Sep 8, 2020
If you have put the wrong fuel in your car, do not panic as many Brits have made the same mistake.
Have you turned the ignition yet? If not, don’t as the most serious damage caused by misfuelling comes from turning on the ignition. So, if you realise before you start your engine, you’re in luck and here’s what you need to do next:
● Keep the engine switched off and don’t put the key in the ignition
● Inform staff at the petrol station about what has happened
● Leave the car in neutral and push to a safe place
● Call your breakdown cover or a fuel evacuation service to drain the fuel system
● Call your insurance provider to let them know
I started the ignition after putting the wrong fuel in my car, what do I do next?
If you realised you filled up with the wrong fuel after starting the ignition, you need to turn the engine off immediately and pull over to a safe spot. Park your car and leave it in neutral and call breakdown cover or fuel evacuation service to drain the fuel system, as well as your insurance provider to let them know what happened.
Symptoms of the wrong fuel in your car
If you use petrol in a diesel car you might notice a loud knocking sound while accelerating and slower than usual acceleration. Your engine warning light can illuminate on your dash and excessive smoke can come from your exhaust. The engine may even stop altogether or your car will struggle to restart.
If you use diesel in a petrol car you might notice your engine will misfire, cut off or completely fail to restart. Excessive smoke can come from your exhaust.
How to avoid putting the wrong fuel in your car?
Like we said, many Brits fill up with the wrong fuel every year. When driving a petrol car for so long, then changing to a diesel this mistake can easily happen. Depending on the make and model of your car, you may be able to buy a diesel fuel cap for your fuel neck to stop petrol nozzles from fitting into fuel tanks they’re not meant for.
Some cars nowadays will also have green or black around their fuel neck, as well as stickers on the fuel cap to let you know what fuel the car requires.
MyCarNeedsA.com is the easiest way to gather quotes from local garages and mechanics in your area, saving you both time and money. Get your quote today!
