The incorrect fuel in your car can seem like a nightmare, yet it happens more frequently than you might realise. It could be a hectic morning, a rental vehicle or a lapse in concentration; whichever the case, misfuelling occurs to thousands of Australians annually. Whether you have accidentally added petrol in a diesel car, by reacting fast and properly, you can save much time, stress and expensive repairs.
These five tips will help you take the situation under control and reduce the long-term effects.
1. Don’t Start the Engine
And the main point you have to keep in mind is: do not start your car. In case you notice the mistake as you are still at the pump, turn off the engine and do not switch on the ignition. When you start the engine, the petrol will flow around your diesel system, which will lead to a high probability of causing major damage to some parts such as the fuel pumps, injectors and filters.
Diesel engines are dependent on lubricating oil. In comparison, petrol is a solvent that is likely to lessen the lubrication and lead to wear and tear of vital components. The less you dump the incorrect fuel, the higher your prospects of making a complete recovery.
2. Alert the Service Station and Move the Vehicle Safely
Warning: Staff at the petrol station, if any, should be informed. They can assist you in relocating your car to a safer area, and more so, when it is obstructing other people. Do not attempt to drive the car even when it appears okay initially. In case of need, pound it to a marked bay or request roadside assistance.
3. Call Professional Services
This is the moment to introduce the specialists. Mobile fuel recovery services are available throughout Australia that specifically deal with the draining of contaminated fuel from your vehicle. They will have to get to your place, drain the mixed fuel safely, clean out the system and recommend further action to be taken.
It is much cheaper and quicker than going to a dealership or trying to drain the fuel yourself, which should only be attempted by a trained mechanic with the necessary equipment.
4. Understand the Damage (and Prevent It in Future)
The questions that you may ask yourself are, what happens to your car when you put the wrong fuel in the tank? In short:
- When you have not started the car, the damage is normally not so much. The problem is frequently resolved by simply draining and flushing the tank.
- Driving the car will result in petrol flowing into the high-pressure diesel system, which can lead to serious damage to the injectors and fuel pump. This would result in costly repairs.
To avoid this error in future:
- Use fuel cap reminders/stickers.
- Before fuelling up, check the nozzle twice (petrol nozzles are usually smaller and can easily fit in diesel tanks).
- Be particularly careful in rental cars or cars that you are not used to.
5. Don’t Delay – Act Immediately
The time factor is essential. The more that petrol remains in your diesel system, the greater the chances that there will be corrosion and damage. It is a serious condition and should be treated as such, even when you have just added a few litres of liquid.
Do not turn on the vehicle later to check whether it is working. It is not worth taking the risk. It is always tempting to put off phoning a professional service until later, but in most cases, it can mean the difference between a simple repair and an expensive trip to the mechanic.
Final Thoughts
Adding petrol to a diesel vehicle is a simple error most motorists make- and it does not have to be a disaster. Remaining relaxed and using these handy tips will ensure that the effects are greatly minimised and that you are back on the road with the minimum of fuss.
It is always good to remember that in case of any doubts, it is always good to call a professional fuel recovery services company to come and fix the mess safely and soundly. Some simple precautionary measures will cost you thousands of dollars and much heartache.