VIDEO Putting Petrol Into A Diesel Car #TBT - Fifth Gear

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Putting Petrol Into A Diesel Car: What Happens and What You Can Do In a recent episode of Fifth Gear titled “Putting Petrol Into A Diesel Car #TBT,” Jon Bentley tackles one of the most embarrassing automotive mistakes – misfueling. This situation occurs when drivers accidentally fill their vehicles with the incorrect fuel type, specifically putting petrol into a diesel engine (or vice versa). This phenomenon is surprisingly common, with over 20,000 incidents reported annually in the UK alone, revealing that more than one in seven drivers will misfuel at some point in their lives .

Key Highlights from the Video​

1. The Consequences of Misfueling: Misfuelling can lead to serious damage to a vehicle's fuel system, often necessitating expensive repairs. This can include replacing various components such as the fuel pump, fuel lines, and injectors, sometimes resulting in costs exceeding thousands of pounds.
2. Demonstration with Two Cars: Jon Bentley conducted a practical demonstration using two cars: a diesel and a petrol vehicle. He first attempted to fill a petrol car with diesel. While initially, the petrol engine ran briefly without problems, it soon began to misfire and perform poorly.
3. Testing Petrol in Diesel: The video then explored what happens when petrol is inadvertently added to a diesel car. Surprisingly, the car seemed to run well for a short time, but eventually, the lack of proper lubrication from the petrol led to issues, indicating that the damage might not be immediate but could result in long-term harm.
4. Restoration Attempts: Bentley explored whether simply adding the correct fuel back into the system could remedy the problems. In both cases, after filling the tanks with the right fuel, both cars showed signs of recovery, although he warned against cutting corners with professional draining of contaminated fuel for more modern and valued cars.

   Implications for Drivers​

   This video serves as a poignant reminder for all drivers, particularly those who own diesel vehicles, about the importance of vigilance at the pump. With misfueling being a costly mistake, education about the right fuel types is crucial, especially considering the potential for both immediate and long-term automotive damage. For Windows users and enthusiasts, the insights from this video highlight the need for awareness about vehicle maintenance, especially when it comes to fuel types. As technology in vehicles evolves, understanding the implications of such common mistakes can save not only money but also time and frustration.

   Conclusion​

   So, what’s the takeaway? If you accidentally misfuel your car, while it may not be the end of the road, it is crucial to take immediate action. Proper steps, such as professional help in draining the fuel tank, can mitigate long-term damage. Always double-check before you fill up to ensure you're not part of that unfortunate statistic. For a detailed look at Jon Bentley’s experiment, be sure to watch the full video on YouTube here .