Sylvie Willis
Putting the wrong fuel in your car can be stressful and lead to serious problems. If you realise your mistake while still at the pump, you can take immediate action to minimise damage. However, if you've already driven away, the situation becomes more complicated, and prompt action is essential to prevent serious vehicle issues. If you've put diesel in a petrol car, do not start the engine as diesel is thicker and oilier than gasoline and can clog the fuel injectors and filters. If you've put petrol in a diesel car, the engine may not start because diesel engines rely on diesel fuel's lubricating properties, which gasoline lacks. In either case, you should drain the fuel system as soon as possible.
What to do after putting the wrong fuel in your car
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Realisation of mistake | Before starting the car, do not start the engine. If you have already started driving, stop in a safe place. |
| Notify staff | Let the staff at the petrol station know what has happened. |
| Turn off the engine | If it is safe to do so, turn off the engine immediately to prevent the wrong fuel from circulating in the system. |
| Move the car | Put the car in neutral and move it to a safe place. |
| Call for help | Contact a mechanic or auto repair service. |
| Drain the fuel | Get the incorrect fuel drained from the tank and the system flushed. |
| Check for damage | Get your car thoroughly inspected for any damage to the fuel system or engine. |
| Repairs | Depending on the extent of damage, repairs can be costly and time-consuming. In some cases, the engine may need to be replaced. |
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What You'll Learn
Don't start the engine
If you've put the wrong fuel in your car, the most important thing is to not start the engine. The wrong fuel can cause serious issues with your engine, and the damage is likely to be worse if the car is running. Misfueling can be a costly mistake, so it's important to act quickly.
If you've put diesel in a gas car, do not start the engine. Diesel is thicker and oilier than gasoline, and it can clog the fuel injectors and filters. If the engine is started, the car might run poorly, produce excessive smoke, and eventually stall. Long-term damage can occur if diesel circulates through the fuel system, which may necessitate extensive repairs.
Similarly, putting gasoline in a diesel car is also a serious mistake. Diesel engines rely on the lubricating properties of diesel fuel, which gasoline lacks. Without this lubrication, parts of the engine may grind together and cause significant damage. As with a gas car filled with diesel, the fuel system will need to be drained, and damage to the fuel pump and injectors must be addressed. In some cases, a complete engine rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
If you realise your mistake while still at the pump, you can take immediate action to minimise damage. The first step is to notify the staff at the petrol station. Then, turn off the engine immediately if it's safe to do so. If not, pull over to a safe spot as soon as possible. Putting the car in neutral will make it easier to move the car to a safe location.
From here, you will need to call a breakdown assistance provider or a professional mechanic and explain that you've misfuelled your car. They will be able to provide guidance and assess the situation, especially if you've driven the car. Depending on the extent of the damage, the specialist may need to drain and flush the fuel system. Be prepared for potential towing if the damage is severe and the car needs to be taken to a garage for further repairs.
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Call for help and get the car towed
If you've put the wrong fuel in your car, don't panic. Thousands of people make the same mistake every year, and solutions are available. However, it's important to act quickly to prevent further damage to your car.
If you haven't turned the ignition yet, do not do so. The most serious damage from misfuelling occurs after turning on the ignition. If you've already started driving, the damage is likely to be greater, but the process is the same: stop in a safe place, turn the car off, and leave it in neutral.
Call a breakdown assistance provider and explain the situation. Be prepared to wait for a recovery specialist to arrive and assess the situation. Depending on where you are, waiting times can be around an hour. If the damage is severe, the recovery specialist will arrange towing so that the engine can be reconditioned in a garage. This can be time-consuming and costly.
If you've added a significant amount of the wrong fuel, you'll need to seek professional help. A mechanic or fuel removal specialist can drain the fuel tank and flush the fuel system to prevent further damage. Repairs can be expensive, and in some cases, the engine may need to be replaced entirely.
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Drain the fuel
If you've put the wrong fuel in your car, it's important to act quickly to prevent further damage. Firstly, do not start the engine. If you've already driven away from the pump, pull over to a safe spot, turn off the engine, and leave the car in neutral. This will prevent the wrong fuel from circulating in the system.
Next, you'll need to call a breakdown assistance provider or a professional mechanic, such as a mobile mechanic, and explain the situation. They will be able to provide guidance and assess the damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, the remedial process may involve draining and flushing the fuel system. This typically involves a professional draining the incorrect fuel from the tank and flushing the system.
If a small amount of the wrong fuel has been used, it may be possible to simply fill the rest of the tank with the correct fuel to dilute the contaminated fuel and prevent significant harm. However, if a significant amount of the wrong fuel has been used, more extensive repairs may be necessary.
The cost of repair can be significant, and in some cases, the engine may need to be replaced entirely. Therefore, it is always important to double-check the fuel type recommended for your car and be aware of any warning signs, such as unusual engine noises or reduced performance.
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Check for damage
Putting the wrong fuel in your car can lead to serious problems and costly repairs. If you've put the wrong type of fuel in your car, the first thing to do is not to panic. Thousands of people make the same mistake every year, and solutions are available.
If you realize the mistake before starting the car, avoid turning on the engine. Call for help and have the car towed to a mechanic or auto repair service. The next step is to drain the fuel and flush the system.
After this, it is important to check for damage. Have your car thoroughly inspected for any damage to the fuel system or engine. The wrong fuel can damage your fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, pistons, and catalytic converter. If you've put diesel in a petrol car, it may clog up the system, and if you've put petrol in a diesel car, it may damage the seals. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs can cost thousands of dollars, and in some cases, the engine may need to be replaced entirely.
If you've added more than three percent of petrol to a diesel car, you may experience decreased engine performance, stalling, and possibly even engine damage. In this case, it's important to get the car checked out by a professional mechanic to determine the extent of the damage and whether the car can be driven.
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Contact your insurance company
If you've put the wrong fuel in your car, it's important to act quickly to minimise any damage. While your car insurance company probably won't cover the costs of flushing and removing the wrong fuel, it's worth checking with them. They may also be able to recommend a reputable mechanic or repair service.
If you've added more than 3% of the wrong type of fuel, you may experience decreased engine performance, stalling, and even engine damage. In this case, it's important to get your car checked out by a professional mechanic to determine the extent of the damage. Depending on the severity of the damage, repairs can cost thousands of dollars, and in some cases, the engine may need to be replaced entirely.
If you've only used a small amount of the wrong fuel, you may be able to dilute it by filling the rest of the tank with the correct fuel. However, if you've used a significant amount of the wrong fuel, you will need to seek professional help to drain the fuel tank and flush the fuel system.
Putting diesel in a petrol car is less serious than putting petrol in a diesel car. Diesel will coat spark plugs and the fuel system, leading to misfiring, smoking, stalling, or failure to start. Putting petrol in a diesel car can be particularly harmful as petrol lacks the lubricating properties of diesel, leading to increased friction and heat buildup, which can cause damage to the engine's components.
Remember, if you realise your mistake before starting the engine, do not turn on the ignition. Leave the engine switched off and contact a mechanic or recovery service for assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
First, don't panic—this is a common mistake. If you haven't turned on the ignition yet, don't. Call a professional mechanic or auto repair service to drain the incorrect fuel from the tank and flush the system. Then, refill the tank with the correct fuel.
If you start the car, it may run poorly, produce excessive smoke, and eventually stall. Engine damage is unlikely, but you might need to have the vehicle towed and the tank drained, which can range from $200 for minor issues to $2,000 for a full flush.
To avoid putting the wrong fuel in your car, be mindful and eliminate distractions when you're at the pump. Carefully review each button and nozzle to ensure you know which fuel type you are choosing.
