Filling your car with the wrong type of fuel is a mistake that many drivers dread. Whether it’s petrol in a diesel car or diesel in a petrol car, the steps you take immediately after can significantly influence the extent of damage and the cost of repair. If you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car in Ireland, acting quickly can prevent thousands of euros in engine damage. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to help you handle this situation efficiently and minimise potential harm to your car.
Stop Right There—Do Not Start the Engine
Summary: If you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car, keeping the engine off is the single most important step to avoid costly internal damage.
First of all, don’t panic. It happens.
If you’ve misfueled, the most crucial step is not to start your car. Starting the engine will circulate the incorrect fuel through the system, potentially causing more extensive damage.
Even turning the key in the ignition without starting the engine can activate the fuel pump in some vehicles.
What To Do If You’re Still At The Petrol Station
Summary: If you realise you’ve misfuelled before starting the engine, leave the ignition off, move the car safely away from the pumps, and contact a specialist fuel drain service in Ireland.
- Do not start the engine.
- Do not turn the ignition key.
- Put the car in neutral.
- Ask staff for help pushing to a safe space.
- Call a specialist fuel drain service.
What If You’ve Already Driven The Car?
Summary: If the engine has been started or driven, pull over immediately, switch off the engine, and arrange professional fuel recovery to minimise internal damage.
- Pull over immediately.
- Turn off the engine.
- Do not attempt to restart.
- Call a mobile fuel recovery specialist.
Safely Move Your Car
Summary: Moving the vehicle away from traffic or fuel pumps reduces safety risks and prevents further circulation of contaminated fuel through the engine system.
If your car hasn’t been started yet, keep it that way. If you realise the mistake while driving, safely pull over as soon as possible and switch off the engine to prevent further circulation of the wrong fuel.
Who Can Help In Ireland?
Summary: Specialist wrong-fuel recovery services and breakdown providers in Ireland offer mobile 24/7 fuel drain assistance nationwide.
In Ireland, specialist wrong-fuel recovery services operate nationwide, including:
- AA Fuel Assist Ireland
• Independent mobile fuel drain services
• Some breakdown providers under comprehensive policies
Many wrong-fuel specialists in Ireland operate 24/7 and can attend roadside locations nationwide.
Potential Costs Of Putting The Wrong Fuel In Your Car (Ireland)
Summary: The cost of misfuelling in Ireland depends on whether the engine was started, with simple fuel drains typically costing €200–€400 and engine damage repairs rising to several thousand euros.
|
Scenario |
If Engine Not Started |
If Engine Started or Driven |
Why The Cost Differs |
|
Petrol in a Diesel Car |
€200–€400 for fuel drain and system flush |
€1,000–€5,000+ depending on pump and injector damage |
Petrol reduces lubrication in diesel systems, which can damage high-pressure fuel pumps and injectors. |
|
Diesel in a Petrol Car |
€200–€400 for fuel drain and flush |
€500–€1,500+ depending on contamination level |
Diesel is thicker and can clog spark plugs and fuel lines, but usually causes less severe internal damage than petrol in diesel. |
Key Takeaway
If you do not start the engine, costs are typically limited to a professional fuel drain. Once the engine runs, repair costs can rise significantly due to internal component damage.
Does Insurance Cover Wrong Fuel In Ireland?
Summary: Some comprehensive motor insurance and breakdown policies in Ireland may contribute towards fuel decontamination costs, often up to a set limit.
Some comprehensive motor insurance or breakdown policies may cover fuel decontamination costs, often up to €500. Always check your policy wording before arranging recovery.
Is Petrol In A Diesel Car Worse?
Summary: Petrol in a diesel engine is usually more damaging because it reduces lubrication, increasing the risk of fuel pump and injector failure.
Yes. Petrol in a diesel engine removes lubrication from fuel pumps and injectors, which can cause severe internal damage. Diesel in a petrol engine is usually less damaging but still requires draining.
What To Do Next
Summary: After draining and flushing the fuel system, monitor your vehicle for unusual performance issues such as rough idling or difficulty starting.
After the fuel has been drained and your system flushed, keep an eye on your car’s performance. Any unusual behaviour, like rough idling or trouble starting, should be inspected by a professional.
Prevent Future Mistakes
Summary: Using a fuel reminder tag or double-checking the pump label can help prevent putting the wrong fuel in your car again.
To avoid this scenario in the future, consider using a fuel reminder tag on your fuel cap or dashboard—a simple and effective reminder of which fuel your car requires.
The Bottom Line
Misfuelling your car doesn’t have to be a major crisis. Taking immediate action can prevent serious damage and hefty repair bills. Stay calm, don’t start the engine, and get professional assistance to address the issue safely.
Ready For A Fresh Start? Consider A New Car With LM Operations
Mistakes like misfuelling happen, but they can remind us of the conveniences newer models offer, such as fuel reminder tags that prevent such errors. If this incident has you thinking about upgrading to a more user-friendly vehicle, LM Operations is here to help. We offer comprehensive car finance options that make getting into a new car straightforward and stress-free. Get your new car budget and find a car that keeps you right on track, error-free and with the latest features to enhance your driving experience.