Diesel in a Gas Car? We Can Help.

Written By Laura Willius

Recently in Denver, a fuel delivery mix-up led to diesel being accidentally placed into unleaded fuel tanks at several gas stations around town. Unfortunately, that means some drivers unknowingly filled their gas-powered vehicles with diesel — and didn’t realize anything was wrong until their car started running poorly or wouldn’t start at all.

If this happened to you, take a breath. You’re not alone, and Central Park Auto is here to help.

What Happens When Diesel Goes Into a Gas Engine?

Diesel fuel is thicker and burns very differently than gasoline. When it enters a gas engine, it can cause:

  • Hard starting or no-start conditions

  • Rough running or stalling

  • Engine misfires

  • Fuel system contamination

The good news? If addressed quickly, serious damage can often be avoided.

What to Do Immediately

If you suspect diesel was pumped into your gas vehicle:

  • Do not start the car (or turn it off as soon as it feels wrong)

  • Do not attempt to “drive it out” — that can make the damage worse

  • Have the vehicle towed to a trusted shop

How Central Park Auto Helps

We’ve helped many Denver drivers through this exact situation. Here’s what we do:

  • Confirm the issue by checking fuel type, symptoms, and fault codes

  • Safely drain and flush the fuel tank to remove contaminated fuel

  • Clean or replace affected fuel system components as needed

  • Replace spark plugs or filters if diesel residue is present

  • Test thoroughly to ensure your car is running properly before it leaves our shop

Every situation is a little different, and we’ll walk you through exactly what your car needs — no guesswork, no pressure.

Why Acting Fast Matters

The sooner diesel contamination is addressed, the more likely it is that:

  • Repairs are simpler

  • Costs are lower

  • Long-term engine damage is avoided

If you stopped driving quickly, that’s a big win.

We’re Your Neighborhood Safety Net

At Central Park Auto, we’re a family-owned shop rooted right here in the neighborhood. We own our building, we’re not going anywhere, and we take pride in helping our neighbors through unexpected situations like this.

If you think diesel ended up in your gas car — or you’re just not sure — give us a call or stop by. We’re happy to take a look and help you figure out next steps.

📍 Corner of E 25th Ave & Dayton Street
📞 Call us 303-321-8880 or book online
🕗 Open Monday–Saturday

You don’t have to navigate this alone. We’ve got you.

Laura Willius
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