What are the effects of putting the wrong fuel in a car?
3 Answers
"There are many situations where a rear wheel sensor fails. If the wheel speed sensor malfunctions, it can affect the car's ABS braking performance or cause the ABS to stop working. At the same time, the dashboard will display a fault warning light. Although it does not affect the car's original mechanical braking system, it does impact the ABS system. It is recommended to promptly inspect and repair or replace the sensor. Damage to the wheel speed sensor not only causes a certain deviation in the speed displayed on the car's dashboard but also leads to unstable engine idling and reduced acceleration performance. Additionally, during the process of starting the vehicle or decelerating to a stop while driving, there is a high likelihood of experiencing momentary pauses or even the engine stalling directly, which to some extent directly affects driving safety."
Putting the wrong fuel in your car is a big deal, and I often encounter this issue when repairing vehicles. If a gasoline car is filled with diesel, the problem becomes even more serious. Diesel is thicker and can clog the fuel injectors, leading to engine knocking, black smoke, and in severe cases, the engine may stall on the spot. Conversely, if a diesel car is filled with gasoline, the gasoline is too thin, causing unstable engine operation or even explosive damage. Over time, the catalytic converter may also fail, leading to costly and labor-intensive repairs. If I encounter this situation, I would definitely stop the car immediately and avoid starting it, then call a tow truck to take it to a professional shop for a thorough cleaning of the fuel tank and fuel system to prevent a minor issue from turning into a major repair. Always double-check the fuel grade before refueling to avoid regrets later.
Once I accidentally put the wrong fuel in my car, which was really unlucky. I was supposed to fill up with 92-octane gasoline, but in a hurry, I grabbed the diesel nozzle. The car stalled just a few steps after starting, with the engine making clunking noises and smoking. That day, I was in a rush to get to work, and calling a tow truck cost me several hundred dollars. The mechanic said the entire fuel tank needed cleaning, and the fuel injectors had to be replaced, costing me over a thousand bucks in the end. It was a hard lesson learned—now I double-check the fuel grade every time I refuel. Using the wrong fuel can range from the car not running properly to complete engine failure, with repairs taking days and completely disrupting your routine. What might seem like a small mistake can have big consequences, costing you money, effort, and a lot of hassle.
