Putting diesel in a petrol car is less common than the reverse, but it still happens. While diesel in a petrol engine is generally less immediately damaging, you should still not start the engine and call us immediately for advice and recovery.
Follow these steps immediately — acting quickly reduces the risk of damage.
Even though diesel in a petrol car is less likely to cause catastrophic damage than petrol in a diesel, you should still not start the engine. Diesel can foul the spark plugs and catalytic converter and cause misfiring. Turn the engine off immediately if you have already started it.
If you are still at the petrol station, leave the car at the pump and inform forecourt staff. If you have already driven away, move to a safe location, switch on your hazard lights, and stay clear of traffic.
We will arrange recovery to a suitable garage or refer you to a fuel drain specialist as quickly as possible. The sooner you call, the better.
Attempting to drain the fuel yourself can cause additional damage and is dangerous. Leave it to a trained fuel drain specialist.
Unlike diesel engines, petrol engines do not rely on the fuel for lubrication. This means diesel in a petrol engine is generally less immediately damaging than petrol in a diesel. However, it can still cause problems.
Diesel is thicker and oilier than petrol. In a petrol engine, it can foul the spark plugs, block the fuel filter, and coat the catalytic converter. If the engine is started, you may experience heavy smoke from the exhaust, misfiring, and eventually the engine may cut out.
If the engine is not started, a fuel drain and flush is usually sufficient. If the engine has been started and driven, additional work may be required to clean or replace the spark plugs and catalytic converter.
We answer at any hour — early morning, late night, bank holidays. One number, always answered.
Every operator is vetted and insured. We only work with professionals who handle wrong fuel incidents correctly.
We aim to confirm an ETA within minutes of your call. The faster you call, the less damage is done.
Specialist wrong fuel recovery across Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Essex — 24/7.
Do NOT start the engine. Call us immediately — 24/7 wrong fuel recovery across the UK.
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