We've all been there - distracted by that catchy song on the radio, or maybe you're just is a rush to get home. Suddenly, whoops, you've just pump the wrong fuel into your car's tank. But before you panic and start writing your farewell letter to your beloved car, let's explore what could really go down when you give your vehicle a not-so-firendly drink.

Diesel in a Petrol Engine

Did you just use the black pump for your car? Filling a petrol-powered car with diesel is one of the most frequent fuelling mistakes compared to petrol in diesel cars. If you notice that you have pumped the wrong fuel immediately after you started refuelling, there is still a chance to save the car that much compared to a full tank of diesel. If you start the car with a full tank of diesel, it might run normally for a while before:

• You start to notice misfiring.
• Your engine runs very rough.
• Your idling is not smooth.
• Your engine will suddenly shut itself off.
• You struggle to start your car.

This is because when diesel enters a petrol engine, it won't ignite properly as compared to petrol because:

• Diesel is thicker and oilier.
• Diesel is denser than petrol.
• Diesel has slower combustion.

Diesel can clog up the fuel injectors and spark plugs, leading to instant misfiring and excessive smoke from exhaust. But if you haven't started the car, good news! It's a relatively easy fix! Just call for a tow truck via the MySOMPO app and tow the car to your preferred workshop to drain the tank, flush it with some petrol and your car might just forgive you for this silly mistake.

Petrol in a Diesel Engine

Oops! Did you grab the green or yellow pump instead? Putting petrol into a diesel engine is more disastrous than the other way around. This is because diesel engines are specifically engineered to handle the thick, dense characteristic of the diesel fuel, which ignites through compression instead of using spark plugs like petrol engines, It also serves as a lubricant for critical engine components, ensuring smooth operation and protection from wear and tear.

Petrol, by contrast, is much thinner and burns at a lower temperature. When introduced into a diesel engine, it disrupts the delicate balance, leading to several serious problems, such as:

• Fuel system damage.
• Overheating of key components.
• Engine failure.

So what should you do? Don't worry, here' what you need to do if you pump the wrong fuel for your diesel car:

1. Don't start the engine.
2. Call for professional help.
3. Get you car towed.

So, filling your car with the wrong fuel can be a stressful and costly mistake, but with prompt cation, severe damage can often be avoided. The key is to avoid starting the vehicle and to get professional assistance as soon as possible. The best solution is to tow the vehicle to your preferred workshop and MySOMPO 24-hour Roadside Assistance provides the services you need for mistake like this. Find out more about Berjaya Sompo Car Insurance here today!