Know the difference between the two types of fuel and save hundreds.
Why are electric cars heavier than gasoline cars?
Electric cars are heavy. Seriously. Automakers are developing new battery technologies to reduce the load.
- Many gas stations have diesel pumps, which are easily confused with gasoline pumps.
- Injecting diesel into a gasoline car can wreak havoc on the system, forcing you to call a tow truck or mechanic.
Self-service refueling is part of driving and owning a vehicle in most states (except New Jersey). At some point, you, as the driver, will probably need to pump the gas yourself. Additionally, at some point you may wonder which nozzle to grab onto your pump.
There are different grades of fuel, and gas stations also have different types of fuel derived from crude oil. Although diesel is available just a few feet away from a gasoline nozzle, it is a completely different type of fuel and only certain vehicles can handle it properly.
Why can’t regular gasoline engines run on diesel?
The first thing to note about diesel is that it is not gasoline, even though it is sold at gas stations. It is a unique type of crude oil derivative that can be used as a fuel in diesel engines, but never in the typical gasoline engines found in most vehicles.
Gasoline and diesel have some important differences that prevent compatibility.
Why are gasoline and diesel different?
- chemical composition
- Ignition method
- Gasoline additive (cleaning agent)
- fuel system design
Gasoline and diesel have different chemical compositions. Moreover, they are ignited in different ways. Gasoline cars rely on internal combustion engines. Diesel cars use compression ignition to ignite the diesel and convert it into usable fuel. Unlike diesel, gasoline contains detergents to avoid lingering deposits. Finally, gasoline and diesel cars have different fuel system designs, so filling either type of vehicle with the wrong fuel can have disastrous consequences.
What happens when you put diesel fuel into a gasoline car?
According to Kelley Blue Book, diesel “has a higher viscosity than gasoline, and highly viscous fuels can clog and damage gas engine injection systems and other components.” Diesel is not intended for gasoline-powered vehicles, so refueling a gasoline-powered vehicle with diesel may cause the engine to shudder or misfire. This can also cause smoke to come out of your car’s tailpipe.
Eventually the engine loses power because it cannot complete the internal combustion process properly as it does with gasoline. When it dies, it stalls and stops spinning. If you accidentally put diesel in your gasoline car, the worst problem isn’t that the car won’t start.
It’s also possible that diesel fuel continues to clog the fuel pump, injectors, and fuel filter. Finally, if you have a gasoline engine vehicle and are refueling it with diesel fuel, there is a good chance that you will need to tow your vehicle.
What would a mechanic do if he put diesel in a gasoline car?
If you accidentally try to refuel a gasoline car with diesel, a professional mechanic will need to empty the gas tank and replace the fuel filter. Fuel injectors and pumps may also need to be replaced. This procedure can cost hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars depending on the extent of the damage.
Although you can protect your vehicle after filling it with the wrong type of fuel, it’s a costly mistake. Before you have such a negative experience, there is a list of sure-fire steps you can follow to differentiate between the two types of fuel.
How to tell the difference between a gasoline pump and a diesel pump
Color and stickers are the easiest way to tell the difference between gasoline and diesel pumps. Diesel pumps are often bright yellow or green, indicating that they are not intended for gasoline buyers. Don’t rely on color alone. The nozzle usually also has a sign indicating the type of fuel being dispensed, such as unleaded, regular, plus, premium, or diesel. Diesel pumps are often located to the side, away from typical gasoline pumps, so the location of the pump may also give you a hint as to the type of fuel.
When in doubt, ask the gas station attendant or worker which pump has your desired fuel type. It may seem like a hassle, but the extra work to make sure you have the right fuel pump for your car can save you hundreds of dollars in repair costs.
