What to Do If You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car
Putting the wrong fuel in your car is a mistake that can happen to any driver. Whether you have filled a petrol car with diesel or a diesel car with petrol, taking the right action promptly can help limit contamination and reduce the risk of further damage.
Do not start the engine or switch on the ignition. Keep the vehicle switched off and seek professional advice before attempting to drive it. This blog explains what to do after misfuelling, how different fuel combinations affect your vehicle, and how professional wrong fuel removal works.
Follow these immediate steps:
Following below steps can help minimise the risk of further fuel-system contamination. Keep the vehicle switched off until a qualified mechanic handle the situation and advises on the next steps.
01
Keep the Engine Off
Do not start the vehicle or turn on the ignition. Some vehicles activate their fuel pumps when the ignition is switched on.
02
Remove the nozzle safely and inform fuel station staff about the mistake.
Remove the nozzle safely and inform fuel station staff about the mistake.
03
Move the Vehicle Safely
If the car needs to be moved, ask the fuel station staff for help. Do not try to push it yourself if there is traffic or the area is unsafe.
04
Contact a Specialist
Tell them which fuel you added, approximately how much went into the tank, and whether you started the engine.
05
Avoid DIY Fuel Removal
Do not try to drain the tank yourself. Contact a qualified mechanic to remove the wrong fuel safely.
What Happens If You Start the Car After Putting in the Wrong Fuel?
Starting the engine can circulate the wrong fuel through the system, increasing the risk of damage. Petrol in a diesel vehicle can reduce lubrication for fuel-system components, while diesel in a petrol vehicle can disrupt combustion.
The level of damage depends on the type of vehicle, the amount of incorrect fuel used, and how long the engine has been running. If you have already begun driving, pull over to a safe location, turn off the engine, and contact a professional for assistance before attempting to restart the vehicle.
How Does the Wrong Fuel Affect Different Cars?
The effects of putting the wrong fuel in a car depend on the fuel combination and the vehicle’s fuel system. Petrol in a diesel car can reduce fuel-system lubrication, while diesel in a petrol car can interfere with normal combustion. Both situations can cause starting problems, poor engine performance and potential damage, particularly if the engine is started or driven.
Petrol in a Diesel Car
Diesel fuel lubricates components within many diesel fuel systems, including the high-pressure fuel pump. Putting petrol in a diesel car reduces this lubrication, increasing friction and the risk of damage to the pump and injectors. If contaminated fuel circulates through the system, repairs may extend beyond draining the tank.
The required work depends on the amount of petrol added and whether the engine was operated. Do not assume a small quantity is harmless. A specialist can assess the contamination and determine whether fuel extraction, cleaning or further repairs are necessary.
Diesel in a Petrol Car
Diesel in a petrol vehicle can interfere with the engine’s normal combustion process. If the engine runs, symptoms may include rough idling, misfiring, smoke, reduced power or stalling. The vehicle may also struggle to start.
Avoid restarting the engine after discovering the mistake. The amount of diesel added and whether the fuel circulated through the system will influence the recovery procedure. Professional assessm
What Are the Signs of Wrong Fuel in a Car?
Symptoms can appear after contaminated fuel reaches the engine, although some vehicles may initially show no obvious problems. The following signs can indicate a fuel-related issue, particularly when they occur shortly after refuelling.
Difficulty Starting
The engine struggles to start or will not restart
Rough Running
The engine misfires, shakes or runs unevenly
Loss of Power
Acceleration becomes weak or inconsistent
Engine Stalling
The vehicle stops running unexpectedly
Excessive Smoke
Unusual exhaust smoke appears after refuelling
Abnormal Engine Noises
Knocking or rattling develops while the engine runs
How Is Wrong Fuel Removed From a Car?
Wrong fuel removal involves removing the wrong fuel from the tank and checking the fuel system for damage. The process depends on the vehicle, how much wrong fuel was added, and whether the engine was started or driven. These details help the technician decide how to remove the fuel and whether further cleaning or repairs are needed.
The process usually includes:
- Initial Check: Confirming the fuel combination, quantity added and vehicle condition.
- Fuel Removal: Remove the wrong fuel from the tank using suitable equipment.
- Fuel System Inspection: Check the fuel lines, filters, injectors and other parts for possible damage.
- Cleaning and Refilling: Carrying out any necessary cleaning before adding the correct fuel
- Final Checks: Check the vehicle's condition and identify any further repairs required.
The work required varies depending on the vehicle and whether the engine has been running. If the incorrect fuel in the car has circulated through the system, additional cleaning or repairs may be necessary. A qualified technician can assess the vehicle and recommend the appropriate steps in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
How Much Does Wrong Fuel Removal Cost in Victoria?
The cost of wrong fuel recovery in Victoria depends on the vehicle, the amount of incorrect fuel added, and whether the engine has been started or driven. Additional cleaning, repairs or towing may increase the overall cost if the wrong fuel has affected other parts of the fuel system.
Before proceeding, request a quote that outlines the work required and any additional charges. Check whether the price includes fuel removal, cleaning, fresh fuel, diagnostic checks and call-out fees.
Can a Mobile Mechanic Help With Wrong Fuel Removal?
Yes, mobile mechanics can often provide wrong fuel removal at your location. A mobile fuel rescue service may be able to drain the fuel tank and carry out the necessary checks at a petrol station, workplace or another suitable location. If further repairs are needed or the vehicle cannot be serviced at the location, a towing service may be required to transport it to a workshop.
How Can You Prevent Putting the Wrong Fuel in Your Car?
Checking the fuel type before refuelling can help prevent costly mistakes. This is particularly important when driving a rental car, using a shared vehicle or refuelling a car you are unfamiliar with.
- Check the Fuel Type: Confirm whether your vehicle uses petrol or diesel by checking the fuel cap label or owner’s manual.
- Check the Pump Label: Make sure the fuel selected at the pump matches your vehicle’s requirements.
- Stay Focused: Avoid distractions while refuelling and double-check your selection before dispensing fuel.
- Ask when Unsure: If you are unsure which fuel to use, check with service station staff before filling the tank.
If you notice a mistake before starting the engine, leave it switched off and seek professional advice. Acting promptly can help limit contamination and the work required.
Need Help After Putting the Wrong Fuel in Your Car?
If you have put the wrong fuel in your car, keep the engine switched off and seek professional assistance. Startamotive provides wrong fuel rescue services with on-site fuel removal available where suitable. Call 03 9744 7077 or 0437 451 077, or email startamotive@hotmail.com to discuss your needs and the possible recovery options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a small amount of the wrong fuel safe?
Do not assume a small amount is harmless. The risk depends on the vehicle, fuel combination and quantity added. Seek professional advice before starting the engine.
Can I add the correct fuel to dilute the wrong fuel?
Do not attempt to dilute the contaminated fuel yourself. Adding more fuel does not guarantee that the mixture will be safe for your vehicle. Ask a qualified specialist what recovery procedure is appropriate.
Can wrong fuel be removed at a petrol station?
A specialist may be able to drain the tank on-site if the vehicle and location are suitable. Some incidents require towing or further workshop repairs. The recovery provider can advise after assessing the circumstances.
Does car insurance cover wrong fuel removal?
Insurance coverage depends on your policy and the circumstances of the incident. Check your policy wording and contact your insurer before assuming fuel removal, towing or repairs are covered.
