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Put The Wrong Fuel Into Your Car?

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Don't panic, this is fixable

Put Diesel In A Petrol Car?

It's one of the more common misfuelling mistakes, and the good news is it's usually the less serious one. Don't start the engine, call our team, and we'll drain and flush your system at the roadside.

Call Now: 01256 805612 What To Do Now
AFF technician draining wrong fuel from a car at the roadside
Every 3.5 minSomeone misfuels in the UK

You're not alone, and you're not stuck. In the UK, someone puts the wrong fuel in their vehicle roughly every three and a half minutes. It's one of the most common mistakes on the road, and it's exactly what we fix, every day.

What happens

Is diesel in a petrol car serious?

In most cases, no lasting harm is done, especially if the engine hasn't been started. Diesel doesn't ignite the way petrol does, so a petrol engine won't run properly on it.

If the engine is started, the diesel can coat the spark plugs and fuel system, causing the car to misfire, smoke or stop running. That's why the key advice is simple: don't start the engine. The sooner the contaminated fuel is drained and the system flushed, the less chance of any further problem.

Once we've drained the tank and flushed the fuel lines, your car should start and run as normal. You may see a little smoke at first as any diesel residue burns off, which is normal.

Good to know

Diesel in a petrol car is generally less serious than petrol in a diesel car. Acting quickly and not starting the engine gives the best chance of no lasting damage. As a precaution, we may suggest changing your fuel filter within a few days, a low-cost, simple job.

What to do right now

Three simple steps

Stay calm. Follow these steps. You're not stuck.

Step 1

Don't Start Your Engine

If you've already started it, turn it off as soon as it's safe. Don't try to drive.

Step 2

Call Us Now

Ring 01256 805612. Tell us your location and what's happened. We'll be there fast.

Step 3

We Fix It Roadside

We drain and flush your system on site and get you moving again where possible.

Call Now: 01256 805612

Available 24/7 • Across the UK

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Thousands of satisfied customers nationwide.

Common questions

Diesel in a petrol car: your questions

I haven't started the engine, what now?
That's the best position to be in. Leave the engine off, don't put the key in the ignition, and if you're on a forecourt, ask for help to push the car somewhere safe. Then call us to drain and flush the tank. In most cases you'll be back on the road with no lasting damage.
I've already started or driven it, is it too late?
No. Stop driving as soon as it's safe to do so and call us. A full drain and system flush removes the contaminated fuel. Once cleared, the car should run normally, you may see a little smoke at first as residue burns off.
Will it have damaged my engine?
Usually not. Diesel in a petrol car is the less serious of the two misfuelling mistakes. Acting quickly and not running the engine gives the best chance of no lasting damage.
Do I need to do anything afterwards?
As a precaution we may recommend changing your fuel filter within a few days. It's a low-cost, simple part. Our technician will advise you based on your vehicle.
Still not sure? Call us now

Wrong fuel in your vehicle? Don't wait.

Call our team any time, day or night, and we'll advise on the safest next step.

Call Now: 01256 805612 Check Coverage