No. If you’ve put petrol in a diesel car, do not start the engine or switch on the ignition. Starting the engine can circulate the contaminated fuel through the fuel system and increase the risk of expensive damage. The safest option is to leave the vehicle where it is and arrange professional wrong fuel recovery as soon as possible.
Accidentally putting petrol in a diesel car is an easy mistake to make, particularly when you are distracted or using an unfamiliar vehicle. The important thing is not to panic. Acting quickly and correctly can make the difference between a straightforward fuel drain and a much more expensive repair.
What Should I Do If I Put Petrol in My Diesel Car?
If you have just realised you’ve misfuelled, follow these steps:
- Do not start the engine.
- Do not switch on the ignition unnecessarily.
- If you are at a petrol station, tell the staff what has happened.
- Move the vehicle to a safe location only if it can be done without starting the engine.
- Contact a professional wrong fuel recovery service.
- Tell the recovery operator exactly what fuel you put in the vehicle and whether the engine has been started.
If the car has already been started or driven, stop as soon as it is safe to do so and arrange professional assistance. Do not continue driving simply because the vehicle still appears to run normally.
Why Is Petrol in a Diesel Car a Problem?
Diesel fuel provides important lubrication within parts of a modern diesel fuel system. Petrol has different properties and can reduce that lubrication, potentially affecting components such as the fuel pump and injectors.
Once the engine is started, the contaminated fuel can be drawn from the tank and circulated through the system. This is why petrol in diesel fuel can become considerably more serious after the vehicle has been driven.
The risk can be particularly significant with modern diesel vehicles, which use sophisticated high-pressure fuel systems.
What Happens During Wrong Fuel Recovery?
A professional fuel-drain service will normally assess the vehicle and determine what fuel has been added and whether the engine has been operated.
The contaminated fuel can then be removed from the tank using appropriate equipment. Depending on the vehicle and circumstances, the fuel system may also require flushing or further checks before the correct diesel is added.
The exact procedure depends on the vehicle, the amount of petrol added and whether the engine has been started or driven.
Do not attempt to drain the tank yourself unless you have the correct equipment, knowledge and safe working conditions. Fuel handling presents fire and environmental risks, and modern vehicles can have complex fuel systems.
Petrol in Diesel Car? A Quick Emergency Checklist
If you’re searching “petrol in diesel car what to do”, remember:
- STOP: Don’t start or continue driving.
- SECURE: Get yourself and the vehicle somewhere safe if possible.
- CALL: Contact a professional wrong fuel recovery service.
- EXPLAIN: Tell the operator what fuel was added and whether you started the engine.
- WAIT: Follow the recovery professional’s instructions.
For drivers in Luton, Dunstable and surrounding Bedfordshire areas, A2B Tow provides 24/7 breakdown recovery and roadside assistance, including support for wrong-fuel emergencies.
Wrong Fuel Recovery in Luton
If you’ve put petrol in a diesel car in Luton, Farley Hill, Stopsley, Leagrave, Wigmore, Houghton Regis, Dunstable or nearby areas, don’t risk driving to a garage.
A2B Tow can provide professional roadside assistance and vehicle recovery when you need help. The priority is to keep the situation safe, prevent unnecessary damage and get the vehicle dealt with correctly.
Need urgent help after misfuelling? Call A2B Tow for 24/7 assistance and explain exactly what has happened.
FAQs About Petrol in a Diesel Car
1. Can I start my diesel car after putting petrol in it?
No. Do not start the engine or switch on the ignition unnecessarily. Arrange professional wrong fuel assistance instead.
2. What if I have only put a small amount of petrol in the diesel tank?
Do not assume a small quantity is automatically safe. The safest approach is to avoid starting the engine and seek professional advice about draining the contaminated fuel.
3. What if I have already driven my diesel car?
Stop driving as soon as it is safe and contact a professional recovery or wrong-fuel service. Continuing to drive can circulate the contaminated fuel further through the system.
4. Can I fix petrol in a diesel car by adding more diesel?
Do not rely on simply diluting the petrol with diesel. Professional assessment and fuel removal are the safer options, particularly with modern diesel fuel systems.
5. Does A2B Tow provide wrong fuel recovery in Luton?
A2B Tow provides 24/7 roadside assistance and recovery support across Luton and surrounding areas. If you’ve misfuelled, contact the team promptly and explain what fuel was added and whether the engine has been started.
