MISFUELLING WARNING AND TIPS: Simple mistake could cost drivers thousands

Accidentally putting the wrong fuel in your vehicle is an all-too-common error that could lead to expensive repair bills if not handled correctly. With petrol and diesel nozzles often similar in appearance, drivers may not realise their mistake until it’s too late.

Chris Wood, the AA’s Patrol of the Year, has shared expert advice to help drivers avoid costly consequences when they misfuel. His key message? If you put the wrong fuel in your car, don’t start the engine.

Starting the engine after misfuelling can cause significant damage, particularly if petrol is mistakenly added to a diesel vehicle. Diesel engines rely on fuel as a lubricant, but petrol strips this lubrication away, causing friction between engine parts. If this happens, extensive engine damage may occur, costing thousands to repair or even replace the engine entirely.

The first step, if you realise the mistake, is to keep the engine off and push the vehicle to a safe location if possible. Call a breakdown service immediately, who can safely drain the incorrect fuel and replace it with the right one. If the engine is already running, pull over safely and switch it off as quickly as possible.

Wood also highlights how the wrong fuel can cause your car to shake, jump, or produce smoke from the exhaust. These signs could indicate that the wrong fuel is already circulating within the system, and the quicker you stop the engine, the better your chances of avoiding serious damage.

To avoid misfuelling, Wood recommends paying close attention to the fuel grade indicator at the pump rather than relying on the nozzle’s colour. Simple preventative steps like using reminders or fuel cap stickers, and avoiding distractions on the forecourt, can prevent this costly error.

For diesel drivers, purchasing a filler neck stopper can block the smaller petrol nozzle from fitting, adding an extra safeguard against misfuelling.