This Mistake at the Gas Pump Could Cost You Thousands

We've all done stupid things at one time or another. One of my recent blunders occurred at the gas station. Being mentally preoccupied, I pulled up to the gas pump, jumped out and slid my credit card through the reader, and then grabbed the nozzle closest to me. That was my first big mistake. What was I thinking--I wasn't! For some strange reason the nozzle would not fit into my gas tank. Of course I kept trying to make it fit. That's a woman for yah. It felt like an episode from the twilight zone. However, the moment of bewilderment instantly passed when I saw in big bold lettering on the pump DIESEL ONLY. I had attempted to use the diesel pump-not the regular unleaded pump. Fortunately for me, the nozzle on the DIESEL gasoline hose was made to fit vehicles that take diesel fuel only; thus not allowing me to pump the wrong gasoline into my tank.

The embarrassment wasn't over yet. Upon entering the store to get my gas receipt, the cashier gave me an earful. She explained that had I been able to get the diesel gasoline into my car it may have destroyed my engine. She recently had an episode with a non-english speaking man that accidentally did just that. Apparently, the diesel nozzle or lip was able to fit into the opening of his tank. The cashier said she had a hard time getting the man to understand not to start his car in order to prevent further damage to the car or his engine. He finally got the message and had the car towed.

I haven't found a lot of advice on this subject. However, a true experience I read on the internet was quite insightful. A young traveling man accidentally put diesel into his vehicle. Because his blunder resulted in a low ratio of diesel to regular gasoline, he filled his tank with regular gasoline and other additional treatments. He drove away and saved his engine. If there had been too much diesel in the tank though he would not have been able to do that. You can read his story at the following blog:
http://blogs.tech-recipes.com/qmchenry/2006/10/13/what-to-do-if-you-get-diesel-fuel-in-your-gas-vehicle/.

So the best rule of thumb is NOT to start your car and call a mechanic. More than likely if there is a question as to how much diesel you have put into the tank, the car will need to be towed. The tank will then need to be drained and cleaned out. This cost will be a lot less than if the diesel has infiltrated your system. Once that happens, repairs may mount into the thousands.

Yes, a lesson can be learned here. When entering a gas station remember where you are. Turn your engine off. Before pumping, carefully read the labeling on the pump. Make sure you have the correct gasoline hose/nozzle. Don't be in a hurry. Be safe and not sorry. Gasoline is already more than most of us can afford. So don't mistakenly put the wrong gasoline in your tank. This is a mistake we CAN avoid.

A Side tip: While we are on the subject of gasoline, the right fuel additive when added to your gasoline tank can prevent gumming of your engine, water, and other clogs from forming. A side perk, is increased mileage. An excellent product that can be added to either diesel or regular gasoline is MPGreen.