Automobiles run on different fuels. But, have you thought about what would happen if the wrong fuel is used? Will the engine of your car work?
Though both petrol and diesel are derived from 'crude oil', they are technically different and function differently. People usually make the mistake of putting petrol in a diesel car than putting diesel in a petrol car.
Read on to find out if a diesel engine can run on petrol and the subsequent consequences of doing so.
Let's start with the differences between the two fuels: though both petrol and diesel are derived from crude oil, the refining process in fuel-making differentiates them.
Crude oil consists of various impurities and hydrocarbons. To produce fuels from it, the impurities are separated from the hydrocarbons. For this purpose, crude oil undergoes a refining process which is different for petrol and diesel.
Thus, it results in two different products and, though related, they are different in their composition, uses, power, etc. Some of the differences are:
Diesel engines have higher fuel economy and are suitable for heavy vehicles.
Diesel cars also have higher maintenance costs than petrol cars.
Diesel cars are more polluting and their saleability will decrease throughout the years.
Mileage, the most important factor when it comes to choosing an automobile fuel engine, is higher for diesel engines.
The fuel price for petrol is higher than diesel.
NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) are high in diesel cars when compared to petrol cars.
Engine life is higher in a diesel engine than in a petrol engine.
Diesel cars have costlier insurance schemes.
When a diesel car fuelled with petrol is immediately driven, the exhaust pipe will emit black fumes and the car will soon come to a stuttering halt. You will not be able to restart the car.
A diesel engine also has a higher compression and when petrol is added to it, it can cause 'detonation' or 'knocking' which will in turn damage your car's engine.
Even if you do not drive your car after fuelling your diesel car with petrol, the mixing of petrol and diesel can create a less lubricating solvent. This solvent can cause critical damage to your car's fuel pump and the associated fuel system.
This in turn can cause serious damage to your car engine if not tackled and rectified as soon as possible.
Call for professional help right away. They will conduct a fuel drain and flush, thus reducing the damage to your car.
Your repair bills will also be higher if the fuel already starts running through your car. Also, most insurance companies do not cover damages like this that are caused by the wrong fuel usage.
Try to visit your usual fuel-filling station.
Before filling the fuel, double-check the fuel grade indicator on the pump.
Be alert while filling your fuel engine. Give clear instructions to the person who is filling the fuel.
Pay careful attention when fuelling an unfamiliar car, especially if the car is leased or has been recently purchased.
To summarize, a diesel car cannot run on petrol and even small amounts of petrol put in a diesel engine will adversely affect the functioning of the engine and eventually the car.
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