Have you put petrol in your diesel tank?
Don’t panic, the Wrong Fuel team will have you back on the road in no time at all!
Call us on 0800 193 1103 or 07538 889 922.
Whether you have recently changed vehicles or you simply weren’t concentrating, adding petrol into a diesel tank is more common than you may think. In fact, around 450 people a day make this mistake.
This can be easily fixed if you act quickly by calling our team.
What to Do if You Misfuel Your Vehicle
Have you picked up the wrong pump? Don’t worry, misfuelling can be resolved as long as you follow these steps:
- Never start your engine as this may lead to damage.
- Stay calm and call our team.
- Wait in a safe location and we will be with you within the hour.
What Happens When You Put Petrol in a Diesel Car?
When petrol enters a diesel engine, a loss of lubrication is immediately experienced. Diesel is a naturally oil-heavy substance meaning it reduces friction for engine components. The wrong fuel can lead to damage between metal components, hamper acceleration power, and lead to fuel pump damage.
Without lubrication, if the vehicle is turned on, metal fragments can break up and be released into the entire engine. This contamination may then lead to blocked injectors, contaminated fuel tanks, and damaged lines.
The longer you leave petrol in a diesel fuel tank, the worse the damage will be.
Common Signs of a Diesel Car Being Misfuelled
In most instances, drivers realise their mistake on the forecourt. However, in some situations, misfuelling is only noticed on the road.
Before Moving
Most of the time, if petrol has been put in a diesel engine, your car will not start correctly. Warning signs are:
- Lack of power meaning the engine will not start
- Alternatively, the engine may start up but it will proceed to be shaky and run unevenly
- Stalling once you turn on the ignition is also a warning sign
Once Started
The number one piece of advice we can give you is to NEVER start your engine if you have misfueled. However, if you haven’t realised your error and you start to drive, you will likely experience the following:
- Unusual noises from the engine
- Smoke coming from the exhaust
- Dashboard warning lights
- A strong smell of petrol
Wrong Fuel Rescue Process
- Firstly, our team drains all of the incorrect fuel.
- The next step is to remove any remaining liquid from the fuel lines or filter.
- We then put 5 to 10 litres of fresh fuel into the tank.
- This then needs to be pumped through lines and filters to flush out any remaining contaminated fuel.
- Optional – As an add-on, we can also use high-technology injection and fuel system cleaners to remove any stubborn residual liquids.
- You are then ready to carry on with your journey!
Why Choose Wrong Fuel Recovery?
Have you put petrol in a diesel engine? Don’t worry, we are on hand to help with nationwide recovery and 24/7 assistance.
Our experts act quickly and efficiently to get your vehicle back on the road. We are also rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot and trusted by motorists across the UK.
How to Prevent Putting Petrol in Diesel Engines?
If you have recently purchased a new vehicle, or you are not concentrating at the fueling station, it’s easy to pick up the wrong pump. To prevent this problem, check our these tips:
- Leave reminders or prompts in your vehicle as to what fuel type you need. This could be a note, a keyring, or even a coloured sticker on your fuel cap.
- Avoid distractions at the pumps. Pay attention solely to the task at hand as your music or conversation can wait an extra couple of minutes.
- Always check that pumps have been replaced in the correct position by the last motorist.
- Never rely on colours being the same as in some garages, designs may differ.
Petrol in diesel tank faqs
What happens if you put petrol in a diesel car?
Petrol reduces the lubrication that diesel normally provides to components such as the fuel pump and injectors. If the ignition or engine is started, the contaminated fuel can circulate through the system and cause increased friction, poor performance and potentially serious fuel-system damage.
What are the symptoms of petrol in a diesel car?
Common symptoms include difficulty starting, loss of power, uneven running, stalling, unusual engine noises, exhaust smoke, dashboard warning lights and a noticeable smell of petrol. Stop driving immediately if you experience any of these symptoms after refuelling.
What should I do if I put petrol in my diesel car?
Do not start the engine or switch on the ignition. If the vehicle is already running, stop somewhere safe and turn it off as soon as possible.
Call us at Wrong Fuel Recovery so the contaminated fuel can be drained and the fuel system flushed before you continue your journey.
What if I only added a small amount of petrol to my diesel tank?
Adding even a small amount of petrol to a diesel tank can reduce vital fuel-system lubrication, especially in modern diesel engines. Even if your vehicle hasn’t been started, damage has already occurred.
Be sure to get in touch with our team even if you have only added a small amount of petrol into your diesel vehicle.
How far can you drive with the wrong fuel?
In most instances, your car will fail to start. If it does start, your journey will be quickly cut short as the engine needs diesel to lubricate essential mechanisms. Even though you may be able to travel a short distance, this is never advised.
Will my Insurance Cover Misfuelling?
For some policyholders, comprehensive cover may include repayment of this service. However, this is unique to each policy so it’s best to check your own details before trying to make a claim.
Why can’t you put petrol in a diesel car?
Diesel is not only a fuel; it also helps lubricate parts of the diesel fuel system. Petrol has different properties and reduces this lubrication. Modern diesel pumps and injectors operate under high pressure, so running them with contaminated fuel can cause excessive friction and damage.
