Don’t get us wrong: it’s never great if diesel goes into a petrol vehicle or vice versa. But a well-maintained car gives you a buffer against immediate and long-lasting damage if this does happen, especially if you switch off the engine quickly and don’t attempt to drive.
Here’s why a healthy car is better placed to cope.
1. Less Risk of Seizure
If your engine is clean and working as it should, components are not already worn or clogged up. A well-kept fuel system is far better placed to tolerate a temporary wrong fuel mix without complete and instant failure than an older engine snarled with built-up dirt.
2. Clean Fuel Filters
Grime-free fuel filters can help catch part of the heavier contamination before it reaches the engine, buying valuable time while you wait for a recovery technician to arrive.
3. Better Component Lubrication
Filling a diesel vehicle with petrol is the more serious scenario of the two. Diesel engines depend on the lubricating qualities of diesel fuel to keep the fuel pump and injectors running smoothly. A well-maintained engine has a healthy high-pressure pump that can temporarily handle the greater friction caused by petrol before serious harm sets in.
4. Electronic Monitoring in Newer Models
The latest cars have superior Engine Control Units (ECUs) and sensors that quickly detect fuel pressure or combustion problems. They will either put the vehicle into ‘limp’ mode or shut down the system entirely to protect the engine internals and catalytic converters.
Things You Can Do
While putting the wrong fuel in your car can have serious consequences, these can be less severe if you take good care of your vehicle. Here are some of the most important habits to keep on top of:
- Renew your oil and air filters periodically, and have them replaced as part of regular servicing.
- Drive regularly to keep your battery in good health.
- Replace spark plugs and leads at regular intervals.
- Top up oil and lubricants as needed. These fluids are the lifeblood of your engine.
- Check tyre pressure regularly and stick to your servicing schedule.
In terms of driving behaviour, avoid using gears to slow down instead of the brakes, particularly at higher speeds. Try not to accelerate hard on roads where you will need to brake or change gears frequently. And if you are stuck at lights or in traffic for more than a couple of minutes, switch off the ignition rather than leaving the engine to idle.
Put the Wrong Fuel In? Call Us
At Wrong Fuel in Car Recovery, we are highly experienced in helping drivers across the UK, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have put petrol in a diesel car or diesel in a petrol car, we can be with you within an hour, wherever you are.
The key thing is not to panic. Switch off your engine, give us a few basic details, then sit back and wait for us to arrive.
We are fully certified for roadside recovery and offer a cost-effective solution compared with transport costs or engine repair bills. We will always prioritise lone female drivers and anyone who has children with them in the car.
Our process is thorough. We completely remove all the contaminated fuel, drain and clean the system, then add fresh petrol or diesel as required, and dispose of waste responsibly. You also have the option to add a high-tech injection and fuel system cleaner. In most cases, you will be back on the road within an hour of our arrival.
Anyone can put the wrong fuel in their tank. It’s a surprisingly common mistake and happens for all sorts of reasons.
Call us on 0800 193 1103 or 07538 889 922 and save our number in your phone. If you have a question about any of our wrong fuel recovery services, or want to check our FAQs, you will find everything you need on our website.