Misfuelling is an unfortunately common problem for drivers. It occurs when the wrong type of fuel is put into a vehicle’s fuel tank. This can cause a range of serious problems, and it is important to know how to prevent and deal with misfuelling situations.
The Problem of Misfuelling a Car
When talking about misfuelling, it is important to differentiate between petrol and diesel engines. Putting petrol in a diesel engine or diesel in a petrol engine can cause significant damage to the engine and other parts of the vehicle. This is because petrol and diesel have different properties and physical characteristics.
Petrol is a volatile liquid, while diesel is more of a thick oil. The two fuels have different ignition temperatures, meaning that a petrol engine will not be able to ignite diesel, and vice versa. When the wrong type of fuel is put into an engine, it can cause problems such as engine knocking, poor acceleration, and possible engine failure.
How Misfuelling Can Occur and How to Prevent It
Misfuelling can happen in a number of ways. The most common is when a driver mistakenly puts the wrong type of fuel into their car, such as gasoline, into a diesel engine. It can also happen when a driver is not paying attention and puts diesel fuel into a gasoline engine. In either case, the engine will not be able to run properly and may even be permanently damaged.
To prevent misfuelling, it is important to be aware of the type of fuel your car needs and to pay attention when filling it up. Make sure the nozzle is in the correct fuel tank and that the fuel type matches the type of fuel your car needs. It is also helpful to double-check the fuel you are putting into the tank. If you are not sure, ask a gas station attendant for help.
It is also important to be aware of any warning signs that your car may be misfuelled. These can include a decrease in fuel efficiency, a decrease in power, and an increase in exhaust smoke. If any of these signs occur, take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible to have it checked.
Finally, if you have misfuelled your car, do not start it. Have it towed to a qualified mechanic to have the fuel drained and replaced with the correct type. This will help to prevent any further damage to the engine.
Misfuelling, Gas Removal and Insurance Coverage
A common question people ask about misfuelling is whether insurance covers misfuelling and gas removal. The answer depends on the type of insurance you have and the terms of your policy.
Generally speaking, most comprehensive auto insurance policies provide coverage for misfuelling and gas removal. This means that if you misfuel your car with the wrong type of fuel, your insurance company will pay to have the fuel removed and replaced with the correct type.
However, it’s important to note that there are some limitations to this coverage. For instance, if you were to cause damage to your vehicle due to misfuelling, then the insurance company may not cover the cost of repairs. Additionally, if you misfuel your vehicle and it requires towing or other services, then the insurance company may not cover those costs either.
It’s also important to note that some insurance companies may exclude misfuelling from their policies. Therefore, it’s important to read the fine print of your policy and make sure that misfuelling is covered.
Conclusion
Misfuelling is a mistake that can be easily avoided by being aware of the type of fuel your car needs and being careful when filling up. Pay attention to the warning signs that your car may be misfuelled, and take it to a qualified mechanic if you suspect that you have put the wrong type of fuel in your car!
Fuel Fixer is your go-to mobile service for wrong fuel recovery, helping those going through a misfuelling incident overcome their problem quickly and effectively. If you are looking for 24/7 wrong fuel cleanup in West Sussex, contact us right away.