The Impact of Using the Wrong Fuel in a Car
3 Answers
If a car uses the wrong fuel for a long time, it can cause damage to the engine. Here are the hazards of using the wrong fuel: 1. Using lower octane fuel instead of higher octane fuel: In this case, the car may experience insufficient power and higher fuel consumption. However, the owner does not need to worry too much, as long as it is not a long-term practice, it will not cause significant damage. 2. Adding diesel to a gasoline car If diesel is accidentally added to a gasoline car, the vehicle usually cannot start. Since diesel has a lower ignition point, gasoline ignites through spark, while diesel ignites through compression. The ignition system will directly ignite the diesel, leading to knocking and engine damage.
Oh, I've seen many cases of misfueling. If a gasoline car accidentally gets filled with diesel, the vehicle will emit black smoke after starting, and the engine will knock loudly like a drum. This happens because diesel has a higher ignition point, leading to incomplete combustion, which causes carbon buildup and clogs the fuel injectors. If a diesel car is mistakenly filled with gasoline, the lower flashpoint of gasoline can cause knocking or even fire, and prolonged use can damage the piston rings. The key is not to start the engine once you realize the mistake—call a tow truck immediately to take the car to a repair shop for a fuel tank and fuel line cleaning. This can cost several hundred dollars and waste a lot of time. So, never get distracted while refueling—always double-check the fuel pump label. Developing this habit can save you a lot of trouble. The difference between gasoline and diesel isn't just the price; their compositions are fundamentally different. Gasoline is more volatile and better suited for spark-ignition systems, while diesel self-ignites under compression—their structural differences are significant.
Last month, my buddy accidentally filled his diesel car with 95-octane gasoline. The engine immediately stalled and emitted white smoke like it was foaming at the mouth. After quickly shutting it off, he had it towed for repairs. The mechanic said gasoline can corrode the seals in diesel systems and even damage the fuel injection pump. This kind of rookie mistake often happens to new drivers or those in a hurry. Repair costs can range from thousands to tens of thousands, depending on the extent of the damage—replacing fuel injectors alone can be pricey. It's a good habit to check the fuel gauge before driving and confirm the label and vehicle manual when refueling. Don’t rely solely on color to distinguish fuels, as fuel nozzle designs vary widely between brands. Prevention is better than cure; developing a double-check habit can save your car’s life.
