Refueling error; error when adding washer fluid. What to do?

Do not start the engine after refueling with the wrong fuel or after making a mistake when topping up fluids. This will reduce the risk of failure. However, there is no need to visit a mechanic.

Theoretically, it is very difficult to mix up fuel at the station. The diesel refill guns are black and the gas stations are green, the pumps are marked with clear symbols. In addition, the filler neck on petrol vehicles is smaller in diameter, so it does not fit a diesel fuel gun. But pouring gasoline into the tank of a diesel car is more likely. This happens even to professionals.

- We recently had an Accord with a diesel engine in the service, into which a gas station employee poured gasoline. Later, he explained that he was confused by the quiet operation of the drive, says Rafal Krawiec from the Honda Sigma car dealership in Rzeszow. The driver of the car was unaware of the error and started the engine, which stopped working after driving a short distance. It was necessary to clean the fuel system and replace the pump and injectors. Repair cost 12 thousand. PLN, the owner of the station paid for it 

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In diesel engines, diesel is also used to lubricate the injection pump and injectors. Gasoline does not have these properties and destroys these elements. Especially in the latest diesels, with piezoelectric injectors. Flushing the fuel system and replacing the fuel filter costs PLN 350. New nozzles cost 1,5-2 thousand. zlotys per piece and high-pressure fuel pump from 3 to 5 thousand. zloty. For refurbished components you have to pay PLN 500-800 and PLN 800-2000 respectively.

After the driver fills the gasoline engine with diesel fuel and starts the engine, the fuel system will need to be flushed and the spark plugs and fuel filter replaced. It costs at least PLN 500, depending on the price of the candles. If a motorist notices an error even before starting it, it is enough to flush the fuel system and replace the filter. You also need to add the cost of a tow truck that will deliver the car from the gas station to the service.

In addition to fuel, you can mix up the working fluids under the hood. As in the case of fuel, they are well marked, and absent-mindedness is most often to blame for errors. As Rafal Kravec says, in this situation, you need to pump out the wrong fluid, flush the appropriate tank and pipes, and top up with the correct fluid. A very dangerous mistake can be to fill the windshield washer fluid into the brake system surge tank. The fluid that works normally in the brake system will become useless, resulting in inefficient brakes. The boiling point of the brake fluid (at least 180 degrees Celsius) will drop significantly. “Then the corresponding hydraulic pressure will not be transmitted, and as a result, the braking efficiency may drop significantly,” explains Artur Szydlowski, Motointegrator.pl expert.

If the driver notices an error before starting the engine and pressing the brake pedal, it is enough to drain the washer fluid from the expansion tank. If not, then you need to clean the system and replace the brake fluid. Regardless of the situation, the mechanic must check the properties of the fluid in the brake system. Washer fluid poured into the power steering system can jam the power steering pump. To prevent this from happening, the system must be emptied and thoroughly cleaned after the error is noticed. Residual water can lead to corrosion.

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Mixing windshield washer fluid with coolant also requires quick intervention. The coolant has a high boiling point, which decreases when mixed with another liquid. Also, glass cleaner mixed with coolant can deposit deposits that clog cooling tubes.

Overheating and jamming of the power unit may result in engine oil being filled with another liquid. - In such a situation, it remains only to call a tow truck and take the car to the site. Contaminated oil must be drained, the lubrication system must be cleaned and the engine refilled with new lubricant, Szydlowski explains.