Wrong fuel guide
Put petrol in a diesel car? Leave the key off.
Petrol is the more common slip at the pump: a nozzle fits a diesel tank easily. Petrol acts as a solvent in a diesel system, so the engine being off is what keeps this a tank problem rather than a fuel-system problem.
Wrong-fuel removal: $449 standard — $399 total with $50 instant removal offer. Launch offer — redeem instantly when booking. Prices are totals, within 30 km of Doncaster.
The $50 instant removal offer applies only to eligible standard wrong-fuel removal within 30 km of Doncaster. No discount on fuel delivery, extra fuel, non-standard vehicles, specialist parts, towing, repairs or jobs outside coverage.
Fuel delivery unchanged: $99 up to 5L. Extra fuel is separately approved.
Check your saved request for current online payment availability. Secure checkout is offered for accepted eligible quotes when enabled. If no payment option is shown, call 040 FUEL NOW (0403 835 669). New requests begin unpaid; saving alone does not confirm help. Your private receipt shows verified payment and separate technician dispatch status even if new checkout is unavailable. GPS and arrival estimates depend on technician dispatch and sharing. In danger, call 000.
Why the engine stays off
Diesel injection pumps rely on diesel itself for lubrication. Petrol thins that lubrication, and running the engine pushes the mixture through the pump and injectors. A tank that has not been circulated is the best position to be in.
Recognise it
Signs this is you
- You filled from the petrol pump (often green or red handle, check the label) into a diesel vehicle.
- The pump screen showed unleaded, premium or E10 when you selected the product.
- The engine runs rough, smokes or stalls shortly after starting. Switch off when it is safe to do so.
Please do not
- Do not start the engine, even to move off the bowser.
- Do not turn the ignition to accessory or on, as some vehicles prime the fuel pump.
- Do not siphon, drain or top up with diesel yourself.
- Do not drive to a mechanic. Ask for assistance instead.
What happens next, honestly
- 1
Make the vehicle safe and keep people clear of the forecourt traffic.
- 2
Call 040 FUEL NOW, or give fuel type, amount and your exact location in the chat or form.
- 3
Save your request, then review and accept an eligible quote. Pay securely when checkout is available. Only verified payment confirms the paid booking; technician dispatch is a separate step. Call 040 FUEL NOW if you need help.
Questions
I put a small amount of petrol in my diesel. Is it safe to drive?
Do not rely on the amount. Even small proportions can damage a modern common-rail system. The safe default is to leave the engine off and ask for professional advice before moving.
Should I top up with diesel to dilute it?
No. Adding diesel means the contaminated mixture is bigger and still has to be dealt with. Do not add anything to the tank.
What if I already started the engine?
Switch it off as soon as it is safe to do so, do not restart, and request assistance. Tell us the engine was started when you send the form.