Petrol in a diesel-when would you know?

[ScrubbyDubby]

Help! I’ve just filled the car up and drove approx 2 miles home, was in a rush so I didn’t stop to get the receipt. Now I have the fear that I’ve put petrol in it by accident, how soon would I know if I had?

You would know straight away I think.

Or is that the other way around ?

I got about 800 m when I did this.

DH did this, we parked up at our destination less than a mile from the petrol station with no problems. When we went to go, the car refused to start. I reckon you’d know by now. Can you get a whiff from the filler cap? They smell pretty different.

It’s not the end of the world if you have - firms will come out and swap over the fuel. Our car was fine after it had been treated.

It is worse the other way around but can you fill up the rest of the tank with diesel to dilute it?

Hi OP
I managed to do it twice in a year (don't ask!). The first time I realised before I'd left the garage but the second time I didn't realise until the car started coughing but that was less than a mile from the garage.
Hope you haven't done it - luckily I was covered on insurance so just had the embarrassment factor.

I've only done it once. Drove home no problem but it wouldn't start the next day.

I did this recently although I realise as soon as I finished filling.

I asked the recovery guy some questions though. He said you may be able to drive miles before realising and it is quite common!

I was so embarrassed! Was an expensive mistake. Cost £200 to get the fuel removed but then obviously had to refill again with the right fuel!! Nightmare.

Ok, fingers crossed I haven’t. Seemed to run fine so hopefully just being paranoid, I might go and give the fuel cap a sniff...

I don't understand why car/petrol pump manufacturers make different sizes so it is impossible to misfuel

AnyFucker Yes! I always think this. I think diesel pumps are too large to fit a petrol tank but they really need something to stop people putting petrol in a diesel

Phew. I have a petrol car. This dounds like something I would do unless there was something to prevent me....

Depending on how much you put in and how much was already in the tank you could get anyway from half a mile to 10 miles I would think

DH has done this twice.

First time already had a 3rd tank diesel so got a few KM and parked. Went to drive again and it wouldn't start. A lot of damage done and cost $$$$$ to fix.

Second time same thing but he realised before he got very far, drove straight to a mechanic and they emptied the tank and flushed the lines or whatever it is they do. Didn't cost too much as no permanent damage was done.