What Should I Do If I Add Gasoline To My Diesel Car? ​

If gasoline is accidentally added to a diesel vehicle while refueling at a gas station, this operational error may cause serious damage to the vehicle's engine. There are essential differences in the fuel system and engine design between diesel and gasoline vehicles, and it is necessary to take timely and correct measures to reduce risks.

The most taboo thing for a diesel car after mistakenly adding gasoline is to start the engine. Diesel engines rely on high-temperature compression ignition diesel produced by compressed air, while gasoline has a low ignition point and strong volatility. After mixed fuel enters the engine, it will damage the lubrication performance of the fuel, causing insufficient lubrication of precision components such as fuel injectors and piston rings, resulting in abnormal wear. At the same time, gasoline burns faster and may cause detonation, which can lead to engine cylinder block explosion in severe cases.

After discovering the accidental addition of gasoline, the following measures should be taken immediately: first, keep the vehicle turned off, call the rescue hotline or contact the 4S store, and explain the vehicle model, amount of fuel mistakenly added, etc. Professional personnel will use specialized equipment to extract mixed fuel from the fuel tank to prevent residual fuel from continuing to circulate. Secondly, thoroughly clean the fuel lines, fuel tanks, and filters to remove any remaining gasoline. Finally, refill with qualified diesel, check the fuel pump pressure and injector working status, and confirm that there are no abnormalities before starting the vehicle.

Prevention is far better than remedy. Before refueling, it is necessary to confirm the fuel type of the vehicle. The fuel tank cap of a diesel vehicle is usually marked with the word "Diesel", and the fuel dispenser label should be checked again when refueling. It is recommended to develop the habit of "checking the signs before refueling", and to carefully confirm when driving unfamiliar vehicles. If someone else adds fuel on your behalf, you need to proactively inform them of the fuel type and double check to avoid mistakes.

Although mistakenly adding gasoline to a diesel car is considered an accident, as long as it is dealt with promptly and properly, losses can be minimized to the greatest extent possible. Remember the fuel filling regulations in order to protect engine performance and ensure driving safety.