What to Do If You Fill Your Car with the Wrong Fuel

Accidentally filling your car with the wrong fuel—whether petrol in a diesel vehicle or diesel in a petrol car—can happen to anyone. While this mistake can be costly, taking the right steps immediately can help minimize damage to your vehicle. Here’s a guide on what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

1. Recognize the Mistake Early

The sooner you realize that you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car, the better. If you notice the mistake while you’re still at the petrol station, do not start your engine. Starting the engine can circulate the wrong fuel through the system, causing more damage.

2. Don’t Start the Engine

If you’ve already started the engine, turn it off as soon as you realize the mistake. Driving the car will allow the wrong fuel to move through the fuel lines and engine, leading to potential damage.

3. Put the Car in Neutral

If possible, push the car to a safe place out of the way of other vehicles. This will keep the situation contained until help arrives.

4. Call for Professional Help

Contact a professional fuel drain service immediately. These services are equipped to remove the wrong fuel from your vehicle safely and efficiently. If you have breakdown cover, your provider may offer this service as part of your policy.

5. Be Honest with the Service Provider

When the fuel drain technician arrives, be clear about how much of the wrong fuel you’ve added and whether or not you’ve started the engine. This information will help them assess the situation and take the appropriate action.

6. Let the Professionals Handle It

Allow the fuel drain service to fully empty your fuel tank, clean the system, and refill it with the correct fuel. Even if the engine has not been started, it’s important to have the tank and lines cleaned to prevent any residual wrong fuel from causing problems later.

7. Understand the Potential Damage

If you’ve driven the car with the wrong fuel, there’s a risk of more serious damage to the engine, fuel injectors, and other components. After draining the fuel, your mechanic may suggest additional inspections or repairs, depending on how far you drove.

8. Prevent Future Mistakes

To avoid filling up with the wrong fuel again, consider using fuel cap reminders or stickers that clearly indicate the correct fuel type for your car. Some drivers also find it helpful to stick to the same petrol station or pump to avoid confusion.

Petrol in a Diesel Car vs. Diesel in a Petrol Car

• Petrol in a Diesel Car: This is the more common mistake and can be more damaging. Diesel engines rely on fuel to lubricate components, and petrol acts as a solvent, reducing this lubrication and leading to significant wear and tear.
• Diesel in a Petrol Car: This is less common and usually less harmful, as diesel won’t ignite properly in a petrol engine. However, it can still cause issues, particularly if the car is driven after the mistake.

Filling your car with the wrong fuel is an easy mistake to make, but it can lead to serious problems if not addressed quickly. By taking immediate action and contacting a professional, you can minimize damage and get back on the road with minimal fuss. Always double-check before refueling to ensure you’re using the correct fuel for your vehicle.

Buying a used VW. Buying used vauxhall, BMW, Jaguar, Ford, Volvo, Range rover, Bentley, Aston Martin, Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Hyundai, Tesla, Honda, Pagani