Accidentally Putting Power Steering Fluid in a Gas Tank: What to Do?

Have you ever accidentally poured power steering fluid into your gas tank? If so, this guide is for you. Power steering fluid is a hydralic fluid, not gasoline, and putting it in your fuel tank can lead to serious engine issues. Here’s how to address this critical problem efficiently.

Do Not Start the Engine

Finding out that you’ve mixed your power steering fluid with gasoline is alarming, but the first step is crucial: do not start the engine. Starting the engine can mix the power steering fluid with the fuel and cause it to travel through the engine carburetors or fuel injectors, potentially leading to serious engine damage. The best approach is to avoid running the vehicle altogether until you can properly address the issue.

Tow the Vehicle to a Professional Mechanic

The safest course of action is to have your vehicle towed to a professional mechanic. Avoid driving the vehicle yourself, as driving can cause further contamination of your fuel system and exacerbate the problem. Professional assistance is essential to diagnose and repair the damage accurately.

Drain the Fuel Tank

Once at the mechanic, the first step is to drain the fuel tank. This may involve physically removing the fuel tank or using a siphon to remove as much contaminated fuel as possible. The mechanic will carefully extract both the fuel and the mixed power steering fluid to minimize the risk of further contamination.

Inspect the Fuel System

After the fuel tank is drained, a thorough inspection of the fuel system is necessary. The mechanic should check the fuel lines, the fuel pump, and the fuel injectors for any signs of damage or contamination. This includes ensuring that the fuel lines and injectors are functioning correctly and not clogged by the power steering fluid.

Refill with Proper Fuel

Once the fuel tank is clean and the fuel system is inspected, it is safe to refill the tank with the correct type of fuel. It’s important to ensure that all remnants of power steering fluid are removed, as even small amounts can cause issues. Refilling the tank with the correct fuel will help your vehicle function properly once again.

Monitor the Vehicle after Refueling

After refueling, monitor your vehicle closely for any unusual behavior. Look out for rough idling, decreased performance, or any other issues that might indicate the engine is not running as expected. If you notice any of these signs, report them to your mechanic immediately so they can assess the situation further.

Accidentally mixing power steering fluid and gasoline can be a serious issue, but with prompt and professional action, you can mitigate the damage. Always handle fuel-related issues with caution and seek the expertise of a qualified mechanic when necessary.