Mobile Mechanic wrong fuel complete guide
You filled up. Drove off. Then felt the car jerk.
Not good. Especially if you just realised you used the wrong fuel.
Take a breath. You are not the first. Thousands of Aussies make this mistake every year.
This guide walks you through what to do next—step by step.
First off, don’t panic
Seriously. It happens more than you think.
Maybe you just bought a new diesel car and reached for unleaded out of habit. Or maybe someone else filled up your tank without double-checking. It could happen to anyone.
We’ve seen it all at Rapid Fuel Rescue.
What is wrong fuel exactly?
It’s simple. Wrong fuel means you’ve put petrol in a diesel car—or diesel in a petrol car.
Petrol into diesel is more common. Why? Because unleaded nozzles fit easily into most diesel tanks. Diesel nozzles are larger, so they rarely fit petrol tanks.
So this mistake usually happens with diesel cars.
What happens if you drive with the wrong fuel?
Short version? It can cause serious damage.
Petrol in a diesel car messes with the engine’s lubrication. Diesel engines need that thick, oily fuel to keep things moving smoothly. Petrol is too thin.
The result? Friction. Metal grinding on metal. Injectors and pumps get wrecked.
Diesel in a petrol engine is less severe but still bad. It clogs up spark plugs. Stops combustion. Makes the car chug or stall.
Stop driving. Right now.
This is the golden rule.
If you’ve just filled up and realised it—don’t start the car. If you’re already on the road and notice something feels off—pull over. Turn off the engine.
The longer you drive, the more the wrong fuel circulates. That means bigger damage and a bigger bill.
What are the signs?
Some symptoms are instant. Others take a few minutes.
Here’s what to look for:
Engine splutters or stalls
Sluggish acceleration
Excess smoke from the exhaust
Strange knocking sounds
Car won’t start after refuelling
If you feel any of these, it could be a wrong fuel issue.
Call a mobile fuel drain expert
Now’s the time to ring someone who can help. Fast.
That’s where Rapid Fuel Rescue comes in.
We’re a mobile wrong fuel service based in Australia. We come to you—whether you’re at a petrol station, home, or roadside.
No need to tow. No need to stress.
What we do at Rapid Fuel Rescue
First, we’ll confirm the fuel mix.
Then we’ll drain the tank. We use special fuel evacuation gear that’s safe and fast.
Next, we flush the fuel system with clean fuel. This clears out every drop of the wrong stuff.
Once that’s done, we top you up with the right fuel.
You’re back on the road in about 30 to 60 minutes. Easy.
Can you fix it yourself?
Short answer: best not to try.
We know there are DIY videos out there. But modern engines are complex. One wrong move could void your warranty—or make things worse.
Using a hose or trying to siphon fuel can also be dangerous. Fuel is flammable and toxic. It’s not worth the risk.
How much does it cost?
That depends on your car and where you’re located.
But here’s the good news—getting help from Rapid Fuel Rescue costs far less than a mechanic bill for a damaged engine.
Most jobs are done for a fixed call-out fee. No sneaky charges.
We’ll always quote you upfront.
Is it covered by insurance?
Sometimes, yes.
Some comprehensive car insurance policies cover misfuelling. Check your policy or give your insurer a ring.
Even if it’s not covered, the cost of a mobile fix is way cheaper than paying for repairs later.
Stranded in a tricky spot? Give us a call. We’ll do our best to reach you.
Quick tip: Know your fuel type
Here’s something simple you can do to avoid a repeat.
Write “DIESEL” or “PETROL” on a sticker and place it near your fuel cap. Some folks even keep a note on their dashboard.
Sounds silly, but it works.
What about rental cars?
Rentals make wrong fuel mistakes even more likely.
You’re in a new car. Maybe running late. You see a fuel gauge on empty and just fill up.
But that wrong move could mean you’re liable for damages. Some rental contracts have strict rules.
If it happens in a rental, call both the rental company and a mobile fuel rescue service like us.
We’ve handled lots of these cases. We’ll sort it discreetly and fast.
Let’s wrap this up
Wrong fuel? It’s a pain—but it’s fixable.
The key is to act fast. Don’t drive. Don’t try to fix it yourself.
Just call the pros.
At Rapid Fuel Rescue, we’ve helped thousands of Aussies get back on the road. Quick. Safe. Hassle-free.
Whether it’s petrol in a diesel car or the other way around—we’ve got your back.
Helpful checklist (save this)
✔️ Filled up with wrong fuel?
✔️ Turn off your engine.
✔️ Call Rapid Fuel Rescue.
✔️ Don’t try to siphon it yourself.
✔️ Get back on the road—fast!
Final thought
No one plans to misfuel. It just happens.
But now, you know what to do.
Stick our number in your phone. You never know when you—or a friend—might need it.
Safe driving out there.