Can gas stations dispense the wrong fuel?

[VonAdalynn]

It's possible, though the probability is relatively small. There is no fixed compensation standard for gas stations dispensing the wrong fuel. Compensation can be sought through mutual negotiation between both parties. If negotiation fails, one can file a lawsuit or call the 12315 consumer hotline of the Administration for Industry and Commerce to lodge a complaint. Relevant information is introduced as follows: According to regulations, the injured party can claim damages: Infringement of property rights that causes damage to the injured party entitles them to claim compensation. Consumers have the right to obtain compensation in accordance with the law: Consumers who suffer personal or property damage due to purchasing, using goods, or receiving services have the right to obtain compensation in accordance with the law.

[VonMason]

I've had the experience where putting the wrong fuel in at a gas station does happen, mainly due to human error. That time, I went to a self-service gas station to refuel. My car runs on gasoline, but I didn’t check the screen clearly and mistakenly pressed the button for diesel. As a result, the engine started shaking and stalled within less than a kilometer. When it was towed for repairs, the technician said mixing the wrong fuel could contaminate the fuel lines and injectors. The cleaning cost over two thousand yuan, and it also delayed my trip. Later, when I communicated with the gas station, they said employees might also make mistakes when busy, such as pulling the wrong nozzle or mislabeling. They suggested always confirming the nozzle color and label before refueling: diesel is usually marked with green, while gasoline is black or labeled with numbers like 92 or 95. Developing this habit can significantly reduce the risk. Additionally, extra caution is needed with new cars, as different engines have varying sensitivities to fuel. Always keep the receipt after refueling just in case. The consequences of using the wrong fuel are severe—do not start the vehicle and seek professional help immediately.

[DelBrayden]

In daily operations, misfueling incidents are actually rare but possible, mostly occurring during peak hours or when staff are fatigued. Common scenarios include customers selecting the wrong fuel type themselves, attendants misoperating the fuel nozzle, or worn-out labels causing misidentification. From my observation, prevention requires double-checking: verify the recommended fuel type on the fuel cap before refueling, and attendants should verbally confirm. Many modern gas stations have automatic identification systems, but these shouldn't be fully relied upon. If misfueling occurs, don't start the engine - immediate tank drainage can minimize damage. Regarding liability, gas stations should cover repair costs if it's their fault; personal mistakes are self-responsible. I recommend staying focused during refueling - avoid phone use and carefully check nozzle labels.

[JaxonDella]

Using the wrong fuel can cause significant harm. For example, adding diesel to a gasoline car can lead to poor combustion, engine blockage, or even permanent damage. Repairs typically require cleaning the entire fuel system, with costs ranging from thousands to tens of thousands. Conversely, adding gasoline to a diesel car also causes issues, such as component wear due to insufficient lubrication. The key issue is the significant difference in fuel viscosity; mixing them prevents proper operation. Prevention involves checking labels and confirming compatibility before refueling.

[BenjaminRose]

To prevent misfueling, I recommend developing a few simple habits: distinguish fuel types yourself, such as labeling gasoline as 'petrol 95' and diesel as 'diesel'; pay attention to whether the fuel pump labels are clear when refueling; new car fuel tank caps often have recommended fuel stickers; communicate clearly with staff; and keep receipts after refueling for verification. These small things can save you from big troubles. If you unfortunately misfuel, do not start the engine, call a tow truck to take the car to a professional shop. Safety first, avoid accidents.