Fueling your car is a major issue that is being faced by many people who in the rush of the hour become slightly ignorant of what they are refueling their car with. A slight pause in your concentration is all you need for petrol in your diesel engine or vice versa.
The problem is huge if the car you were driving was a rented car. Before we discuss intensely on what can be done to make the mistake be undone, let us see what happens when you refill the wrong fuel in your vehicle.
What Happens When You Put Petrol In A Diesel Engine?
Besides powering the car, diesel acts as lubricating oil that keeps the fuel pumping and also manages other components which keep the car running smoothly. Petrol, when mixed with diesel, can have adverse effects on the car and the result may be damaging.
When you add petrol to a diesel engine it, in turn, increases the friction between its parts, which ultimately causes damage to the fuel lines and the pump of the car. If you drive away without realizing the mistake that you have just committed, or even start the car with petrol in it, you could cause expensive damage to the engine of the rented car.
What Happens When You Put Diesel In A Petrol Engine?
Misfuelling a petrol car doesn't happen so often as Diesel pump nozzles tend to be larger than most of the petrol fuel necks but filling Diesel in a petrol car can be really damaging to the entire fuel system of your rented car. Firstly it will first clog your fuel filter and then ruin your fuel injectors quickly and even if it manages to ignite, it can cause major and serious damages to internal peripherals of the engine. Diesel needs to be compressed before it'll ignite, so chances are you won't even be able to start the engine at all.
If You Realize The Mistake Here Are Some Things That Can Be Quickly Done
The most important thing to do after you have wrongly fuelled your car is to see that you do not start your engine at all. It is advised that you don't even put the key in the ignition as it may result in major breakdowns which could cause grave problems.
If you are lucky enough to realize your mistake before starting the engine, here's what you should do:
- Inform the petrol station of what's happened, if it was a mistake due to their carelessness.
- Put the car in neutral as ignition can cause severe damage and complicate the process.
- Do not ignite the engine or start the car. Instead, have someone help you to push your car to a safe place.
- Call your insurer as soon as you can, as you should know about what has to be done next.
Whom To Call If The Breakdown Occurs On The Road?
If the mistake of misfuelling solely lies upon you, the insurance company may not be able to help you in any way. IF you have insured for a breakdown, you could as well consult them to have your rented car be checked for problems.
The Insurance Company May Not Cover You In Case Of Misfuelling?
The mistake of fuelling in the wrong gas may not be borne by the insurance company as they should cover the damages to the engine or the car while you are driving. For instance, if you have any accidental damage or some engine breakdowns, that may be covered but this is a special case which depends upon the supply of the wrong gas or its effect on the engine at the time of inspection.
Conclusion
The process of taking out the diesel from your petrol tank and fuel pumps may be very expensive and troublesome. It may be like changing the worn out tires with brand new branded ones all by yourself. It is advisable to have your company policy and the policy of your rental car company in times of such mishaps. A stitch in time saves nine, so be a little more attentive while you refuel the rented car because the damages to follow may consume a lot more attention and money that you have rented your car for.
