Fuel, if you think it’s over

Which is worse: petrol in a diesel car or diesel in a petrol car and why?

Asked on 21 January 2010 by GR, via email

Answered by Honest John

Petrol in a diesel car removes the lubricity in the fuel and causes the fuel injection pump to damage itself sending shards of metal into the injectors. The cost can be anything from £2,500 upwards.

Diesel in a petrol car will just gum it up and as long as it doesn't get into the catalytic converter there may be no further damage. A proper fuel system clean at about £250 should sort it out.

Tags: petrol diesels advice

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