What should I do if I’ve put the wrong fuel in my car?
Important: If you’ve used the wrong fuel, do not switch on the engine or put the key in the ignition.
It happens to the best of us. You’re in a rush, you’re stressed out and you just want to top up the tank and be on your way.
A momentary lapse in concentration, and it all comes undone. Petrol in your diesel engine. Cue half an hour of quietly cursing yourself and the cruel fate of the universe.
What to do if you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car?
First of all, and this is most important: Do not start your engine. Don’t even put the key in the ignition.
If you’ve realised your mistake before starting the engine, here’s what you do:
Tell the petrol station what’s happened. Ask them to Call Fuel Pump SOS on 1800 327 838
Put the car in neutral.
Have someone help push your car to a safe place.
Fuel Pump SOS – can drain, flush and refuel your car.
If you aren’t so lucky and you drive off with the wrong fuel, you’ll soon realise what’s happened when the car grinds to a halt.
Treat this as you would a regular breakdown.
But all is not lost.
What happens when you put petrol in a diesel engine?
As well as powering the car, diesel acts as a lubrication oil that keeps the fuel pump and other components running smoothly. Petrol, acting as a solvent when mixed with diesel, has the opposite effect.
Adding petrol to a diesel engine increases friction between parts, potentially causing damage to the fuel lines and pump, the most important thing to remember is not to try to start your car. Starting your engine will circulate the mixed fuel through the fuel system and to the engine which can cause more damage.
What to do if you’ve put Petrol in a Diesel Car
If you’ve already put the wrong fuel in your car and are looking for immediate assistance, Fast Fuel Fix services can help. Call Fuel Pump SOS on 1800 327 838
Remember - do not switch on your ignition.
What happens when you put diesel in a petrol car?
Diesel pump nozzles tend to be larger than most petrol fuel necks, so misfuelling in a petrol car doesn’t happen all that often.
Luckily, putting diesel in a petrol engine isn’t as bad as the other way around. Because diesel needs to be compressed before it’ll ignite, chances are you won’t even be able to start the engine.
Putting diesel in a petrol car is a less serious mistake to make, and the damage is usually not so severe. What damage can it cause? If the engine is started the diesel will coat the spark plugs and the fuel system - typical diesel in a petrol car symptoms include the vehicle misfiring. Other signs of diesel in a petrol car include the engine smoking and of course, the vehicle stopping. The engine may cut out or fail to start at all.
The most important thing to do if you have put diesel in a petrol car is don't start the engine - hopefully, you will have realised your mistake before attempting to drive off - and make sure the keys are well away from the ignition.
Unless you have put only a very small amount of diesel in your petrol car, you will need the fuel draining from your vehicle before driving it again. If you need our Fast Fuel Fix Service, call us on 1800 327 838 so that we can come and drain the fuel from your tank and flush the fuel system and get you moving again.
