We’ve all had those hectic days. Rushing between errands, juggling calls, and suddenly realising… you may have filled your car with the wrong fuel. It’s a mistake that happens more often than you’d think, and catching it early can save you from a costly repair bill.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve misfuelled your car, here are the top warning signs to watch for and what to do next to avoid serious damage.
1. Difficulty Starting or Rough Idling
If your car struggles to start or the engine feels rough once it’s running, that’s one of the first red flags. Wrong fuel disrupts combustion, petrol ignites differently from diesel so the engine can’t perform as it should.
Tip: Stop the engine immediately. Driving further can push the wrong fuel deeper into your system and worsen the problem.
2. Unusual Noises or “Knocking” Sounds
A “knocking” or “pinging” sound under the bonnet often signals fuel combustion issues. Petrol in a diesel car, for example, reduces lubrication, causing friction and metal-on-metal contact inside the engine. That’s a serious warning and the sooner you act, the better.
3. Loss of Power or Poor Acceleration
If you step on the accelerator and your car hesitates, jerks, or feels unusually sluggish, the wrong fuel might already be circulating through the injectors. This issue can happen within minutes of starting the car.
Don’t ignore it. Pull over safely and turn off the ignition right away.
4. Excessive Smoke from the Exhaust
Black or white smoke coming from your exhaust after refuelling could mean incomplete combustion, another classic sign of misfuelling. In diesel engines, petrol burns too quickly, creating erratic exhaust fumes that you shouldn’t see during normal operation.
5. The Fuel Gauge Doesn’t Behave Normally
In some cases, the wrong fuel type confuses your fuel sensors. You might see erratic fuel readings or warning lights flashing unexpectedly. If you notice these symptoms after refuelling, misfuelling could be the culprit.
What to Do If You Notice Any of These Signs
- Stop driving immediately. Continuing to drive will circulate the wrong fuel through your system.
- Don’t try to fix it yourself. Fuel drainage requires special equipment to avoid spills and contamination.
- Call the professionals. At Wrong Fuel Recovery & Mobile Mechanic, our mobile team provides on-site fuel drain and engine protection 24/7, no towing required.
We’ll arrive quickly, drain and flush the system, and refill your tank with the correct fuel.
Call 0422 987 222 for emergency wrong fuel recovery anywhere in Australia.
How to Avoid Misfuelling in the Future
Prevention is easier (and cheaper) than repair. Here’s how to stay fuel-safe:
- Always check the fuel label before refuelling.
- Avoid distractions. Stay off your phone at the pump.
- Use reminder stickers or colour-coded caps.
- If driving a new or rental car, double-check which fuel it takes.
If your car’s acting up right after refuelling, don’t ignore the warning signs. The wrong fuel can damage your engine fast, but quick action can prevent lasting harm.
With Wrong Fuel Recovery & Mobile Mechanic, expert help is only one call away. Whether it’s diesel in a petrol car or petrol in a diesel engine, our 24/7 mobile service will get you back on the road safely and swiftly.
Call 0422 987 222 now, your car (and your wallet) will thank you.