Incorrectly refueled: you can do that now
You have put the wrong fuel in your vehicle. That's no reason to panic as long as you don't start the engine. We will explain what you can do now.
Incorrectly refueled - nothing special for the ADAC
In 2012 there were approximately 5000 missions at the ADAC due to refueling. And the trend is going up.
- So-called "multi-dispensers", i.e. dispensers with several fuels, can be confusing. In the past, the fuels, at least diesel and petrol, were clearly separated.
- The modern nozzles fit in almost all tank openings. Both the diesel filler neck in the petrol tank and vice versa.
- Engine noises are now so harmonized that you hardly hear a difference inside the vehicle. In the case of leased or rented vehicles, this can lead to confusion.
- Advertising distracts. Not only because the advertisement attracts our attention, but because the actual fuel name on the petrol pump and pistol is usually smaller than the advertising text.
- Especially the premium types like V-Power or Ultimate do not make it easy for you to choose the right fuel.
- In modern cars, the fuel type is often no longer found on the fuel filler cap.
Sank: You can count on these costs
If this inattention occurs and you have used the wrong fuel, you have to expect costs. Especially if you have started the engine, because then you send the wrong fuel on the journey through the interior of the engine.
- Usually you can't avoid pumping out the tank. Depending on the model, this costs 100 euros and more.
- A simple suction with a hose, as you may know from films, is unfortunately not enough. Because every drop can do damage. And the more complex the tank, the more expensive it becomes. If the tank needs to be removed, you can expect costs from 150 euros upwards.
- There are no upper price limits here. If it only hits the fuel filter, you can get away with just under 100 euros.
- With a defective fuel pump, you end up with several thousand euros. This is usually the total loss for older cars.
- Incidentally, the disposal of the pumped-out fuel alone amounts to around 200 euros. These toxic substances must be disposed of professionally and later reprocessed.
Petrol fueled in a diesel vehicle
If you fill up with petrol in your diesel vehicle, you may be lucky, depending on how much you have refueled and how old your car is.
- In older models with swirl or prechamber diesel, a small amount of petrol is usually harmless. We still recommend having the tank pumped out.
- With newer models, from year of construction 2000 with direct injection or common rail and pump nozzle system, you should under no circumstances start the engine. The injection system could be damaged and you expect the costs for a new fuel pump described above.
Diesel filled in a petrol engine
The same applies if you accidentally have diesel in your petrol engine.
- Never start the engine, even with small quantities.
- In the operating instructions you will often find information about what you should do. But here, too, you cannot avoid pumping out.
- Although the gasoline engine is usually not too sensitive, you shouldn't be careless. If you are allowed to continue driving, you should refuel regularly to keep the concentration of the diesel as low as possible.
What you can fill up with wrong
In addition to petrol and diesel, the range also includes the specials E10, Super, Super Plus, V-Power and Ultimate. Confusion and damage can also occur here.
- E10 instead of E5: The eco fuel with 5% more bioethanol is usually harmless. To be on the safe side, you can check here whether your vehicle can handle the new fuel.
- Normal instead of super: Many modern vehicles use a knock sensor to recognize the fuel they have and then adjust to it. At the latest in the operating instructions, you can find out whether it is possible to continue or not, in any case fill up regularly.
- V-Power instead of Super and Ultimate instead of Diesel: This confusion is usually without problems. The stronger fuels should not do any damage to older models either. The only additional cost you can count on is a higher fuel bill.
Never refuel wrong ...
... is very simple: With an electric car you always fill up with electricity, even at the socket at home. All models, remnants and a range calculator can be found at EFahrer.com.
In the next practical tip, we will explain when you can fill up at the right time.