You’re on the road, in a rush, and accidentally grab the wrong pump. It happens, but what happens next depends on how quickly you act. Using the wrong fuel can cause anything from minor hiccups to major mechanical issues, depending on your vehicle type and how far you drove before noticing.
In this article, we’ll explain the real impact of misfuelling, how to spot early warning signs, and how Wrong Fuel Recovery & Mobile Mechanic can save you from costly repairs.
Understanding the Problem
Misfuelling happens when:
- Petrol is pumped into a diesel vehicle, or
- Diesel is pumped into a petrol vehicle
Each fuel type has a specific purpose and mixing them disrupts how your engine functions.
Petrol in a Diesel Car — The Costliest Mistake
Diesel engines rely on fuel for lubrication. Petrol, however, is a solvent that strips away that lubrication, leading to friction between metal components. If the engine is started, this can cause severe internal damage.
Possible damage includes:
- Worn fuel pumps and injectors
- Blocked fuel filters
- Corroded fuel lines
- Complete engine failure (in severe cases)
Even a small amount of petrol can cause problems, so it’s best not to take any chances.
Diesel in a Petrol Car — Less Common but Still Risky
When diesel enters a petrol engine, it doesn’t combust properly. You may experience:
- Rough idling
- Black smoke from the exhaust
- Poor acceleration
- Engine stalling
While damage is less severe than the petrol-in-diesel mistake, driving too long can still clog your fuel system.
What to Do If You’ve Put the Wrong Fuel In
If you catch it early before turning on the engine, that’s good news. Don’t start the car, and call Wrong Fuel Recovery & Mobile Mechanic right away.
Our team can:
- Safely drain the contaminated fuel
- Flush your fuel system
- Refill with the correct type
- Get you back on the road within an hour
We’re available 24/7 at 0422 987 222 for emergency callouts anywhere in Australia.
Can Damage Be Repaired?
Yes, but the key is timing. The faster you act, the more likely you’ll avoid expensive repairs. In most cases where the engine hasn’t been started, a professional fuel drain completely solves the problem.
However, if the wrong fuel has circulated through your system, our mobile mechanics can inspect for:
- Injector damage
- Pump corrosion
- Contaminated filters
We’ll provide an honest assessment and perform repairs on-site whenever possible.
Why Call Wrong Fuel Recovery & Mobile Mechanic?
We’re a specialised mobile misfuel recovery team. Our experts are trained to handle all types of misfuelling incidents, from standard passenger cars to commercial fleets.
With us, you’ll get:
- 24/7 nationwide service
- Fast on-site fuel drainage
- Certified mobile mechanics
- Transparent, upfront pricing
We’re proud to help drivers across Australia recover quickly, safely, and affordably.
Putting the wrong fuel in your car can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to turn into a disaster. The key is not to start your car and to call for professional help immediately.
At Wrong Fuel Recovery & Mobile Mechanic, we’ll handle everything from draining the tank to checking your system so you can hit the road with confidence.
Call us at 0422 987 222 now or book online for fast, expert fuel recovery service.