can putting the wrong gas in your car

[AdalineLynn]

Putting the wrong fuel in your car can cause significant and expensive damage, but the severity depends entirely on the type of mistake. The most common and serious error is putting diesel fuel in a gasoline-powered car. This can clog the fuel system and potentially destroy the engine if started. The reverse—putting gasoline in a diesel engine—is also very harmful, as gasoline acts as a solvent, damaging diesel fuel pumps and injectors that rely on diesel for lubrication. A less severe but still problematic mistake is using a lower octane rating than your manufacturer recommends for a high-performance engine, which can lead to engine knocking.

What to Do Immediately:

• Do NOT start the engine. This is the most critical step. If the engine hasn't been started, the wrong fuel is still contained in the fuel tank. Starting the car will circulate the incorrect fuel throughout the entire system.
• If you've already started the car, turn it off immediately. The less it runs, the less damage occurs.
• Put the car in neutral and have it pushed to a safe location if possible.
• Call for a professional tow truck to take the vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Do not drive it.

The repair process involves completely draining and flushing the entire fuel system, which includes the tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, and injectors. The cost can range from a few hundred dollars for a simple drain-and-flush if the engine wasn't started, to several thousand dollars if critical components like the fuel pump or injectors need replacement.

Scenario	Potential Damage	Approximate Repair Cost (if caught early)	Key Action
Diesel in Gasoline Car	Clogged fuel filter/injectors, fuel pump failure	$500 - $2,000+	Do not start engine
Gasoline in Diesel Car	Destruction of high-pressure fuel pump, injectors	$4,000 - $10,000+	Do not start engine
Regular (87) in a Car Requiring Premium (91+)	Engine knocking, potential long-term piston damage	$0 - $150 (for fuel system cleaner/next tank of premium)	Top off with premium immediately
E85 in a Non-FlexFuel Car	Damage to fuel lines, seals, injectors	$400 - $1,500+	Do not start engine

[DiBraxton]

Honestly, it's a nightmare. I did it once, putting diesel in my regular sedan. The key is to not panic and, whatever you do, don't turn the key. Not even a little. I had to call a tow truck straight to the gas station. The mechanic had to drain the whole tank and clean the lines. It wasn't cheap, but it was way cheaper than if I'd tried to drive it home. Just accept the mistake and get it towed.