What to Do If You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car?
3 Answers
If you put the wrong fuel in your car, here are the solutions: 1. Remember not to start the engine to avoid the wrong fuel entering the fuel system; 2. Have the car towed to a 4S shop or repair shop to drain the wrong fuel completely, then add the correct fuel. Gasoline is a volatile, flammable hydrocarbon mixture liquid derived from the fractional distillation, cracking, or pyrolysis of petroleum, primarily used as fuel for spark-ignited internal combustion engines. It mainly consists of organic compounds obtained from crude oil distillation and various additives. Car owners can measure the anti-knock properties of a specific gasoline mixture (which can cause knocking and reduce the efficiency of reciprocating engines) through the octane rating of the gasoline.
That day, I drove to the gas station in a hurry and accidentally filled my gasoline car with diesel. My heart was in my throat. I quickly calmed down and remembered that I must not start the engine, because once ignited, the mixture of diesel and gasoline would immediately damage the engine, with repair costs easily running into tens of thousands. I immediately turned off the engine, locked the car, and called for a tow truck to take it to a professional repair shop. The technician used equipment to drain the fuel tank, thoroughly cleaned the fuel supply system, and checked the fuel injectors and pipelines to ensure no residue remained. The whole process took about a day and cost over 800 yuan, but I was relieved to have avoided greater losses. Now, I’ve made it a habit to double-check the fuel pump labels and the fuel cap reminders inside the car before refueling, and to rest well before long trips to prevent fatigue driving. Sharing this experience in hopes that if anyone makes a similar mistake, they prioritize safety over attempting a DIY fix and immediately seek professional help.
If you accidentally fill up with the wrong fuel, such as putting diesel in a gasoline car, the first rule is not to start the engine to avoid internal damage. Park in a safe place, turn off the engine, activate the hazard lights, and contact roadside assistance or a dealership to arrange for a tow truck. The wrong fuel can clog fuel lines or cause engine knocking, requiring professionals to drain the incorrect fuel and thoroughly clean the entire fuel system, including the tank and injectors. Always double-check when refueling: verify the pump label matches the fuel type recommended in your vehicle's manual to avoid confusion. Using the wrong fuel can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards, but prompt action can minimize the impact. Remember, safety comes first—don't skimp on towing fees.
