Filling Station Mixes Up Diesel and Gasoline
The Olerex filling station in Õismäe accidentally introduced a small amount of diesel fuel into its gasoline tanks. The mistake was discovered after over 3,000 liters had been pumped into consumers' vehicles.
Olerex apologized for the September 25 mixup and promised to compensate any damage.
"Having discovered the error, we immediately stopped selling 95 gasoline and replaced it with 98 octane. We advised customers by e-mail and text message and asked them to undergo a free inspection if the engine was not working properly calling 1888, Falck Autoabi OÜ," AS Olerex marketing director Liina Kivimägi said.
The case affected about 30 cars and most of them have since taken action, having the contaminated fuel pumped out of the tanks. Automotive experts say while marginally better than filling a diesel car with gasoline, both situations can potentially cause damage.
"Both are bad things," said Raido Rosenfeld, of Elke Auto in Tallinn. "You have to empty the fuel tank and clean the fuel system. There might be damage to the injectors or some other part like the fuel filter, but usually it will quit before then.
"Actually, it is more common than you would think. We have customers fairly regularly that have cases like that. Usually a tow truck will bring them in."
Rosenfeld estimated that it would cost a little less than 160 euros for repairs in such a situation.