Anyone who has put the wrong fuel in their vehicle tank must act immediately. How do you proceed now? More on this in the following post.
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As soon as you realize that you have filled up with the wrong fuel, acting quickly is crucial. If the engine has not been started, the vehicle should not be started either, as the ADAC explains in an online article. This is because starting the engine circulates fuel through the fuel system and engine, which can cause significant damage. If the engine is already running, you should turn it off immediately to prevent more incorrect fuel from circulating in the system. You should also turn off all electrical systems and remove the key from the ignition to ensure that the fuel pump is not running.
In such situations, it is also advisable to contact a professional. It is possible to call a tow truck or contact roadside assistance. Roadside assistance services usually have the equipment and know-how to extract the fuel on site. If this is not possible, you have the option of having the vehicle towed to a workshop where the fuel can be extracted. It is important to emphasize that it is not advisable to try to fix the problem yourself as this can lead to further damage, the ADAC further warns.
Draining the tank and cleaning the fuel system are the next steps that need to be taken. The tank can be drained and the entire fuel system cleaned in a workshop. However, simply emptying the tank may not be enough, especially if the vehicle has already been started and the wrong fuel has entered the system. The ADAC then advises that in this case the fuel lines, the injection pump and the injection nozzles must be cleaned or even replaced. This is a complicated and time-consuming process that should be carried out by a professional.
Specific scenarios
The exact action that needs to be taken depends on the type of incorrect fuel.
When gasoline is put into a diesel vehicle, it acts as a solvent, reducing the lubrication that diesel fuel provides to engine parts. This can lead to significant damage to the injection pump and other components, according to the ADAC. If only a small amount of gasoline has been filled, it may sometimes be enough to fill the tank with diesel to dilute the gasoline. But it’s generally safer to have the tank drained.
In the case of diesel in a petrol vehicle, it will not burn in a petrol engine and can damage the catalytic converter if the components try to burn it. If a large amount of diesel has been refueled, the tank must be emptied. A small amount of diesel can often be diluted with more gasoline, but it is safer to empty the tank.
Insurance, costs and prevention
The cost of fuel system cleaning can vary significantly depending on the level of damage. It may also be necessary to replace certain parts, which would further increase costs. Therefore, it is advisable to check your car insurance to see if such incidents are covered. Some insurance companies may cover the cost of towing and cleaning the system, while others may not, Allianz said in an online article. It is important to clarify all costs and procedures with the insurance company before any work is carried out on the vehicle.
A proven method to avoid such situations is to take preventive measures. It is advisable to always invest the necessary time to ensure that the correct fuel has been selected before starting the refueling process. The nozzles are usually color coded and clearly marked to avoid confusion. Petrol nozzles are often green or black and diesel nozzles are yellow or red, depending on the country and the gas station.
In addition, it makes sense to always keep an eye on the fuel type of the respective vehicle, especially if it is a new or borrowed vehicle. A small sticker or note on the dashboard or near the gas cap can be a helpful reminder.
In the case of rental vehicles, it must be ensured that the correct fuel type is confirmed by the rental company when the vehicle is picked up. For newer models, you can also consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or infotainment system to determine the correct fuel type.
Dominik Maier / editorial team finanzen.net