Category Archives: Fuel

Wrong Fuel

A Costly Mistake: Filling Your Car with the Wrong Fuel

Filling up with the wrong fuel is a typical and understandable blunder that many people make. However, it’s not very typical for a diesel fuel pump to be used on a gasoline engine.

The main issue is with the engines’ inner workings. It is a serious flaw with diesel engines that the fuel is also used to lubricate the engine’s moving parts. It works just like a regular gasoline engine, with fuel pouring freely into the diesel engine’s workings. Additionally, petrol’s lack of lubricating properties means it will cause severe harm to the engine if used instead.

What Repercussions Does Incorrect Fueling Have?

Putting the wrong fuel in your automobile, whether it be gasoline in a diesel vehicle or diesel in a gasoline vehicle, can cause expensive damage to your engine. We can think about the following cases:

Putting Diesel into a Gasoline Engine

Misfuelling is less likely to occur since the nozzle on gasoline car tanks is smaller than the nozzle on a diesel dispenser. However, the likelihood of harm is quite low if a petrol car is actually refuelled with diesel. Unlike diesel fuel, which requires spark plugs to be ignited, gasoline can be lit with a simple spark. Diesel can clog spark plugs and the fuel system; thus, a gasoline car shouldn’t be started with diesel in the tank.

Since fuel filters designed for gasoline engines are not designed to handle the oily nature of diesel, they are often the first to fail in diesel vehicles. This will cause the engine to misfire, produce excessive exhaust smoke, and could cause the vehicle to stall.

Putting Petrol in a Diesel Vehicle

In any case, it’s a terrible mistake that could end up severely damaging the engine. Smaller nozzles on gasoline pumps make it more likely that a diesel vehicle will be refuelled with gasoline. Diesel engines, which are different from gasoline engines, work by forcing fuel into the engine’s moving parts at high pressure before igniting it. This is the first sign of trouble. Fuel that has been recycled through the diesel engine’s essential components can be difficult to remove. Diesel’s lubricating quality is crucial to the operation of the fuel injection pump, after all.

Since gasoline isn’t capable of filling that role, the performance suffers. The worst part is that diesel vehicles take a while to show signs of misfuelling, and by the time you realise the error, the vehicle has likely already begun spewing black smoke from the tailpipe and will travel slowly before stopping altogether.

How Can I Get the Wrong Fuel Out of My Car?

It’s crucial to act quickly upon recognising a misfuelling issue. Here are some potential responses to the situations outlined above.

Putting Diesel in a Gas-Powered Vehicle:

  • If You Discover This While Refueling

If diesel makes up less than 5% of your car’s tank capacity, you can refuel with regular gas and continue your trip as planned. Diesel and gasoline blend well, so it shouldn’t be an issue here. However, if you want to make sure there is no contamination in the fuel, you should drain it completely.

  • Only Realising It after a Fuel-up

Everything is still manageable at this point. Never start the engine if the diesel level is higher than 5% of the tank’s capacity. You can have the vehicle towed to the closest repair shop instead. Empty the diesel and flush the tank. After draining and flushing the tank, you can refill it with gasoline and go back on the road.

Filling Gasoline into a Diesel Vehicle:

  • Do Not Start the Vehicle

If you discover that your diesel vehicle has the incorrect gasoline in the tank, do not start the engine under any circumstances. Your automobile is safe to drive as long as petrol is in the tank and the engine is switched off. A competent technician can help you drain the gas tank from your vehicle, so call a tow truck to bring your vehicle to a service station. Diesel can be refilled into the tank after the main fuel line has been cleansed, and an additive to clean the injectors can be added at this time.

  • If You’ve Been behind the Wheel for a While before You Figured It Out

This is perhaps the worst thing that could happen. If you have driven a diesel automobile with gasoline in the tank for an extended period of time, the gasoline is likely to have been distributed throughout the entire engine. Immediately after realising your error, come to a complete stop with the engine turned off and call for roadside assistance or a tow service to transfer your vehicle to the closest factory-authorised repair facility. Hire an expert to fix your car.

Conclusion

Once you realise you’ve put the wrong fuel in your automobile, you need to act quickly. Turning off the engine is the first step, and you shouldn’t bother trying to start it again. Then you need to get in touch with the right experts or a tow truck. Once the vehicle has been towed, have the fuel emptied and the system cleaned by a professional mechanic.

If you follow our advice, your gas-powered vehicle will never break down and cost you a fortune to fix again.

If you are looking for a company that offers gas tank draining services in the UK, look no further than our expertise here at Petrol in Diesel UK. We are a market leading fuel draining company with service units all over the UK. Visit our nearest branch today and let us drain your car of its wrong fuel or diesel in no time.

5 Warning Signs Your Fuel Storage Contains Contaminated Fuel

Contaminated fuel can damage your engine or equipment and can be a serious safety hazard. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the warning signs that your fuel storage may contain contaminated fuel.

In this article, you will learn about some contaminated fuel signs to watch out for.

