MISFUELLING? LEARN HOW THIS MAY AFFECT YOUR CAR

Putting gasoline to a diesel car or vice versa is an innocent mistake any driver, or even a service station attendant could make. You may forget, you are distracted, or simply unaware of your engine type.

In such case, you may wonder what might happen? Is it dangerous, and what should I do?

First of all, the reason an engine requires a specific fuel type is because the wrong fuel will not burn well in the wrong chamber. Hence, misfuelling may cause many things including engine knocking and engine failure.

Gasoline engine has low compression ratio and therefore needs highly flammable fuel to properly ignite the burning process. It also needs spark plugs so that the engine can run.

READ ALSO: MIXING FUEL OCTANE, MORE EFFICIENT?

In contrast, diesel engine does not need spark plugs. It is an internal combustion engine where fuel is ignited by the mechanical compression in the cylinder. Additionally, diesel engine takes advantage of the fuel’s lubrication properties thanks to its sulfur and deposits content. Similarly, when gasoline is put in a diesel engine, your car will struggle to start and run.

Finally, the answer to the last question is yes, misfuelling can be dangerous to your car. Hence, stop fueling immediately once you realize you have put the wrong fuel. Or, if you have started your engine or started driving, stop it safely. Push it or have it towed back the service station or a nearby auto shop, if any, and have a mechanic empty your car’s tank.

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