What should I do if I put the wrong octane in my car?

You may notice a knocking sound in the engine, called “pinging.” This early ignition of fuel can cause serious engine damage. You’ll save a few dollars at the gas pump, but spend hundreds more on engine repair. As soon as you notice the mistake, stop filling your tank and call our team at 616.796.

What happens if you put the wrong fuel pump in your car?

If you only put in a couple gallons of diesel and then realize your mistake, then your car will still be OK, but it will likely run poorly for some time. The fuel will simply remain in the tank, where it can damage the car’s injectors, lines, and fuel pump. Do not start your car if it is filled with diesel.

What happens if you put 89 gas in a car that takes 87?

Is it okay to mix 87 octane and 89 octane fuel together in my car? Yes. You will not harm your car by mixing different octane grades of the same gasoline providing your car’s engine is designed to run on less than 89 octane fuel and you are not using E85 in a non-E85 compatible engine.

What to do if I accidentally put 87 instead of 93?

If you usually fill your tank up with 87-octane gasoline and you accidentally put in a higher octane blend (say, 91, 92, or 93), don’t worry. You’re actually filling your car or truck with a different blend of gas, which means it will burn differently in your engine.

Can you mix unleaded and premium?

Can I mix premium and unleaded gas? Yes, drivers can mix the two types of fuel. The combined gas types will result in an octane level somewhere in the middle — something the vehicle “will survive,” according to The Drive.

Will high octane gas hurt my car?

The higher octane gives premium gas greater resistance to early fuel ignition, which can result in potential damage, sometimes accompanied by audible engine knocking or pinging. If you use premium fuel because your engine knocks on regular, you are treating the symptom, not the cause.

Can you mix different octane gas?

Yes, drivers can mix the two types of fuel. The combined gas types will result in an octane level somewhere in the middle — something the vehicle “will survive,” according to The Drive.

Will it hurt to put regular gas in a premium car?

Most cars on the road recommend a standard grade 87 or 89. Premium gas 90-93 is completely okay to put in a standard vehicle. Car experts say there is no risk of damage to a standard car using premium fuel.

What should I do if my car is using low octane fuel?

If you have filled your engine with a lower octane fuel than it requires then you should switch back to premium high-octane fuel as soon as possible. If you have been using lower octane fuel for an extended period of time it is best to get some diagnostics run by your mechanic to check for any lasting damage.

Does octane matter in a car?

For some types of cars, gas octane really does matter, and putting low octane into a car that requires high octane can cause problems. Here’s how to fix them. Accidentally pumping regular 87 octane gas into a car that requires 93 octane may cause the ‘Check Engine’ light to come on.

Can 87 octane gas cause check engine light to come on?

Accidentally pumping regular 87 octane gas into a car that requires 93 octane may cause the ‘Check Engine’ light to come on. Vehicle computers can compensate for less than optimal octane by reducing ignition timing.

What does the octane rating mean on gasoline?

The octane rating is a measurement of the fuels ability to resist knocking or pinging as the fuel is combusted in your car’s engine. Typically, the higher the octane rating, the higher the price. Related: Which Gas Should I Use?