Diesel vs. Gasoline: What Happens if You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car?
Putting gasoline in a diesel car can have serious consequences. Diesel engines require a higher compression ratio than gasoline engines, and gasoline can cause the engine to overheat and seize. Additionally, gasoline can damage the fuel injection system and other engine components.
What to Do if You Put Gasoline in a Diesel Car
- Stop driving immediately. If you realize you've put gasoline in your diesel car, pull over to the side of the road and turn off the engine.
- Call for a tow truck. It's important to have your car towed to a mechanic as soon as possible. Driving a car with gasoline in the diesel tank can cause serious damage to the engine.
- Have the mechanic flush the fuel system. The mechanic will need to flush the fuel system to remove all of the gasoline from the tank, fuel lines, and fuel injector.
- Replace any damaged components. If any components of the fuel system were damaged by the gasoline, the mechanic will need to replace them.
Preventing Gas in Diesel Mistakes
- Pay attention to the fuel pump. When you're filling up your car, make sure you're using the correct fuel pump. Diesel fuel pumps are typically labeled with a black handle, while gasoline pumps are typically labeled with a green handle.
- Check the fuel cap. Before you start pumping fuel, check the fuel cap to make sure it's the right one for your car. Diesel fuel caps are typically larger than gasoline fuel caps.
- If you're not sure, ask for help. If you're not sure whether you're putting the right fuel in your car, ask for help from a gas station attendant.
Conclusion
Putting gasoline in a diesel car can be a costly mistake. By following these tips, you can help prevent this from happening to you.