Can I mix gasoline and diesel from different gas stations?

When we go to a service station, it is normal that we usually find four types of fuel: 95 unleaded gasoline, 98 unleaded gasoline, e+ diesel and e+10 diesel. The decision between diesel or gasoline is relatively simple, it all depends on the engine with which our vehicle is equipped. Now, things start to get complicated when the question arises: can gasoline and diesel from different gas stations be mixed?

If you mix up the hoses, please note this

Can I mix gasoline and diesel from different gas stations

One of the nightmares that can happen to us in such a daily environment as that of a gas station is that of confusing the hoses. Some hydrocarbon distribution companies have gone overboard with the coolest and most distinctive names, and surely you have hesitated at some time when choosing at the pump, but what happens if I put gasoline in a diesel car?

First of all, you have to know how to understand each one: the main difference is the octane number, a measure that indicates the resistance to detonation of the fuel when it is compressed inside the cylinder of an engine. As Repsol explains, for the combustion process to take place inside the cylinder, the explosion of the gasoline and air mixture must be such that it creates the thrust effect on the piston .

But said push must be smooth and continuous or, otherwise, the mechanics of the car would be affected. Therefore, the higher the octane number, the greater the anti-detonation capacity of the gasoline and the better the engine’s performance . That is when the question arises: can I mix gasoline and diesel from different gas stations?

In the long run it can be harmful

The engines of our cars, in fact, are designed to work using only certain fuels . It is common to see users who use 95-octane gasoline for their cars, while a smaller number of customers use 98-octane gasoline, in theory with greater energy power and higher quality additives used.

On the other hand, it is very common for the vast majority of users of diesel-powered vehicles to use the cheaper diesel, including those that use hybrid technology. However, on specific occasions we may find ourselves with supply problems or that, simply, at the service station where we have to refuel, they do not serve a specific type of fuel. What to do then?

Repostar gasolina diésel coche

In these cases, many drivers find themselves in the situation of having to refuel their car with a fuel that was not the same as the one they refueled the previous time. Is that a problem for the health of our engine? In principle, we should not worry , so that the only damage that we are going to find will be in the pocket due to the different prices of fuels… yes, in the long run it can be detrimental to the engine.

It is best to always keep the same

In the event that the vehicle runs on 95 gasoline, putting the 98 octane will not bring any benefit to the engine. On the other hand, using 95 on a 98 engine will reduce engine performance and increase both fuel economy and emissions.

In any case, once we decide on one fuel or another, it is best to always keep the same and not alternate. As such, Repsol’s explanation is also simple: when filling a diesel tank with gasoline, the engine will start and run with certain difficulties ( jerks, backfires ) but finally it will stop. If it runs for a long time on gasoline, the diesel engine will have various faults: the injectors will be damaged, the injection pump will fail, etc.

It will be necessary to stop as soon as possible, fill the tank and clean all the parts of the engine where there is gasoline. However, if you don’t add a lot of gasoline, there won’t be much of a problem, since the mixture will burn without further consequences. Even the solvent in gasoline will help clean the diesel engine.