If you mistakenly put the incorrect fuel type in your vehicle, it can cause major harm to the car, and you could end up paying for expensive repairs. What signs must you look for to see if the fuel you put in is the wrong kind?
Before the best fuel tank specialists discuss the signs that you have put the wrong type of fuel, let’s first ask this pressing question:
How Can You Misfuel in the First Place?
Misfuelling may be more common than you think. According to a German automobile club, there are an estimated 20,000 misfuelling cases annually. Even the famously organised Germans are not immune to this mistake, so it’s safe to say that other nations are likely just as prone to misfuelling. Therefore, all drivers need to take extra precautions and ensure they don’t put the wrong fuel in their vehicles.
If you own multiple vehicles with different fuel types, it is important to pay attention and be mindful when fueling them. Driving both a petrol and a diesel car can be confusing, especially when you are in a hurry. Fuel stations often have different names for their fuel types, making it difficult to distinguish between them. Additionally, many people have experienced mistakenly filling up rental cars with the wrong fuel. To avoid misfueling, it is crucial to take the time to check which type of fuel you are purchasing.
Signs That You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car
Putting the wrong kind of fuel in your vehicle can cause damage to your engine and can be expensive to repair. Here are some signs you may have put the wrong fuel in your vehicle.
- Unusual Sounds: If you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car, you may hear unusual sounds from the engine. This may include knocking, sputtering, or even a loud bang. This is due to the wrong fuel not combusting correctly in the engine, and can cause severe damage.
- Engine Warning Light: Your car’s dashboard will likely have a warning light to indicate a problem with the engine. This light may come on if you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car.
- Difficulty Starting: If you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car, it may be harder to start than normal. This is because the wrong fuel isn’t combusting properly in the engine, which can cause the engine to struggle to get going.
- Poor Performance: If you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car, you may notice a decrease in performance. This could include a reduction in acceleration or a decrease in power.
What to Do If You’ve Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Tank
If you have accidentally put the wrong type of fuel in your car, you know how frustrating and embarrassing it can be.
But don’t panic. Here’s what to do if you’ve put the wrong fuel in your tank:
- Don’t start the engine. If you’ve accidentally put diesel fuel in a gasoline-powered car, or vice versa, don’t start the engine. Doing so could cause severe damage to your vehicle’s engine.
- Call a tow truck. If you’re stranded on the side of the road, call a tow truck to take you to the nearest mechanic. Make sure they know you’ve put the wrong fuel in your tank before they arrive.
- Get your tank drained. Once you’ve arrived at the mechanic, they’ll need to drain the tank and flush the fuel lines. This will remove any contaminated fuel left in your tank and fuel lines.
- Change the fuel filter. After the tank has been drained, the mechanic will need to replace the fuel filter. This will ensure that any contaminated fuel or debris is removed from the fuel system.
- Have your car inspected. After the tank is drained and the fuel filter is replaced, the mechanic will need to examine your car for any additional damage. This could include checking for any bent fuel injectors, fuel lines, or other parts that may have been damaged.
Conclusion
Putting the wrong fuel in the petrol tank should be avoided. This is because it can cause severe mechanical damage to the engine and fuel system that could be expensive to repair. Furthermore, it can cause the vehicle to become inoperable, thus resulting in a costly tow to the repair shop. Moreover, it can also harm the environment due to the release of harmful chemicals. Therefore, it is important to always check the fuel type before filling up the vehicle. In case of a mistake, the vehicle should be taken to the best fuel tank experts as soon as possible.
Fuel Fixer is the best fuel tank specialists in the UK that can help you if you have accidentally put the wrong fuel in your vehicle Contact us and we’ll be there to fix the issue for you in no time at all!