Misfuelling your car might feel like a small mistake, but the costs can add up fast if you don’t act quickly. From fuel pump damage to full engine replacement, a few minutes of driving after adding the wrong fuel could lead to a repair bill in the thousands.
Here’s what really goes into the cost of misfuelling, and how acting fast can protect both your vehicle and your wallet.
How Much Damage Can the Wrong Fuel Cause?
When you put the wrong fuel in your car, the type of damage depends on your engine and how long you drove before stopping.
- Petrol in a diesel car: Petrol reduces lubrication in diesel engines, leading to friction, overheating, and metal wear.
- Diesel in a petrol car: Diesel clogs spark plugs and injectors, stopping fuel from igniting properly.
The result? Your fuel system, injectors, and even your catalytic converter can suffer major damage, repairs that cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Breakdown of Potential Costs
| Issue | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
| Fuel drain & flush (early response) | $300–$600 |
| Injector replacement | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Fuel pump replacement | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Full engine repair/replacement | $5,000+ |
If you notice the mistake early and don’t start the car, the solution can be simple, a quick fuel drain service by Wrong Fuel Recovery & Mobile Mechanic. But if the wrong fuel circulates through your system, the repair costs rise dramatically.
Why Acting Fast Makes All the Difference
Every minute counts once the wrong fuel is in your tank. Starting the engine sends contaminated fuel through the system, spreading the damage.
By calling for professional help immediately, you can:
- Prevent long-term mechanical damage
- Avoid costly part replacements
- Get back on the road in under an hour
Our mobile wrong fuel recovery team is available 24/7 across Australia to drain and clean your fuel system safely and on the spot.
Real Example: A $— Fix vs. a $5,000 Repair
One of our customers in Melbourne realised she’d put petrol in her diesel SUV before starting the engine. She called us straight away, we drained the tank and refilled it within 45 minutes. Total cost? $—.
Compare that to another driver who started their diesel ute after misfuelling and drove 10km before calling. The result? Pump damage, injector failure, and an $5,200 repair bill.
The difference? Just a few minutes of engine time.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you realise you’ve misfuelled:
- Don’t start the car.
- Call Wrong Fuel Recovery & Mobile Mechanic immediately at 0422 987 222.
- Wait for our mobile team, we’ll drain the wrong fuel, clean your system, and get you back on the road fast.
Misfuelling is an easy mistake to make, but it doesn’t have to cost you thousands. Acting quickly and calling a professional fuel drain service can save your engine and your budget.
At Wrong Fuel Recovery & Mobile Mechanic, we provide fast, affordable, and safe wrong fuel recovery services 24/7, anywhere in Australia.
Call 0422 987 222 now for expert fuel drain and roadside assistance.