Putting the wrong fuel in your car can happen when you’re tired, distracted or unfamiliar with a vehicle.
What matters most is keeping the engine switched off and making sure you’re safe.
The first few minutes are an opportunity to record the incident, notify forecourt staff and arrange assistance.
At Simple Fuel Solutions, we provide 24/7 mobile wrong fuel recovery across Scotland.
Call 0800 246 5297 for professional assistance.
Call Us NowFollow this five-step checklist if you’ve accidentally added the wrong fuel.
Minute 1: Stop immediately and do not start the engine
(For Illustrative Purposes Only)
Stop dispensing fuel as soon as you discover the mistake.
Don’t start the engine or switch on the ignition. Some vehicles activate their fuel pumps before the engine runs.
Keeping the vehicle switched off reduces the risk of contaminated fuel circulating through the system.
If you’re already driving, stop as soon as it’s safe and switch off the engine.
Minute 2: Hazard lights on, turn off ignition, remove key and exit vehicle to a safe location
(For Illustrative Purposes Only)
Keep the ignition switched off and secure the vehicle.
Use hazard warning lights if necessary to warn other drivers of an obstruction, where this can be done safely.
If you’re at a petrol station, inform the staff and follow their safety instructions.
You don’t need to leave a safely parked vehicle unattended simply because you’ve misfuelled.
If you’ve broken down on a motorway or another dangerous road, follow the Highway Code’s breakdown procedures and move away from traffic where safe.
Minute 3: Record pump details: station name, pump number, fuel type and time
(For Illustrative Purposes Only)
Record the information our technician may need:
- Petrol station name and location
- Pump number
- Correct and incorrect fuel types
- Approximate quantity added
- Date and time
- Whether the engine has been started
Keep your receipt and take a photograph of the pump display if it’s safe and permitted.
This information can also support an insurance enquiry.
Minute 4: Call us immediately (why NOT to call your insurer first)
(For Illustrative Purposes Only)
Call Simple Fuel Solutions on 0800 246 5297 for assistance with the contaminated fuel.
We provide 24/7 mobile recovery throughout Scotland and hold PAS43 and ISO 9001 certifications.
Our advertised recovery prices start from £129, with the final cost confirmed before work begins.
If you have breakdown or misfuelling insurance, check whether your provider requires you to contact it before arranging private recovery.
You can contact us to discuss the job while checking your insurance arrangements. We don’t recommend ignoring insurer notification or authorisation requirements.
Call Us ImmediatelyMinute 5: Do not attempt to drive; have the tank professionally drained by our certified drainers
(For Illustrative Purposes Only)
Don’t attempt to drive with contaminated fuel or drain the tank yourself.
Our mobile technician will assess the vehicle and arrange suitable fuel removal and flushing.
Many straightforward incidents can be resolved at the vehicle’s location.
However, recovery time varies, and additional inspection or towing may be necessary if the vehicle is damaged or unsafe to work on.
We’ll explain the expected procedure and cost before starting.
Speak To Our ProfessionalsUnderstanding How Misfuelling Affects Your Vehicle
Wrong fuel can affect petrol and diesel engines differently.
The main factors are the type of incorrect fuel, the amount added and whether the engine has operated.
Read our guides to petrol in a diesel car and diesel in a petrol car.
Immediate Mechanical Risks
Petrol reduces the lubrication available to sensitive high-pressure diesel fuel system components.
If contaminated fuel circulates, pumps and injectors may suffer wear or damage.
Diesel in a petrol engine can interfere with combustion, potentially causing misfiring, smoke, poor acceleration or stalling.
Possible warning signs include the following:
- Rough running or misfiring
- Difficulty starting
- Loss of power
- Excessive smoke
- Engine warning lights
- Stalling
These symptoms can have other causes and don’t always appear immediately.
If you suspect misfuelling, stop safely and keep the engine switched off.
Potential Long-Term Damage
Continued engine operation with contaminated fuel can increase the risk of expensive repairs.
Depending on the vehicle and contamination, pumps, injectors, filters or emissions-control components may require attention.
However, damage is not inevitable, and repair costs cannot be predicted from the distance driven alone.
If mechanical damage is suspected, we may recommend further inspection or repairs beyond the mobile fuel drain.
What NOT to do (don’t accept a tow without draining first)
Don’t restart your engine, attempt DIY draining or continue driving with suspected contaminated fuel.
Professional towing without starting the engine can be an appropriate and safe recovery option. Draining the tank before towing is not always necessary.
For example, towing may be required when the vehicle is stranded in a dangerous roadside location or needs additional mechanical repairs.
Where conditions allow, our technicians can carry out mobile draining at a safe location, potentially avoiding a separate tow.
Avoid:
- Starting the engine to reach a garage
- Diluting the contaminated fuel
- Attempting DIY syphoning
- Moving a vehicle into traffic
- Refusing necessary recovery to a safe location
Our team will assess the incident and explain the appropriate options.
Call 0800 246 5297 for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after putting the wrong fuel in my vehicle?
Stop refuelling and keep the ignition and engine switched off.
Inform forecourt staff, record the fuel details and call us for recovery assistance.
Should I start the engine if I have misfuelled, and what are the risks?
No. Starting the engine can circulate contaminated fuel through pumps, filters and injectors.
This may increase the risk of fuel-system damage.
How can the wrong fuel be drained safely, and who should carry out the work?
We recommend using a professional fuel recovery operator with suitable equipment, training and safe working procedures.
At Simple Fuel Solutions, we provide specialist mobile fuel-draining assistance across Scotland.
What symptoms suggest fuel contamination or bad fuel, and what should I do next?
Possible symptoms include rough running, misfiring, smoke, loss of power, difficulty starting or stalling.
If these occur while driving, stop safely, switch off the engine and contact us.
Call 0800 246 5297 for professional assistance.
