Taking insipiration from recent events, we thought it fitting to place a focus on petrol. Although we’re now past the panic now, we can shed some light on another issue associated with fuel – putting the wrong one in your car.
Petrol shortage scare or not, every three and a half minutes someone in the UK puts the wrong fuel in their car. It’s one of those things that “won’t happen to you”…until it does. Here’s what to do if you get unlucky.
You’ve put petrol in a diesel car – now what?
This is common, since the nozzle fits easily into the diesel car’s fuel tank so don’t beat yourself up first and foremost! What’s most important is that you DON’T start the engine. This will enable the fuel to move around the engine, kick-starting a whole load of damage. You will need to get your fuel tank drained of all the petrol before you even think about driving. Breakdown providers like AA and RAC can help with this.
You’ve put diesel in a petrol car – now what?
Most diesel fuel pumps won’t fit into a petrol filler neck, however, this isn’t always the case, so mistakes can be made. The same rule applies here – whatever you do, don’t start the engine. Instead, wait until the contaminated fuel is flushed out by a professional.
Putting diesel in a petrol car is less damaging than the other, more common, way around. This is because it’s of a different consistency to petrol; it’s harder to ignite in the engine of a petrol car. For this reason, the engine may not even start if this is attempted. But, it’s not worth taking the risk. If you know you have pumped the wrong fuel into your vehicle the most sensible thing to do is stay put until the problem is resolved.
How to prevent misfuelling
- Double-check the hose or nozzle you are about to use. The colour may elude to the right fuel but it’s best to look for more clues to back that up.
- Read the pump’s trigger label properly.
- Put reminders in your car. A sticker inside the fuel cap or on the inside of the driver’s side door will do.
- Don’t be distracted when filling up. Concentrate on the task at hand.
- Remember, if you’re stressed, or in a hurry, you’re more likely to make a mistake, so take extra care.
- If you have a diesel car, buy a stopper for the filler neck so the narrower petrol nozzle doesn’t fit.
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