What to do if you put diesel in a petrol car

If you accidentally put diesel in a petrol car then don’t worry, you are not alone. According to the AA, over 150,000 drivers report fuel faults every year, and companies like Fuel Fix are used to helping drivers who have all made the same mistake.

Putting diesel into a petrol car is more uncommon than the reverse situation due to the different nozzle shapes, but if you realise that you have put the wrong fuel into your car then here is what you should do.

Don’t turn on the ignition

If you are fortunate enough to realise the mistake moments after filling up your car then don’t turn on the ignition. This will mean that the fuel doesn’t get fully circulated, saving you from more damage and expense. It will also save the breakdown service repair man time when they come to help get your vehicle working again.

Get your car to a safe position

If you put the wrong fuel in your vehicle it may start to smoke and run badly. If you realise your mistake whilst driving then pull over and park your car in a safe position. If you are on a motorway, try and make it to a layby or service station if you are able to. Try and identify where you are, as this will make it easier for breakdown assistance to find you.

Calling for roadside assistance

The only thing you can do if you have put the wrong fuel in your vehicle is call for a repairman to fix your vehicle. Fuel Fix offer a 24 hour roadside removal service, which can drain, flush and refuel your vehicle.

Avoiding the situation in the future

If you want to minimise the risk of accidentally filling the car with the wrong fuel, you can get smaller caps for petrol cars which physically prevent diesel fuel pumps from being inserted. When swapping between cars, or when getting a new one, make sure you are aware what fuel it takes and try to remain alert when fueling your car for the first few times.