If you’ve ever put the wrong fuel in your car, you’re not alone. It’s a common mistake that can happen to anyone.
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about what happens when you put the wrong fuel in your car. We’re here to set the record straight.
Here are seven common myths about putting the wrong fuel in your vehicle:
1. MYTH: It’s No Big Deal
Putting the wrong fuel in your car is actually a very big deal. It can cause serious damage to your engine and other components, and it can be surprisingly expensive to fix. It can also void your vehicle’s warranty and leave you with a hefty repair bill. Even if your car starts up after you’ve put in the wrong fuel, you should still take it to a certified mechanic as soon as possible to get it checked out.
2. MYTH: It Will Just Damage the Engine
No, putting the wrong fuel in your car can cause more than just engine damage. It can also damage other components, such as fuel lines, fuel pumps, and fuel injectors. It can also cause damage to the catalytic converter, spark plugs, and other electrical components. In some cases, it can even cause the fuel tank to rust and corrode, leading to expensive replacements.
3. MYTH: It’s Covered by Warranty
Wrong fuel in your car is usually not covered by warranty. Most warranties will not cover any damage caused by the wrong fuel, so you will have to foot the bill for any repairs and replacements. In some cases, the manufacturer may offer to cover the cost of fuel drain and engine flush, but you should still check your warranty before making any decisions.
4. MYTH: It’s Easy to Drain the Fuel Yourself
Draining the wrong fuel from your vehicle is not as easy as it may seem. It is a complex and potentially dangerous process that should only be undertaken by a qualified and experienced mechanic. If you attempt to do it yourself, you risk damaging your engine and other components, as well as potentially injuring yourself. It is best to leave it to the professionals and have them drain the fuel for you.
5. MYTH: Women Are More Prone to Making This Mistake
No gender is more prone to making the mistake of putting the wrong fuel in their vehicle than the other. In fact, men and women are equally likely to make this mistake. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that women are more likely to put the wrong fuel in their car than men. The only thing that is certain is that anyone can make this mistake, regardless of gender.
6. MYTH: Your Car Will Explode
Putting the wrong fuel in your car will not make it explode. While it is true that putting the wrong fuel in your vehicle can cause significant damage, it will not cause an explosion. The only way your car could explode is if a fuel leak caused a spark near the fuel tank, which is highly unlikely. It is important to have the wrong fuel removed from your vehicle as soon as possible, but it will not cause an explosion.
7. MYTH: It’s Not Worth the Hassle
Putting the wrong fuel in your vehicle can be a hassle, but it is worth it in the long run. The damage caused by the wrong fuel can be extensive, and it can be costly to repair. Additionally, it could even lead to a breakdown if the wrong fuel is not removed promptly. If you think you have put the wrong fuel in your vehicle, it is best to have it removed as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
8. MYTH: Petrol in my Diesel! Am I a Fool?
What’s the most common thing I hear when our unlucky customers call to ask for a fuel drain after having put petrol into their diesel, or diesel into their petrol? Almost one for one they tell me that they can’t believe that they’ve misfuelled and they are deeply embarrassed and annoyed.
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’ve done the same thing and are probably feeling the same way. Well, I thought I would share a little anecdote with you which might help to mitigate the pain and suffering you feel by making you realise that literally everyone is susceptible to misfuelling.
Who would you think is least likely to misfuel their vehicle? Surely it would be a fuel drain technician. Well, that’s exactly what one of our technicians did a few months ago. He’s probably going to hate me for putting this up on the website but I thought his misfortune might just help to ease the suffering of others.
Basically, he’d just completed a full fuel drain on a customer’s car at a petrol station in south London. He decided to top up before heading home and you can guess the rest. It’s quite a sight to see a Fuel Fixer Ford Transit’s fuel drain pumps cleaning out its own tank. What an advert for us!
So, if you’ve misfuelled your vehicle by putting petrol in your diesel or diesel in your petrol, give us a call. We really do understand that it can happen to anyone.
