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What To Do If You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car
Updated on Thursday 29th January 2026 20:03
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.
Wrong Fuel Assistance ltd provides a 24 hour mobile fuel drain and fuel system cleaning service across the UK, 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 Wrong Fuel Assistance ltd Resolves the Problem
Wrong Fuel Assistance ltd specialises in mobile fuel drainage and fuel system cleaning. Our process is designed to minimise risk and get your vehicle running safely again:
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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
Where required, we can also carry out advanced engine and fuel system cleaning treatments.
Coverage Area
Wrong Fuel Assistance ltd operates a 24 hour mobile service across Bristol, and the UK, including:
Bridgewater, Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham, Frome, Glastonbury, Gloucester, Newport, Ross-on-Wye, Swindon, Taunton, Weston-super-Mare, Chepstow, Chippenham, and surrounding areas.
If you are stranded at a petrol station, roadside, home or workplace, our technicians can attend your location.
👉 Check all areas covered
Trusted Specialists With Proven Experience
With over 20 years of experience, Wrong Fuel Assistance ltd is a trusted specialist in wrong fuel recovery and fuel system cleaning.
We are:
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Environment Agency certified
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SPA approved
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ATEX compliant
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ACS registered
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 Wrong Fuel Assistance ltd for fast response times, professional service and clear communication during stressful situations.
“So kind and helpful, they made a terrible experience into a good one. Highly recommend!”
Daniel MacCarthy
“well what can i say in 2021 i had put the wrong fuel in my car and i contacted dale, and it was an amazing sevices hes a top notch guy , then i ended up looosing his details and then again last week, i done the same thing , and i managed to call a number on google and then came dale the saviour, thanks mate your a legend”
Usman Ayub
“Amazing Service . Phone call answered immediately. Friendly and helpful. Attended within an hour. Chris sorted it in short time. Well impressed!!”
Neil Tunnacliffe
“Came out to recover the car with a suspected wrong fuel situation. Thanks Tesco Diesel ✌️💀 guy who helped us out was above and beyond expectations and the cost of recovery was a massive blessing in comparison to competitors. Thanks Guys.”
Daniel Noormohamed
“After filling his BMW bike with diesel, we had to call for help, and along came our knight in shining armour, arriving within the 30 minutes, the tank was drained and refilled with the correct fuel. What was a bad situation was made bearable because our knight was friendly, helpful and we had lots of laughs, his boss should be very proud of him (he didn't pay us to say that)
Thanks for your help.”
Lyn
24 Hour Assistance When You Need It
If you have put the wrong fuel in your vehicle and require assistance, Wrong Fuel Assistance ltd operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across the UK.
Our mobile service allows us to attend your location and resolve the issue without unnecessary recovery or garage delays.
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