Mistakenly Filled Your Car with Diesel Fuel? Here’s What to Do.
Imagine this scenario: you pull up to the gas station, preoccupied with the day’s tasks, and grab the fuel pump. Without thinking, you fill your gasoline-powered car with diesel fuel. Panic sets in as you realize the mistake. What now? First things first, do not start your car. Doing so could lead to serious damage to your vehicle’s fuel line and engine system.
If you’ve accidentally pumped diesel into your gasoline car, the best course of action is to have your vehicle towed to a garage immediately. Attempting to drive it, even for a short distance, can exacerbate the issue. Diesel fuel is thicker than gasoline and has different properties. If it enters your fuel line and engine, it can cause a range of problems, from difficulty starting the engine to potential damage to sensitive components.
At the garage, the technicians will likely drain the fuel tank. This process involves removing all the contaminated fuel from your car’s system. Depending on how much diesel was added, they may also need to flush the fuel lines and replace the fuel filter. While this may seem like an inconvenience, it’s far preferable to the alternative. Driving a car filled with diesel in a gasoline engine can lead to a host of complications, including costly repairs and potentially dangerous situations on the road.
(Response: If you mistakenly put diesel fuel in your car, the key is to act quickly and have your vehicle towed to a garage. Avoid starting the engine, as this can worsen the problem. Garage technicians will drain the tank, flush the fuel lines, and replace the filter as needed. Taking these steps promptly can save you from more extensive and expensive repairs down the line.)