Accidentally fueled my car with E 85 instead of Unleaded 87?

2023 KIA CARNIVAL
2,900 MILES
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WESSELVORSTER
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Good day, I was wondering if someone could give advice. I accidentally fueled my car with E 85 instead of Unleaded 87. Should I go into the dealer to drain the tank, or would it be okay running like this and topping it off with a higher-octane fuel?
Sep 2, 2023 at 8:54 AM
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CANNON1349
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Hello,

If your vehicle is under warranty, I would ask if it is covered under the warranty to drain the gas and flush out the system. In a fuel system designed for gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher, ethanol 85 can damage the fuel lines and even the engine over time, as it is very corrosive. Otherwise, if damage occurs as a result of this, the warranty will be voided when they find that it is/was filled with ethanol gas.

Hope this helps,
William
Sep 2, 2023 at 6:17 PM
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STRAILER
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Accidentally fueling your vehicle with E85 instead of Unleaded 87 can lead to potential issues due to the differences in ethanol content and combustion properties between the two fuels. Here's some advice on how to proceed:

1. Do Not Drive:
If you've realized that you've fueled your vehicle with E85, it's best not to drive the vehicle until you've taken appropriate steps to address the situation. Running the engine with the wrong fuel could lead to poor performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential damage to the engine components.

2. Do Not Top Off:
Adding Unleaded 87 to the E85 in an attempt to dilute the mixture is generally not recommended. The ethanol content in E85 is significantly higher than in regular gasoline, and trying to dilute it may not effectively address the issue.

3. Contact a Mechanic or Towing Service:
Your best course of action is to have the fuel tank drained and refueled with the correct fuel. Ethanol has different properties compared to gasoline, and using E85 in an engine not designed for it can potentially lead to damage over time. Contact a mechanic or towing service to have your vehicle taken to a repair shop or dealership.

4. Visit a Repair Facility:
Once you've had your vehicle towed to a repair facility, they can drain the fuel tank of the E85 and ensure that any remaining fuel lines and components are properly flushed. It's a good idea to consult with a professional mechanic or the dealership's service center to assess the situation and provide guidance on any additional steps needed to ensure your vehicle's proper operation.
Sep 2, 2023 at 6:18 PM
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