Common Misconceptions About Using the Wrong Fuel

We've all heard the rumours of what can happen if a vehicle is inadvertently filled up with the wrong fuel. Some people say "Your car will be irreparably damaged," while others might report that "It costs a fortune to deal with the problems caused by putting petrol in a diesel engine." Let's take a closer look at some of the most common misconceptions about what can happen if you happen to put the wrong fuel in your vehicle and clear up the facts from the fiction.

Anyone who fills a diesel tank with petrol must be a fool!

If you've just put petrol into your diesel vehicle, you might be feeling a little foolish - don't be so hard on yourself! Statistics show that filling up with the wrong fuel is a mistake that is easy to make, and certainly not a rare occurrence. One of the main causes of using the wrong fuel is simple human error. Everyone gets distracted from time to time, and when this is combined with the fact that petrol pumps are not always labelled as clearly as they might be, then it is easy to make a mistake.

Put the petrol in your diesel vehicle and it will be damaged beyond repair!

If you listen to the many rumours regarding using the wrong fuel, you might well think that filling up with petrol instead of diesel will destroy your vehicle. In fact, providing you are aware that you have used the wrong fuel and take action ASAP to have the fuel tank drained, then it is more than likely that your vehicle will not suffer too much.

Getting a mechanic to drain the fuel tank will cost me a fortune!

If you've put the wrong fuel in your vehicle, you might be worrying about the costs of getting the problem repaired. The current economic situation has meant that we all need to watch the pennies and pounds more closely, and you'll hear rumours that bills for draining out the wrong fuel will run to hundreds. However, if you arrange to have your fuel tank drained as quickly as possible, the costs will be reasonable, and you'll avoid further more expensive damage which can be caused by leaving the incorrect fuel in the system.

If you put petrol in a diesel engine, it won't start.

If you mistakenly put petrol into your diesel vehicle, and don't notice immediately, you'll probably find that your car or van does start but only runs for a short distance and then stops. This occurs because whatever diesel is remaining in the fuel line mixes with the petrol, which allows your engine to function. When the percentage of diesel drops, and your vehicle starts to pull petrol through the system it will stop. Remember, there is no need to panic if you suddenly realise that you've used the wrong fuel, just park the vehicle in a safe place and arrange to have the petrol drained out.

If you need expert advice on problems caused by using the wrong fuel, or need to have your vehicle's fuel tank drained, you can learn more at http://www.fuelfixer.co.uk/

FuelFixer offers advice and tips on various car topics.

By Jack M Napier