Did you put petrol in your diesel car (or vice versa)? How do you proceed at the Alfa rent a car Cluj office?

Filling a car with the wrong fuel is a more common mistake than you might think, especially when you frequently switch between petrol and diesel cars. If you have rented a car from the Alfa rent a car Cluj company and accidentally put petrol in a diesel engine or vice versa, it is important to act quickly to minimize the damage. In this article, we will explain what steps to take immediately, what consequences may occur and how you can prevent such situations in the future.

1. What to do IMMEDIATELY after misfeeding

 DO NOT start the engine!

If you realize while you're still at the pump that you've chosen the wrong fuel, don't start the engine. Starting the car will circulate the wrong fuel through the system, causing costly damage.

Turn off the power and move the machine to safety.

• If you have already poured the wrong fuel, turn off the pump immediately.
• If the car is still stopped, do not start it – put it in neutral and push it to a safe place (e.g., the service station parking lot).

Call rental assistance or a mechanic

• If the car is rented from the Alfa rent a car Cluj airport Avram Iancu agency, contact us immediately at the assistance number.
• If it is your personal car, call a specialized service or roadside assistance service.

Document the situation

        Take pictures of the fuel pump (if it was a station error).
        Keep your fuel receipt.
        Note how much fuel was already in the tank before refueling.

2. What are the consequences of improper feeding?

Gasoline in diesel engine

        Diesel has lubricating properties, while gasoline is a diluent, causing friction between parts.
        The injection pump and injectors may be destroyed.
        Filters and pipes can become clogged.
        Repairs can cost hundreds or thousands of euros, depending on the damage.

Diesel in gasoline engine (less serious, but still dangerous)

        Gasoline burns faster, and diesel can cause spark plug fouling and deposits.
        The catalytic converter and oxygen sensors may be damaged.
        The engine may have ignition problems and excessive smoke.

Repair requires complete emptying of the tank

        If you did NOT start the engine, it can be resolved by draining the wrong fuel and cleaning the system.
        If you have been driving, the engine may require disassembly and complete flushing of the fuel system.

3. How do you avoid misfeeding in the future?

Check any markings on the car

        Many cars have stickers near the tank (e.g. "Diesel Only").

Beware of fuel pumps

        Diesel pumps have a larger diameter and do not fit into the fuel inlets of gasoline cars (but the opposite is possible!).
        Diesel pumps are black while gasoline pumps are green.
        Be extra careful when renting a car with a different type of engine
        If you usually drive diesel and you bought a gasoline car (or vice versa), check 2-3 times before refueling.

4. What does wrong fuel insurance cover?

        On rental cars, some insurance policies DO NOT cover damage caused by misfueling, as it is considered a driver error.
        Check the terms of the contract before renting.
        In case of major damage, the costs may be borne by the user.

 

Conclusion

A car misfueling is a serious problem, but if you act quickly and don't start the engine, you can avoid major damage. If you have rented a car from the Alfa Car Rental Cluj office and are experiencing this situation, call us immediately for assistance.

Drive carefully and always check the fuel type before refueling!

 

 

 

 

For NON-STOP reservations at Alfa Rent a Car Cluj please contact us:

0748.166.966
contact@alfarentacar.ro