1. Engine Damage: Diesel oil has a higher ignition point than petrol, meaning it doesn't vaporise as easily. This can lead to poor combustion, causing engine knocking, higher emissions, and reduced performance.
2. Fuel System Issues: Diesel oil has different properties than petrol and may not flow as effectively through the fuel lines, filters, and injectors of a petrol engine, causing clogs, leaks, or premature failure of the fuel system components.
3. Low Engine Temperatures: Diesel oil's higher viscosity means the fuel burns slower, leading to lower engine operating temperatures, which can affect the efficiency of the catalytic converter and compromise its ability to reduce harmful emissions.
4. Injector Issues: Petrol engines use high-pressure fuel injectors designed for petrol's specific characteristics. Diesel oil's different properties may cause the injectors to malfunction or become clogged, affecting fuel flow and engine performance.
5. Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Diesel oil's higher viscosity and lower energy content can result in reduced fuel efficiency compared to running the car on petrol.
6. Warning Lights: Using diesel in a petrol car can trigger various warning lights on the dashboard, indicating issues with the engine, fuel system, or emissions control systems.
7. Engine Seizure: In extreme cases, running a petrol car on diesel oil for a prolonged period can cause the engine to seize or suffer catastrophic damage requiring extensive repairs or even engine replacement.
It's crucial to avoid putting diesel oil in a petrol car and always double-check the fuel type before refuelling. If you accidentally fill your petrol car with diesel, it's best to stop driving immediately, have the vehicle towed to a repair shop, and have a professional drain the diesel fuel from the tank and fuel system to avoid potential damage.
