Wrong Fuel in Your Car? What to Do Right Now
Filling up with the wrong fuel is very common, and it's easy to do on autopilot. The good news: if you act correctly, the damage is usually limited. The most important rule is simple: don't start the engine.
If you're still at the pump
- Don't start the engine. On many modern cars, even switching the ignition on starts the fuel pump, which pushes the wrong fuel through the system. Leave the key out, or don't press the start button.
- Tell the staff. They can help you move the car somewhere safe on the forecourt.
- Put the car in neutral and push it to a safe spot, with help, and without starting it.
- Call for help. The tank needs draining and the system flushing before the car is driven.
If you've already driven off
Petrol in a diesel engine often causes knocking, loud misfiring, smoke from the exhaust and a loss of power. Diesel in a petrol engine usually causes misfiring, heavy smoke and stalling. If you notice any of these after filling up, pull over as soon as it's safe, switch off the engine and don't restart it. The longer the engine runs, the more damage can be done.
Petrol in a diesel is the more serious mistake. Diesel lubricates the fuel pump and injectors, and petrol doesn't, so running a diesel engine on petrol can damage expensive parts quickly. Stopping early makes a big difference.
How it gets fixed
The fuel tank has to be drained and the fuel system flushed, then refilled with the correct fuel. If you've only put fuel in and haven't started the engine, that's often all that's needed. If the engine has run on the wrong fuel, a garage may need to check the filters and injection system. We can recover your car to a garage that can do the work, or to a garage of your choice.
Will insurance cover it?
Some car insurance and breakdown policies cover misfuelling, others exclude it. Check your policy documents or call your insurer. Keep receipts for the recovery and the repair.
Wrong Fuel FAQs
I put petrol in my diesel but didn't start it. Is that OK?
That's the best case. Don't switch on the ignition. The tank needs draining before you start the car, and if the engine never ran, the damage is usually limited to the cost of draining and refilling.
How much petrol in a diesel is too much?
Don't take the chance. Even a small amount changes how the fuel lubricates the pump and injectors. Treat any misfuel as needing a drain.
Can you take my car to a garage after a misfuel?
Yes. We can recover your car from the forecourt or the roadside to a garage that can drain and flush the fuel system, or to your own garage.
Put the Wrong Fuel In?
Call or WhatsApp us with your location and we’ll arrange recovery to you.
