What To Do If You Put Petrol in Diesel Car
Putting petrol in diesel is one of the most common misfuelling mistakes in the UK. If you realise your mistake:
- Do not start the engine.
- If you’ve already started or driven, pull over safely and switch off immediately.
- Call Wrong fuel specialists at 07309 804065. Our mobile units can usually reach you in under an hour.
Note: We fix this exact issue for hundreds of drivers every month. You’re not alone.
Symptoms of Petrol in a Diesel Car
Difficulty starting or stalling
- Loud knocking sounds
- Excessive exhaust smoke
- Loss of power
Driving a diesel car with petrol in the tank can cause serious damage to fuel pumps, injectors, and the engine. Acting fast can prevent costly repairs.
What If You Only Added a Small Amount?
Even a small amount of petrol can significantly reduce the lubricating properties of diesel and potentially harm your engine. There is no such thing as a “safe” quantity—once contamination occurs, the entire fuel system is affected, and even short periods of driving can make the problem worse.
Avoid taking risks or guessing the severity of the issue. Contact our team for professional guidance and fast wrong fuel rescue support.
How We Fix It
At Wrong Fuel Specialists, we often deal with this type of misfuelling situation. Diesel fuel is thicker and more oily compared to petrol, and it plays an important role in lubricating the engine components.
Diesel engines rely on compression ignition, while petrol engines use spark ignition. When petrol enters a diesel system, it can disrupt this process and quickly affect key components such as the fuel filter, which may become clogged. This can lead to engine stalling or the vehicle cutting out.
In more severe cases, performance issues like loss of power and excessive smoke may occur before the engine stops running altogether. Once the incorrect fuel is professionally removed and the system is cleaned, the vehicle can usually be restarted and will often return to normal operation. Some temporary smoke may appear initially as any remaining residue burns off.
Common signs of misfuelling include:
- Engine struggling to start or not starting at all
- Loss of power while driving
- Excessive smoke from the exhaust
- Engine stalling shortly after refuelling
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact Wrong Fuel Specialists immediately for fast and professional assistance.
Here are some helpful steps to reduce the risk of putting petrol in a diesel car:
- If you have a new vehicle, especially one you’re not yet familiar with, place a reminder or label inside the car to help prevent misfuelling mistakes.
- Avoid distractions when refuelling—keep your phone away and focus fully on the task.
- Don’t rely only on nozzle or hose colours. Always double-check the fuel grade label on the pump before filling.
- Take your time at the fuel station and ensure you are completely certain of the correct fuel type before you begin. Staying attentive can help you avoid costly mistakes.
However, if you’ve already added the wrong fuel and your vehicle is showing signs of misfuelling, contact us immediately on 07309 804065. Our experienced mobile specialists will safely remove the contaminated fuel, carry out any necessary checks, and help get you back on the road as quickly as possible. 🚗⛽
At Wrong Fuel Specialists, we are a leading mobile misfuel service trusted nationwide, with support from various roadside assistance providers. Our teams operate 24/7 across multiple locations, ensuring we can reach you quickly, wherever you are.
There’s a Wrong Fuel Specialists mobile unit close to you, ready to provide fast and reliable assistance. 🚗⛽
At Wrong Fuel Specialists, we have local mobile units with trained technicians based in most major towns, allowing us to typically reach you within an average of 46 minutes. We carry out the repair on-site, so you can relax while we fix the issue for you.
If you’ve accidentally put petrol in a diesel vehicle, don’t worry—it’s a common mistake. With over 15 years of experience, our team knows exactly how to handle misfuelling situations and will get you back on the road quickly and safely.
FAQs About Petrol in Diesel
Answers to common questions about our engine repair process.
Does Your Insurance Cover Fuel Drain Cost?
At **Wrong Fuel Specialists**, we provide a detailed **VAT invoice for all work completed**, ensuring full transparency and proper documentation regardless of how the service is paid for.
Petrol in Diesel Car
At Wrong Fuel Specialists, we issue a full VAT invoice for all completed work, ensuring complete transparency and proper documentation, no matter how the service is funded