What to do if you add the wrong fuel to your tank?

When pumping gasoline you typically will have 5 or more varieties to choose from, and that’s not including diesel. These varieties are distinguished by different colors, confusing technical names, symbols, and grades. Each car make and model is designated a certain type, but what really happens if you mix them up? The consequences can range from complete car engine destruction to slight fuel line corrosion to no serious damages at all. 

Toyota of Orlando is here to explain to you the potential consequences. Do you and your Orlando Toyota a favor and keep on reading!

Car Engine Consequences

What happens if I put diesel fuel in a gasoline-powered car?

If you make the mistake of putting diesel into a gas-fueled car, you may be okay depending on the amount you put in. A few gallons will typically only make your car run poorly and possibly emit smoke from the exhaust. However, if you fill the entire fuel tank with diesel, your car engine is sure to completely fail in a short amount of time. 

What happens if I put gasoline in a diesel vehicle?

If you realize you have filled your diesel-powered car with gasoline before running the engine the solution is simple. You can clean the entire system by draining the fuel tank. This will help you avoid running into any serious car engine problems. In order to have the fuel reservoir flushed you will need to be towed to our Orlando Toyota service center where a professional can do the job for you. However, if you notice this mistake after you’ve started up the engine it’ll most likely be too late. Driving a diesel vehicle with gasoline will cause injection pump failure, failure of the injectors, and complete car engine failure. There is no set timeline of when you will experience these problems, but it’s usually not a lengthy amount of time or distance before you do. 

I used the wrong fuel, what do I do now?

The second you realize you’ve incorrectly filled your tank, take action. The longer you allow your car engine to run on the wrong fuel the more serious the problem will become. Here is what our Orlando techs recommend doing when you add the wrong fuel to your car:

If you notice while you’re filling up:

• Immediately stop fueling up.
• Do not turn on your engine or start the car.
• Disconnect your car battery. 
• Roll your car away from the fuel pump.
• Tow your car to a respected repair facility.
• Have a professional flush the fuel tank.

If you notice while driving:

• Pull over immediately. 
• Turn off your car completely.
• Tow your car to a repair facility.
• Have a professional flush the reservoir and fuel system and determine any necessary repairs.
• If needed, have all repairs completed immediately. 
  

Toyota of Orlando is here to help

Always make sure you know which fuel is best for your ride. Life can be hectic but you can save yourself a lot of trouble by paying close attention when you’re at the pump.

If you need any additional help call Toyota of Orlando. We’re always here to answer your car maintenance questions and get your vehicle running at its best. Find us at 3575 Vineland Rd. just off I-4 by the Millennia Mall.