Did You Put Petrol in a Diesel Car?
It happens more often than you’d think: you’re in a rush, distracted, or simply on autopilot and suddenly, you’ve put petrol in your diesel car. At that moment, panic sets in. You wonder if you’ve ruined your engine, how much this mistake will cost, and what you should do next.
The good news? You’re not alone, and there are solutions. Let’s break it down step by step so you know exactly what to expect and what to do if you’ve misfuelled.
Imagine this: you’ve just pulled into a busy service station in Sydney after a long day. You grab the nozzle, fill up, and only when you glance at your receipt do you realise you’ve just put the wrong fuel in your car.
Your heart sinks. What now? Do you turn on the ignition? Do you drive home and hope for the best? Or is your car already damaged beyond repair?
The truth is, how you respond in the next few minutes can make all the difference between a minor inconvenience and a costly disaster.
What Happens When You Put Petrol in a Diesel Car?
Diesel engines work very differently from petrol engines. Diesel acts not just as fuel but also as a lubricant to keep the engine’s components running smoothly. When petrol mixes in, it strips away this lubrication, causing metal parts to grind together and potentially leading to serious damage.
Here’s what can happen if you misfuel:
- Fuel system damage – Petrol reduces diesel’s lubricating properties, causing wear and tear on fuel pumps and injectors.
- Engine failure – If petrol makes it into the engine, it can cause overheating, knocking, or even complete breakdown.
- Costly repairs – The longer the wrong fuel stays in the system, the more expensive the repairs can become.
Wrong Fuel in Car? Here’s What to Do Immediately:
If you’ve just realised you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car, don’t panic. Follow these steps:
- Do not start your car. This is the single most important step. Starting the engine circulates the wrong fuel through the system, making the damage much worse.
- Push your car to a safe spot. Most service stations can assist you in moving your car away from the pumps if needed.
- Call a professional fuel recovery service in Sydney. This is where we come in. At Wrong Fuel Recovery & Mobile Mechanic, we provide a fast, reliable fuel recovery service to get you back on the road safely. We are available 24/7.
- Stay calm and wait for help. It might feel like a nightmare, but the situation is fixable, as long as you act quickly.
Why Use a Professional Fuel Recovery Service in Sydney?
- Fast response times – We know you don’t want to be stranded at a petrol station for hours.
- Expert technicians – Our team is trained to safely drain and clean your fuel system without causing further damage.
- Available in Sydney – Whether you’re in the CBD or the suburbs, we’ll come to you.
- Cost-effective solution – Fixing the issue early with a fuel recovery service is far cheaper than repairing an engine destroyed by misfuel.
Misfuel FAQs: Common Questions Answered
- What if I already drove after misfuelling?
If you’ve already driven the car, pull over safely and turn off the engine immediately. The damage risk increases the longer you drive. Call Wrong Fuel Recovery & Mobile Mechanic at 0422 987 222, right away so we can drain and clean your system. - Can I fix this myself?
It’s strongly recommended you don’t attempt to drain the fuel yourself. Modern vehicles have complex systems, and improper draining can cause even more damage, not to mention safety risks. - How long does fuel recovery take?
In most cases, our technicians can complete the process within an hour, depending on your location and how much fuel was put in. - Will my car be okay after misfuelling?
Yes, as long as you don’t start the engine and call us quickly. Cars are designed to withstand human error, but timing is everything. - How much does it cost?
The cost is far less than repairing an engine damaged by misfuel. Give us a call, and we’ll provide a quick, transparent estimate before we start.
Putting petrol in a diesel car is a stressful mistake, but it doesn’t have to spell disaster. Acting quickly, avoiding starting your engine, and calling a trusted fuel recovery service in Sydney can save you thousands in repairs and get you back on the road with minimal fuss.
Ring Wrong Fuel Recovery & Mobile Mechanic at 0422 987 222 and let our team handle it safely and efficiently.