9. Myth: Misfuelling Causes Irreversible Damage to Your Vehicle
Contrary to popular belief, misfuelling does not always lead to irreparable engine damage. The extent of damage largely depends on the type of fuel used, the amount pumped into the tank, and whether or not the engine was started.
In petrol-in-diesel cases, the petrol acts as a solvent, reducing the lubrication required by diesel engines, potentially leading to increased wear and tear. In diesel-in-petrol cases, the higher viscosity and oily nature of diesel can clog up the fuel lines and spark plugs. However, the key to minimising these potential damages is prompt and professional intervention. By contacting a wrong fuel recovery specialist like Fuel Fixer immediately, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of lasting damage to their vehicle.
Fact: Prompt professional service can mitigate potential damages caused by misfuelling, saving you time, money, and stress.
10. Myth: You Can Drive Your Car with the Wrong Fuel to a Service Station
Attempting to drive your car to a service station after misfuelling can exacerbate any damage caused to your engine and fuel system. The moment the engine is started, the wrong fuel begins to circulate throughout your vehicle’s fuel system, increasing the risk of permanent damage. It is paramount to refrain from starting your vehicle or trying to drive to a service station for help.
Fact: To minimize the risk of further damage, contact a wrong fuel recovery service such as Fuel Fixer and await their arrival. Their mobile units are equipped to handle fuel-draining procedures on-site in a quick and efficient manner.
11. Myth: I Should Run My Car until the Incorrect Fuel Is Burnt Off
This myth is particularly hazardous, as driving your vehicle in the hopes of burning off the incorrect fuel can severely damage your engine and fuel system. Circulating the wrong fuel throughout your vehicle not only affects the components within your fuel system but can also impact critical engine parts such as the pistons and valves. Consequently, attempting to burn off the incorrect fuel can lead to costly repairs, potential engine failure, and even complete engine replacement.
Fact: The safest and most effective solution in the event of misfuelling is to promptly contact professional wrong fuel recovery specialists like Fuel Fixer to drain and clean your fuel system.
12. Myth: A DIY Wrong Fuel Recovery Is a Cost-Effective Solution
While some drivers may be tempted to attempt a DIY fuel recovery in an effort to save money, this approach is not recommended. Draining the fuel directly from the tank can be a complicated, messy, and even dangerous process without the right tools and knowledge. Furthermore, a DIY fuel recovery may not address the full extent of potential damages if fuel has already circulated into the engine or other components. Finally, attempting a DIY recovery poses environmental risks, as improper disposal of contaminated fuel can harm the environment.
Fact: Wrong fuel recovery specialists like Fuel Fixer possess the necessary expertise, equipment, and capabilities to efficiently drain and dispose of contaminated fuel, ensuring minimal potential damage to your vehicle and the environment.
Common Misconceptions About Wrong Fuel Recovery Services
As a vehicle owner, the last thing you want to encounter is misfuelling your car. Putting the wrong fuel in your car can be a stressful, time-consuming, and costly mistake. However, misfuelling is more common than you may think, with an estimated 150,000 motorists in the UK falling victim to this error each year. As such, it is crucial to be aware of the facts surrounding wrong fuel recovery services like Fuel Fixer to ensure your vehicle is protected and you can make informed decisions during these situations.
There are many myths surrounding what happens when you put the wrong fuel in your vehicle. However, as long as you take the necessary precautions, there is no need to worry. The most important thing is to make sure that you do not start the engine if you have put the wrong fuel in. If you do start the engine, it is important to get the vehicle to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible so that they can drain the fuel tank and flush the system.
Did you put petrol in a diesel car or vice versa? Fuel Fixer is at your service! Our local mobile unit is on call now to get you going. We usually arrive within 46 mins. Fuel Fixer are the leading wrong fuel specialists. Make yourself safe and call us – your car will be fixed while you wait.
