What To Do When You Add The Wrong Fuel To Your Car
Have you ever had that sinking feeling that comes from adding the wrong fuel to your car? If so, you’re certainly not alone. According to the AA, approximately 133,000 motorists put the incorrect fuel in their vehicles every year. Lapses in concentration, rushing, and having recently switched from petrol to diesel can all be common reasons for making this mistake. Read on to find out what to do when you add the wrong fuel to your car.
Don’t start the engine
Refrain from starting the engine after misfuelling. The reason for this is that starting the car can circulate the incorrect fuel, potentially leading to improper combustion which can cause serious damage to engine components like fuel injectors, spark plugs, valves, and the fuel pump. Running the engine with the wrong fuel for even a short period of time can increase repair costs. The longer the engine runs with the incorrect fuel, the higher the risk of damage and expensive repair bills.
Stay calm and don’t panic
Once you realise what you have done, it’s important not to panic. Stay calm and assess the situation. Note down what type of fuel you’ve added and how much. This information will be crucial when seeking professional assistance. Although it’s natural to worry about your vehicle, it’s important to realise that the issue can be rectified. Skilled mechanics are equipped to handle misfuelling incidents effectively.
Inform the petrol station attendants
If you are still at the petrol station when you realise you have put the incorrect fuel in your vehicle, inform the attendant about the mistake right away. They might have procedures in place or be able to assist you. Often, petrol station attendants will be able to put you in touch with local mechanics who specialise in draining fuel tanks. You might feel embarrassed in the moments after the incident, however, there’s no need to be. Petrol station attendants are there to help, and they understand that misfuelling can happen to anyone. Furthermore, taking prompt action can help prevent further damage to your vehicle.
Seek professional help
Misfuelling should be dealt with by a professional as soon as possible. Find a local car garage in your area and ask that someone come out to assist you at the earliest opportunity. At Wyatt’s, we’re on hand to help with misfuelling incidents in Barnsley, with our team equipped with the skills and equipment needed to drain the incorrect fuel from your tank successfully. We may need to transport your vehicle to our auto centre to carry out any necessary repairs. Don’t be tempted to try and fix the issue by yourself. Some people try to siphon the fuel; however, this can be hazardous and could lead to additional complications or safety risks.
Document the incident
Putting the wrong fuel in your car is an event you likely want to forget. However, it’s important to document the incident. Keep any related receipts or paperwork which might be necessary for insurance purposes or if you need to make a claim in the future. Store them in a safe and easily accessible place. Having these records can accelerate any potential reimbursements or claims, helping to lessen the financial impact of the mistake.
Prevent repeat mishaps
Prevent repeat mishaps To avoid making the same mistake again, consider placing a label or sticker near your fuel cap to remind you of the correct fuel type for your vehicle. This tactic has proven to be very helpful in preventing motorists from misfuelling. Stay mindful when putting petrol in your car, paying close attention to the fuel you’re using. Keep in mind that although petrol nozzles are normally green and diesel nozzles black, this isn’t always the case. There’s no legal requirement for fuel to be a specific colour, which means you shouldn’t rely on colour coding at petrol stations. If you’re not sure which is the correct fuel for your vehicle, check with an attendant.
Car repairs in Barnsley
Knowing what to do when you add the wrong fuel to your car can be incredibly useful, especially as thousands of motorists make this mistake every year. You might think it would never happen to you, but there’s a good chance it will. Adding the wrong fuel to your car can cause various issues depending on how much of it was used and the type of engine. Your vehicle might require a fuel system flush or, if you’ve started the engine after misfuelling, an engine damage assessment may be necessary. There may also be issues with the spark plugs, catalytic converter, fuel pump and fuel injectors, or the oxygen sensors in the exhaust system. In some cases, engine flushing and cleaning may be necessary if the wrong fuel has circulated through the engine.
For car repairs after misfuelling, look no further than Wyatt’s Auto Services. We are the first point of call for car repairs in Barnsley, with many motorists choosing us due to our excellent reputation throughout the area. Our skilled mechanics regularly deal with misfuelling incidents, providing a range of services to get your vehicle back on the road as quickly and efficiently as possible. If you’re not sure what to do when you add the wrong fuel to your car, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team who will be more than happy to assist you.
Contact us
Whether you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car or something else is wrong with your vehicle, get in touch today. Call us on 01226 979 087 to discuss your required car repairs in Barnsley. Alternatively, send us a message via our website and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.