Putting petrol in a diesel car is the most common wrong fuel mistake in the UK — it happens to around 150,000 drivers every year. The good news is that if you act quickly and do not start the engine, the damage is usually limited to a fuel drain and flush.
Follow these steps immediately — acting quickly reduces the risk of damage.
This is the most critical step. Starting the engine circulates petrol through the diesel fuel system, causing damage to the fuel pump, injectors, and other components. If you have already started it, turn it off immediately and do not restart it.
If you are still at the petrol station, leave the car at the pump and inform the forecourt staff. If you have already driven away, move to a safe location off the road, 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 — acting fast reduces the risk of damage.
Attempting to drain the fuel yourself can cause additional damage and is dangerous. Leave it to a trained fuel drain specialist.
Diesel engines rely on the fuel itself to lubricate the fuel pump and injectors. Petrol, being a solvent, strips this lubrication. Even a small amount of petrol can begin to damage the fuel pump and injectors if the engine is started.
If the engine is not started, the contaminated fuel simply needs to be drained and the system flushed with clean diesel. This is a relatively straightforward and inexpensive process.
If the engine is started and driven, the petrol is circulated through the entire fuel system. This can cause damage to the high-pressure fuel pump, injectors, and other components. Repair costs can range from £500 to several thousand pounds.
The key message is simple: do not start the engine under any circumstances if you suspect you have put petrol in a diesel car.
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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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