What To Do If You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car
Putting the wrong fuel in your vehicle is a common mistake and happens to drivers of all experience levels. Acting quickly and correctly can prevent serious engine damage and unnecessary costs.
Forecourt Assist provides a 24 hour mobile fuel drain and fuel system cleaning service across the North East, Yorkshire, and Cumbria, helping drivers get back on the road safely and efficiently.
Immediate Steps If You’ve Used the Wrong Fuel
If you realise you have put petrol in a diesel vehicle or diesel in a petrol vehicle, follow these steps:
1. Do not start the engine
Starting the engine allows contaminated fuel to circulate through the fuel system. This can damage fuel pumps, injectors and common rail components, especially on modern vehicles.
2. If the engine is already running, stop safely
Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and switch the engine off. The less the vehicle runs, the lower the risk of damage.
3. Contact a specialist fuel drain service
A professional mobile fuel drain service can remove the contaminated fuel safely without the need for vehicle recovery or garage delays.
4. Do not attempt to dilute the fuel
Adding the correct fuel does not solve the problem and can increase the risk of fuel system damage.
What Happens If You Drive on the Wrong Fuel
Using the wrong fuel can affect vehicles in different ways depending on engine type:
Petrol in a Diesel Engine
Petrol acts as a solvent in diesel engines, reducing lubrication within the fuel pump. This can cause metal-to-metal contact, wear and the release of metal particles. These particles may then travel through the fuel system, potentially damaging injectors, the common rail and the high-pressure fuel pump.
Modern diesel engines, including HDI and common rail systems, are particularly sensitive to contamination.
Diesel in a Petrol Engine
Diesel fuel does not ignite properly in petrol engines and can cause poor combustion, misfiring and stalling. While usually less damaging than petrol in a diesel engine, it still requires professional removal to avoid further issues.
How Forecourt Assist Resolves the Problem
Forecourt Assist specialises in mobile fuel drainage and fuel system cleaning. Our process is designed to minimise risk and get your vehicle running safely again:
Where required, we can also carry out advanced engine and fuel system cleaning treatments.
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Drain all contaminated fuel from the tank
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Flush the fuel system to remove residue and debris
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Clean fuel lines, fuel pump and affected components
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Refill with the correct fuel
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Prime the system and restart the vehicle
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Test and check the vehicle before leaving you to continue your journey
Coverage Area
Forecourt Assist operates a 24-hour mobile service across the UK, including:
North East, Yorkshire, Cumbria and surrounding areas.
If you are stranded at a petrol station, roadside, home or workplace, our technicians can attend your location.
Trusted Specialists With Proven Experience
With over 20 years of experience, Forecourt Assist is a trusted specialist in wrong fuel recovery and fuel system cleaning.
We are:
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SPA approved
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ACS ISO9001 registered
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PAS43 registered
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Institute of Vehicle Recovery certified
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City & Guilds assured
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Institute of the Motor Industry accredited
Our technicians are trained to deal with petrol and diesel contamination safely, professionally and efficiently.
Trusted by Drivers Across the UK
Drivers across the UK rely on Forecourt Assist for fast response times, professional service and clear communication during stressful situations.
"You truly showed your professionalism when attending me at Asda Peterlee. I had accidentally put £40 of petrol into my husbands BMW, he went ape by the way. Ha Ha. Thanks a lot David the Technician."
Vehicle: BMW - Location: Peterlee
"Very good service, 5 stars at 11pm on night. Only waited 25 minutes when my breakdown was going to come next day."
Vehicle: Mercedes Vito - Location: Sunderland
"Wife found you on the internet while I battled on with my insurance company, they tried to charge me £340 and I was without a car for a week. Thank goodness for the service you provide."
Vehicle: Jaguar XF Location: County Durham
👉Read more verified customer reviews
24 Hour Assistance When You Need It
If you have put the wrong fuel in your vehicle and require assistance, Forecourt Assist operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across the North East, Yorkshire, and Cumbria.
Our mobile service allows us to attend your location and resolve the issue without unnecessary recovery or garage delays.