Put the Wrong Fuel
in Your Car?
Don't panic — and don't start the engine. This guide tells you exactly what to do right now, step by step. Most misfuelling cases are a straightforward fix if you act quickly.
⚠️ The single most important thing: do not start the engine. If the ignition hasn't been turned on, the wrong fuel is still in the tank and a simple drain will fix this. Starting the engine — even briefly — pushes contaminated fuel through injectors, fuel pump and fuel lines, and can turn a £150 fix into a £2,000+ repair.
What to do right now — step by step
Do not start the engine
Even if you've only added a small amount. Even if the car is blocking the pump. Even if you started the engine briefly — turn it off now and don't try to drive anywhere.
Move the car safely
If you're blocking a fuel pump, put the car in neutral and push it to a safe spot with help from forecourt staff. Tell them what happened — they deal with this regularly.
Call us
Ring 01292 833125. Tell us your location in Ayrshire, the vehicle type, and whether the engine has been started. We'll give you a price and an ETA on the spot.
Petrol in diesel — the most common misfuel
Around 150,000 drivers misfuel every year in the UK. The vast majority put petrol into a diesel car — it's easy to do because petrol pump nozzles fit into most diesel filler necks. It often happens when you're driving a hire car, a new car, or someone else's vehicle and muscle memory takes over.
Petrol is a solvent. In a diesel fuel system it strips the lubrication that diesel provides for the high-pressure fuel pump and injectors. Running the engine on contaminated fuel — even briefly — accelerates wear and can cause catastrophic pump failure. The sooner you stop and call, the better.
Engine not started: the fix is a drain and flush — 30–50 minutes, from £150, and you're back on the road. Engine started: more complex, costs more, but still far cheaper than a fuel system rebuild.
Diesel in petrol
Less common because diesel pump nozzles are too wide to fit most modern petrol filler necks — but it happens with older vehicles, vans, and some commercial pumps. Diesel in a petrol engine causes misfiring, heavy smoke, and stalling. It won't damage the engine in the same way petrol damages a diesel, but don't try to drive it. Call us.
What NOT to do
- Don't start or attempt to start the engine — most important rule
- Don't try to drive — even to move out of the way at a petrol station
- Don't try to siphon the fuel yourself — modern tanks have anti-siphon valves; you'll damage the sender and still won't drain it
- Don't add more fuel thinking it'll dilute the contamination
- Don't wait — the sooner we drain it, the lower the risk
How much does it cost?
Car or small van. Engine not started. Full drain and flush.
4×4, SUV, large van, or heavily contaminated tank.
More involved flush needed. We'll quote before starting.
Price confirmed before we start. No hidden charges. No per-mile surcharge — the rate covers anywhere in Ayrshire including Kilmarnock, Ayr, Irvine, Troon, Largs, and all surrounding towns.
Will my insurance cover it?
Many comprehensive car insurance policies include misfuelling cover — check your documents or call your insurer while you wait for us. If you're covered, you pay us on the day and claim back. We'll provide a full invoice for your insurer. Either way, calling us now stops the damage from getting worse.
Stuck in Ayrshire right now?
We're based locally and come straight to you — petrol station, home, or roadside anywhere in Ayrshire.
📞 01292 833125Common questions about wrong fuel
Do not start the engine. If you're still at the pump, leave the ignition off. Push the car to a safe spot and call us. If you've already started the engine, turn it off immediately and don't drive anywhere.
Petrol acts as a solvent in a diesel system, stripping the lubrication the fuel pump and injectors rely on. Even a small amount can cause serious damage if the engine is run. If the engine hasn't been started, a straightforward drain will fix it.
Probably, yes — we'd always recommend calling us to assess. A small amount of petrol in a large tank with a lot of diesel is less critical, but starting the engine with any contamination risks damage. The drain is cheap compared to a fuel system repair.
It's not too late. Turn the engine off now and don't drive. The longer it runs on contaminated fuel the more potential damage, but we can still drain and flush the system. Call us immediately.
No — don't drive it at all. Even a short distance circulates contaminated fuel through the system. Leave it where it is and call us. We come to you.
A standard drain on a car where the engine hasn't been started takes 30–50 minutes from when we arrive. We drain the tank, flush the lines, and add enough clean fuel to get the car started. You fill up at the pump and drive away.