Putting the wrong fuel in your car is an easy mistake to make, whether you are distracted after a long day, driving an unfamiliar vehicle, or simply on autopilot at the pump. While it feels embarrassing and frustrating, misfuelling does not have to mean catastrophic engine damage if you handle it correctly.

Here is what you need to do immediately if you have put petrol in a diesel car or diesel in a petrol engine.

1. Keep the Engine Switched Off

The single most important rule of misfuelling is to keep the ignition off. Do not turn the key, press the start button, or even switch on the dashboard lights.

Turning on the ignition can activate the electric fuel pump, circulating the incorrect fuel through your engine's lines and injectors. Keeping the engine off isolates the fuel inside the tank, preventing thousands of pounds in mechanical damage.

2. Secure the Vehicle Safely

Your safety and the safety of other road users come first:

• At the station: Leave the car where it is and inform the forecourt attendants. If necessary, put the car in neutral and ask staff or bystanders to help push it into a safe parking bay.
• On the roadside: If you notice the mistake while driving, pull over to a safe spot immediately, switch off the engine, put on your hazard lights, and step clear of traffic.

3. Stay Calm

Misfuelling happens to thousands of drivers every single month. It is a common error, and as long as you refrain from starting the car, the issue can be resolved quickly without permanent damage to your vehicle.

4. Leave the Draining to the Professionals

Never attempt to siphon or drain the fuel tank yourself. Safe fuel extraction requires specialised equipment to prevent hazardous fuel spills, toxic vapour buildup, and potential fire risks. Contaminated fuel also requires legal, environmentally safe disposal.

5. Contact Emergency Wrong Fuel Recovery

A professional wrong fuel service will perform a complete fuel drain, flush the lines, and refuel your vehicle so you can get back on the road safely.

At Dr. Fuel, our fully qualified technicians provide a 24-hour nationwide recovery service. Mobile units aim to reach you within 60 to 90 minutes to drain and flush your system on the spot, wherever you are stranded.

Misfuelled your car? Stay calm and call Dr. Fuel immediately for fast nationwide assistance.