Putting diesel in a petrol car engine can be a costly and dangerous mistake. The consequences of this mistake can range from minor engine damage to complete engine failure. In addition, the car may become inoperable and need to be towed to a repair facility. The cost of the repairs and lost time can be significant and can easily exceed the cost of the fuel itself. Let’s discuss the risks and consequences of putting the wrong kind of fuel in your car.
Petrol vs. Diesel
Putting the wrong fuel in their vehicle is a mistake that many motorists make, and it can have serious consequences for your car. In order to understand why, it’s important to first understand the differences between diesel and gasoline.
The main difference between petrol and diesel fuel is the method of combustion. Petrol engines use spark plugs to ignite the fuel, whereas diesel engines use compression to ignite the fuel. This means that petrol engines require a spark to ignite the fuel, whereas diesel engines use compression to ignite the fuel, which is why petrol engines are more prone to damage when diesel fuel is used.
What Happens When You Put Diesel in a Petrol Car Engine?
When it comes to running a vehicle, there is a lot of confusion around the types of fuel that can be used. One of the most commonly asked questions is what happens when you put diesel in a petrol car engine. The answer is not simple, as the consequences depend on the type of engine, the amount of diesel added, and the length of time the diesel has been in the engine. Generally speaking, this is what happens when you commit the mistake of putting diesel in a perfectly good petrol car engine:
1. Engine Misfire
If the engine is started with diesel in the fuel tank, it will likely misfire or run erratically. This is because diesel is thicker than petrol and can clog up the fuel injectors, preventing the petrol from entering the combustion chamber. This can cause the engine to misfire or run rough. An engine misfire means the diesel wasn’t able to combust correctly due to its chemical composition. When this happens, you can permanently damage your engine if it’s not addressed quickly.
2. Engine Damage
If diesel is left in the engine for too long, it can cause permanent damage to the engine. This is because diesel has a higher viscosity than petrol, which can damage the fuel injectors and other engine components. If left in the engine for too long, it can damage the seals and gaskets, clog the fuel filter, and corrode the spark plugs. Additionally, the diesel fuel can cause the engine to overheat, which can cause more damage.
3. Poor Performance
Once the engine has been damaged by diesel fuel, it will suffer from poor performance. This includes lower power output and decreased fuel economy. In some cases, the engine may even be unable to start. In addition, the engine may produce more smoke and have difficulty accelerating. All of these issues can be avoided by ensuring that you only use the correct type of fuel for your vehicle.
4. Expensive Repair Costs
If the damage to the engine is severe enough, it will require an expensive repair. This could be anything from replacing the spark plugs to rebuilding the entire engine. In any case, the cost of repairing the engine can be quite high.
Conclusion
Putting diesel in a petrol car engine can be a costly mistake. This is because diesel and petrol are two different fuels, with different chemical compositions. As a result, when diesel is added to a petrol car engine, it can cause serious damage to the engine, such as clogged fuel injectors, fouled spark plugs, and broken pistons. Therefore, it is essential to always use the correct fuel for your car and to never mix diesel and petrol.’
If you ever have the misfortune of putting the wrong fuel in your car, you’ll need help from fuel-draining companies to safely and effectively remove the wrong fuel from your vehicle. Luckily, Fuel Fixer is here to rescue you from this costly mistake. We provide immediate assistance in the removal of contaminated fuel so you can get your car back running safely and efficiently. Our experienced and qualified technicians are available 24/7 to help you get your car back on the road. Contact us whenever you need contaminated fuel cleanup.