What happens if you put diesel in a gas car?
This mistake can be made easily because diesel and gasoline fuel tanks look similar and can be hard to differentiate. Unfortunately, the result of your mistake will be expensive and sometimes dangerous.
Damage to Your Vehicle
When diesel gets inside your gasoline car, it can cause long-term damage.
- The diesel will mix with the gasoline, forming a sludge that can clog up the fuel filter and fuel injectors, making it difficult for the car to get the fuel it needs for combustion.
- The fuel pump can be damaged by contamination from the diesel.
- The engine may suffer from poor lubrication, leading to increased wear or the need to replace vital parts.
Environmental Impact
If you mistakenly put diesel in your gas car, the engine will perform poorly and emit an increased level of pollutants. This can damage the environment due to the higher emission of carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and hydrocarbons into the atmosphere.
Prevention
To avoid this problem it’s important to ensure that you always fill your car with the correct fuel. Dispensers at the gas pump usually have easily identifiable symbols to help you distinguish between diesel and gasoline.
If you suspect that you’ve put the wrong fuel in your gas car, do not start it. Contact a professional for help immediately. A mechanic will be able to rectify the issue and save you from potentially costly repairs.
