What to Do If You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car?
3 Answers
Here are the solutions for adding the wrong fuel: 1. High-grade car filled with low-grade fuel: If a high-grade gasoline car is filled with low-grade gasoline, it is recommended that the owner drain the wrong fuel or purchase relevant fuel additives to improve fuel quality and reduce the damage of low-grade fuel to the engine. 2. Low-grade car filled with high-grade fuel: If a low-grade gasoline car is filled with high-grade gasoline, there is no problem, just remember not to make the same mistake next time when refueling. 3. Diesel and gasoline mixed: If a gasoline car is filled with diesel or a diesel car is filled with gasoline, contact a car repair shop as soon as possible to clean the fuel tank and fuel system, and conduct a comprehensive inspection of the engine.
I've dealt with misfueling quite a few times before. The main issue is mixing gasoline and diesel, which can have serious consequences like clogging fuel injectors or damaging the engine. The first step is absolutely not to start the car, as that would make the problem worse. You need to immediately push the vehicle to a safe location or call a tow truck to take it to a repair shop. Professionals will use an oil extraction pump to empty the fuel tank and check the fuel system for any residue. The whole process takes some time and money, roughly a few hundred to a thousand yuan, but it's much cheaper than engine repairs. I recommend drivers confirm the fuel pump color before refueling to avoid similar issues. If still unsure, bring the owner's manual for reference next time. Experience tells me prevention is always simpler than cure.
I personally experienced misfueling once. There was a time at the gas station when I absentmindedly pumped diesel instead of gasoline. The moment I started driving, I knew something was wrong—the car was shaking violently. I immediately turned off the engine and pulled over. Then, I contacted a nearby repair shop, and they sent a mechanic to inspect it. They said the tank needed to be drained and cleaned. The whole process took about two hours and cost over 500 yuan. This taught me to stay focused and avoid distractions when refueling. Now, I make it a habit to double-check the labels to ensure I'm using the correct fuel type. Such mistakes can happen to anyone who drives frequently—the key is to address it promptly to avoid higher repair costs later.