  1. The Fuel Tank Is in Poor Condition

The fuel tank is one of the most important components of any fuel storage system, so it must be kept in good condition. If the fuel tank is in poor condition, it can introduce contaminants into the fuel, leading to a variety of problems. This can include decreased engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and even engine failure.

Regular inspection and maintenance of fuel tanks are essential to ensure that they are not in poor condition and that the fuel stored is free of contaminants.

  1. The Vehicle or Equipment Performance Is Affected

If you notice that your vehicle or equipment is not performing as usual, such as having a decrease in power, stalling or difficulty starting, or even worse, it may be due to contaminated fuel.

Should this be the case, it could be damaging to your vehicle or equipment and could cause further issues so it is important to identify the cause and take steps to rectify it as soon as possible.

  1. The Fuel Appears Cloudy and Dark

The third warning sign that your fuel storage contains contaminated fuel is when the fuel appears cloudy and dark. This could be due to bacterial growth which is a sign of microbial contamination.

It is important to check the fuel tank regularly to ensure that there is no contamination present. If the fuel appears cloudy and dark, it is best to get it tested by a professional to help identify the exact nature of the contamination and take the necessary steps to rectify the problem.

  1. The Fuel Storage Produces Strange Smells

If you smell a strong odour coming from the tank or engine, it is likely due to fuel contamination. This is usually caused by the fuel breaking down and creating a strong, unpleasant smell. If you smell this, it is essential to check your fuel storage tanks for any signs of contamination.

  1. The Fuel Tank Has Rust or Corrosion

If your fuel storage tanks are showing signs of rust or corrosion, it is likely that they have been contaminated. Rust and corrosion can form due to water entering the fuel system, which can cause the fuel to break down and become contaminated. If you notice any rust or corrosion in your fuel storage tanks, it is important to take steps to prevent further damage.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to fuel storage, it is important to be aware of the warning signs that your fuel may be contaminated. Contaminated fuel can cause serious damage to your engines and other equipment, so it is important to pay attention to these warning signs and take the necessary steps to prevent or solve any contamination issues. By being aware of the signs of contaminated fuel, you can ensure that your fuel storage is safe and efficient.

If you need fuel draining services to get rid of contaminated fuel, check Petrol in Diesel UK. We are a market-leading fuel-draining company with service units all over the UK. Call us today to book a service appointment!

fuel

How to Properly Maintain Your Fuel Tank All Year for Safety

Ensuring the safety of your vehicle is essential for your peace of mind and the well-being of your passengers. One of the most important components of vehicle safety is the fuel tank. Without a properly maintained fuel tank, your vehicle could be at risk of a fire hazard or other serious damages. It is important to know how to maintain your fuel tank year-round to ensure proper safety standards:

What Exactly Are Fuel Tanks?

Fuel tanks are containers designed to store and transfer fuel from one place to another. They are a critical component of any vehicle, as they provide the fuel required to power the engine. Fuel tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are made from a variety of materials, depending on the application.

Fuel tanks are typically made from metal, such as steel or aluminium, and are designed to hold a specific amount of fuel. Depending on the type of vehicle, the tank may be mounted underneath the vehicle, or in the trunk, or in the bed of the vehicle. Fuel tanks may also be mounted externally, such as on the side of the vehicle.

How to Maintain Your Fuel Tank Year-Round

As a vehicle owner, you know how important it is to maintain your fuel tank year-round. Not only does it help to keep your vehicle running smoothly, but it can also help you save money on fuel costs. Here are some tips to help you maintain your fuel tank year-round:

  1. Regularly Inspect Your Fuel Tank: Make sure you inspect your fuel tank often to check for any signs of wear and tear. Look for any rust or corrosion that could be affecting your fuel tank’s performance. If you notice any damage, be sure to get it fixed as soon as possible. This way, you can prevent further damage and pricier repairs.
  2. Change Your Fuel Filter: Changing your fuel filter is an important part of keeping your fuel tank in top condition. A dirty fuel filter can clog up your fuel lines, so make sure you replace it regularly.
  1. Check for Leaks: Check for any signs of fuel leaks around your fuel tank, as these can be dangerous and can cause your vehicle to run inefficiently.
  2. Clean Your Fuel Tank: Cleaning your fuel tank is important to get rid of any debris, dirt, or other contaminants that can affect your fuel tank’s performance.
  3. Check the Fuel Lines: Make sure you check your fuel lines for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If there is any damage, you should get it fixed as soon as possible.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your fuel tank in top condition year-round. Not only will it save you money on fuel costs, but it can also help to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Conclusion

It is important to maintain your fuel tank year round to ensure proper safety standards. By regularly checking the fuel tank, cleaning it, checking the fuel lines and changing the fuel filter, you can be certain that your fuel tank will stay safe and efficient for many years. Additionally, you should also practise proper storage techniques and keep your fuel tank away from any sources of heat or open flame. Following these tips and seeking fuel draining services can help to ensure that your fuel tank is safe and reliable for years to come.

Petrol in Diesel UK offers gas tank draining service all over the country. Our licensed and insured professionals can respond to your request fast, so don’t hesitate to contact us!