Wrong Fuel in Your Car? Here’s what to do

It’s a sunny morning. You’re listening to your favourite song on the radio, thinking about the day ahead, and you absentmindedly pull into a petrol station. Moments later, you have that sinking feeling. Diesel in a petrol car? Petrol in a diesel vehicle? Oh, no! It's a common mistake, and it can happen to the best of us. But don’t panic just yet. Here's a simple guide on what to do if you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car.

Don’t Start the Engine

The first and foremost rule – don’t turn on the ignition or start the engine. This is crucial because starting the engine will circulate the wrong fuel and can cause more damage.

Stay Calm and Safe

Take a deep breath. You're not the first person to do this, and you certainly won't be the last. Make sure your car is safely parked, with the handbrake on. If you're still near the pump, tell the station attendant what has happened. They're usually understanding and can offer initial guidance.

Remove the Wrong Fuel

The incorrect fuel needs to be drained from your car. Call a fuel removal service or your breakdown cover provider (if they offer this service). They'll come and drain the tank for you. It’s essential to get this done professionally to avoid any risks.

Refuel with the Correct Fuel

Once the wrong fuel has been removed, fill your car up with the correct fuel. This will help to flush out any remnants of the wrong fuel left behind.

Be Prepared for Potential After-Effects

Once the wrong fuel is drained and the correct fuel is in, the car might smoke a bit or be rougher than usual for a short period. This is typically a temporary side effect, but if it continues, seek advice from a mechanic.

Misfuelling can cause various problems, depending on the type of mix-up. Here's what can happen in each scenario:

1. Diesel in a Petrol Car:

When diesel is added to a petrol engine, the immediate consequences are generally less severe than the reverse situation, but it can still cause damage and should be addressed promptly.

Immediate Effects:

• The car may not start, or if it does, it might run poorly and produce a lot of smoke.
• Diesel fuel doesn't ignite as easily as petrol, so the car might misfire or stall.

Potential Damage:

• The diesel can act as a lubricant, which can reduce the effectiveness of the petrol, leading to potential damage.
• The spark plugs and the catalytic converter can get fouled or damaged.

2. Petrol in a Diesel Car:

This situation is more problematic, as petrol acts as a solvent when mixed with diesel, reducing lubrication and potentially causing significant damage to the fuel pump and injectors.

Immediate Effects:

• The engine might become noisy.
• The car may produce excessive smoke, lose power, or stall.
• The engine warning light may come on.

Potential Damage:

• Diesel engines rely on fuel for lubrication. Mixing petrol with diesel reduces the diesel's lubricating properties, leading to metal parts rubbing against each other. This can cause damage to the fuel pump and injectors, and even the entire engine.
• The longer the vehicle is driven after misfuelling, the greater the potential for severe engine damage.

Check with Your Mechanic

Even after taking the above steps, it’s wise to get your car checked by a professional. They can ensure no damage has been done to the engine or the fuel system.

Prevention is Better than Cure

To avoid this from happening again:

• Always check the fuel type written on the filler cap.
• Pay attention while fuelling, especially if you're driving a new or rented car you're not familiar with.
• Consider buying a misfuelling prevention device. These are caps that only allow the correct nozzle size to be inserted into your fuel tank.

Is Misfuelling Covered by Insurance?

Whether misfuelling is covered by insurance largely depends on the individual insurance policy and the insurance provider.

1. Comprehensive Coverage: If you have comprehensive insurance, misfuelling might be covered. This type of policy usually covers damages to your own vehicle that aren't caused by a collision, which can include damages from misfuelling. However, not all comprehensive policies are the same, so it's crucial to read the policy details or speak to your insurance provider.
2. Third-party, Fire, and Theft: This type of policy typically does not cover damages to your own vehicle from misfuelling. It generally only covers damages you cause to other people's vehicles or property, or damages to your vehicle from theft or fire.
3. Specific Misfuelling Cover: Some insurers offer specific misfuelling coverage as an additional option, which might cover costs such as draining the fuel tank, any damage caused by the wrong fuel, and the cost to refill with the correct fuel.
4. Claims and Premiums: It's essential to note that making a claim for misfuelling might increase your insurance premium when it's time for renewal. It's also possible that you may lose any no-claims bonus or discount you've accrued.
5. Check the Policy: Always check the terms and conditions of your specific policy or contact your insurance provider to clarify if misfuelling is covered. If you're uncertain about coverage when purchasing a new policy, it's a good idea to ask the insurance provider directly or to consult an insurance broker.

Final Words

While finding out you've filled up with the wrong fuel can be a heart-stopping moment, remember that it's a fixable problem. And as a bonus tip, investing in car security products like a Faraday Box for your keys can ensure that fuel mishaps are the only thing you have to worry about. Plus, a Steering Wheel Lock can give you that extra peace of mind about your car's security when you leave it parked.

Remember, cars are resilient, and with a little care and attention, they'll keep running smoothly. Safe driving!