car. Diesel serves as both a fuel and a lubricant. Pouring regular gas into a diesel engine will damage the fuel injector pump. Additionally, the combustion properties of diesel and regular gas are different, which can cause knocking and misfires. This requires costly parts repairs, replacements, and engine rebuilds.

Regular Fuel in a Premium Fuel Car 

Using fuel with a lower octane rating than what is recommended for your vehicle can cause significant damage to the engine. You may hear a high-pitched noise or rattling sound, which is caused by the spark knocking. The engine computer can adjust the timing to reduce the amount of damage, but you may experience lower fuel economy and reduced performance.

Conclusion

The right fuel for your car is important and should be taken seriously. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you may need to use the fuel type specifically recommended by the manufacturer. If you are unsure of the type of fuel that your car needs, it is best to check with a qualified mechanic or your car manual. Using the wrong fuel can damage your car’s engine and cause costly repairs. Ultimately, the right fuel for your vehicle can help ensure you get the best performance and fuel economy out of your vehicle.

Do you need misfuel assistance? Turn to Petrol in Diesel UK. We are a market leading fuel draining company with service units all over the UK. We have been fuel draining for over 12 years, and we have been in the motoring trade for 20 years. Call us!

It’s shockingly simple to accidentally fill your car up with the wrong fuel. There’s always the risk of picking up the wrong pump at the gas station if you’re too weary or preoccupied to pay attention.

And if there’s a gas shortage, you could be tempted to use whatever is on hand to fuel your vehicle. Surely some fuel is preferable to none at all, right? Wrong!

Making the mistake of filling your car with the wrong fuel can be disastrous and expensive.

What happens if you happen to make this same crucial mistake? That’s what we’ll be discussing in this article.

What Actually Happens If You Fill Your Car with the Wrong Fuel?

You can’t put diesel in a gasoline engine and vice versa.  If you put diesel in a gas car, you won’t travel very far. As soon as the gas in your tank is gone, your car will stop running. The gasoline engine will not ignite diesel fuel in your tank. As a result, you’ll come to a stop and be unable to restart your vehicle.

You’re asking for trouble if you put gasoline in a diesel car. Diesel is less flammable than gasoline. So, using gasoline in a diesel engine will cause the engine to overheat and explode. The exhaust will most likely produce black smoke. The longer you drive on petrol, the more damage you’ll do to your vehicle because petrol is more corrosive than diesel.

What Is the Right Approach If You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car?

It all depends on how early you were able to realise your error. Stop pumping if you accidentally add the wrong fuel while topping up.

Don’t even try to get the automobile going. Misfuelling is an expensive mistake in general, but attempting to drive with the incorrect fuel in the tank is quite dangerous.

Tell a staff member if you’re still at the gas station. They may arrange a professional tank drain service.

If you’re already on the road and have yet to stop for gas, pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so and only get back in the car once you’ve figured out what’s wrong.

If you have breakdown help, dial their number. In any other case, you can contact a misfuelling specialist for assistance. Among other things, they will empty your tank and engine, flush your gasoline lines, and fix any other problems that may exist.

It will cost you money to resolve this issue. Having a gasoline tank drained might cost as low as £200. However, the charges can be far larger if you have tried to drive your car with the incorrect fuel.

You might even have to buy a whole new engine if things get bad enough. However, you wouldn’t need to worry about this unless you’ve actually tried to drive your automobile with improper fuel.

Remember to Never Fill Your Car with the Wrong Fuel

As we’ve mentioned, using the incorrect fuel in an automobile is a disastrous mistake. You might destroy the engine beyond repair. But you may still have to pay several hundred pounds to empty your tank if you realise your error before starting the vehicle.

It goes without saying that you should never, ever, even in an “emergency,” be persuaded to use the wrong kind of fuel.

After hearing reports of a fuel crisis or scarcity, you may decide to fill up your tank with whatever is still on the shelves since you’ll never be sure when you’ll be able to refuel again. However, this would be a costly decision. Cars that take gasoline should only be refuelled with gasoline, while those that take diesel should only be refuelled with diesel, even in an emergency.

Conclusion

It is very important to take the right approach after filling your car with the wrong fuel. The first thing you should do is turn off the engine and do not try to start it again. Then, you should call a tow truck or the police. Once the car is towed, you should take it to a mechanic to have the fuel drained, and the system cleaned.

Take note of all our pointers above, and you will never have to worry about any costly repairs on your fuel-filled vehicle in the foreseeable future.

If you are looking for a company that offers gas tank draining services in the UK, look no further than our expertise here at Petrol in Diesel UK. We are a market leading fuel draining company with service units all over the UK. Visit our nearest branch today and let us drain your car of its wrong fuel or diesel in no time.