One moment of distraction at the fuel station can lead to one of the most frustrating and expensive mistakes drivers make—putting the wrong fuel in your car. Whether it’s petrol in a diesel engine or diesel in a petrol tank, misfuelling is surprisingly common in the UK.
If it happens to you, don’t panic. The best decision you can make is calling Fuel Doctor, the UK’s trusted wrong fuel recovery service. Available 24/7 nationwide, Fuel Doctor helps thousands of drivers every year avoid serious damage and costly repairs.
In this article, we’ll explain what happens when you misfuel, why immediate action is important, and how Fuel Doctor can help you recover quickly and affordably.
How Does Misfuelling Happen?
Even the most experienced drivers can make this mistake. It typically happens when:
- You’re stressed, tired, or distracted.
- You drive different vehicles with different fuel types.
- You’ve rented or borrowed a car you're unfamiliar with.
- You assume the wrong nozzle color means the right fuel.
The most common error is putting petrol in a diesel car—petrol nozzles are smaller and fit easily into most diesel tanks. Diesel in a petrol car is less common but still possible, especially at poorly labelled pumps.
What Happens Inside Your Engine?
The effect of using the wrong fuel varies depending on how soon you catch the mistake:
Petrol in a Diesel Engine
- Damages fuel pumps and injectors.
- Reduces lubrication, causing metal-on-metal wear.
- Can lead to engine failure if driven too far.
Diesel in a Petrol Engine
- Clogs spark plugs and fuel system.
- May prevent the car from starting.
- Causes smoke, stalling, or misfires.
Regardless of the scenario, starting the engine spreads the damage. That’s why acting fast is essential.
What Should You Do Immediately?
If you misfuel, follow these steps:
- Do not start the car. Keep the ignition off.
- Tell the station staff and push your car to a safe location.
- Call Fuel Doctor right away.
If you've already started driving and notice issues (stalling, jerking, or warning lights), pull over safely and shut off the engine. The faster you stop the engine and call for help, the better your chances of avoiding damage.
Who is Fuel Doctor?
Fuel Doctor is a UK-based specialist in misfuelling assistance. With mobile units located across the country, they provide on-site fuel draining, system flushing, and emergency refuelling—usually within an hour of your call.
Their mission is simple: help drivers recover quickly, safely, and affordably after a misfuelling mistake.
What Makes Fuel Doctor the Right Choice?
Here’s why thousands of UK drivers trust Fuel Doctor:
- 24/7 Nationwide Coverage: From rural roads to urban fuel stations, they’re ready to respond any time, anywhere.
- Fast Response Times: Most technicians arrive within 30–60 minutes.
- Certified Technicians: Trained professionals with the right tools for all types of vehicles.
- All Vehicle Types Supported: Cars, vans, bikes, trucks, and even agricultural machinery.
- Cost-Effective: Their service is significantly cheaper than dealership or garage repairs.
What to Expect from a Fuel Doctor Visit
Once you make the call, here’s how the service typically works:
- Assessment: The technician confirms your vehicle type and misfuelling details.
- Fuel Drain: Using specialist equipment, they remove the contaminated fuel.
- System Flush: The system is cleaned of residual traces to prevent corrosion or clogging.
- Refuelling: Your tank is filled with the correct fuel type.
- Testing: The engine is restarted and tested to ensure it’s running smoothly.
The process usually takes less than an hour, and you’re back on the road—no need for towing or garage delays.
Real-Life Rescue: A Quick Fix in a Crisis
James, a delivery driver in Manchester, misfuelled his diesel van with petrol on a tight schedule.
“I was panicking—every minute was costing me money. Fuel Doctor got to me in 40 minutes, drained the tank, and had me back on the road. Absolute lifesavers.”
This is the kind of professional support that turns a crisis into a minor hiccup.
How to Prevent Misfuelling in the Future
While Fuel Doctor is your safety net, prevention is still the best approach:
- Always double-check the fuel type before pumping.
- Label your fuel cap, especially if you drive multiple cars.
- Avoid multitasking at the station.
- Don’t rely on nozzle color—always read the labels.
- Install a misfuelling prevention device to block the wrong nozzle.
Just 10 seconds of extra attention at the pump can save you a lot of stress.
Final Thoughts
Misfuelling may feel like a disaster, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right response and the help of experts like Fuel Doctor, your vehicle can be back on the road in no time—no long-term damage, no dealership costs, and no hassle.
If you ever find yourself in this situation, remember: stay calm, switch off the engine, and call Fuel Doctor. They’ll handle the rest.