Accidentally filling your car with the wrong fuel can turn an ordinary day into a stressful situation. But here's the truth: you're not alone, and help is just a call away. The key is acting quickly and knowing exactly what to do.
What Happens When You Misfuel?
When petrol goes into a diesel car or vice versa, things can go south quickly:
Petrol in a diesel engine removes essential lubrication, risking pump and injector damage.
Diesel in a petrol engine clogs up spark plugs and the fuel system, making it hard or impossible to start.
The longer the wrong fuel sits in your vehicle, the higher the risk of serious engine damage.
Stop and Stay Put
The moment you realize you've used the wrong fuel:
Do not start your engine. If you already have, stop it immediately.
Avoid turning on ignition-powered accessories. This could circulate the fuel.
Park safely and call a professional wrong fuel technician.
Enter the Wrong Fuel Doctor
A wrong fuel doctor is a trained expert who specializes in draining contaminated fuel, cleaning your system, and getting your car back on the road. Their mobile service is fast, effective, and can typically reach you within the hour.
What They Do:
Arrive at your location with specialized tools
Drain your fuel tank safely
Flush the system to eliminate contaminants
Refill the tank with the correct fuel
Test the vehicle to ensure proper operation
This mobile solution saves you from costly garage bills or tows.
Misfuelling Happens More Than You Think
You might think it's rare, but misfuelling affects thousands of drivers every year. It commonly occurs when:
You're in a hurry or distracted
You borrow or rent a vehicle with a different fuel type
Your household has both diesel and petrol cars
Real World Fixes
Mark, a delivery driver with a tight schedule, once filled up with diesel instead of petrol. Within 45 minutes of calling a wrong fuel service, his vehicle was fully drained, flushed, and operational—saving his workday and avoiding a garage visit.
How to Prevent Misfuelling
While having a wrong fuel doctor on speed dial is smart, prevention is even better. Here’s how:
Double-check pump labels before you fill up
Stick a reminder on your fuel cap (especially if you switch vehicles often)
Install a misfuelling prevention device on your car
Stay focused while at the fuel station
Why Speed Matters
Time is critical when you've put the wrong fuel in your car. The quicker a professional removes the contaminated fuel, the lower the chance of permanent damage. Waiting or attempting to fix it yourself can end up costing far more in repairs.
Final Thoughts
Putting the wrong fuel in your vehicle is a hassle—but it's not the end of the world. With a trained wrong fuel doctor just a call away, you can recover quickly and get back on track without major expenses or stress.
So if it happens to you, don't panic. Just remember: stay calm, stop the engine, and let the experts handle the rest.
