How does mobile wrong-fuel recovery work?
Mobile wrong-fuel recovery means the service comes to the vehicle instead of requiring you to drive a contaminated vehicle to a workshop. RoadHelp provides mobile assistance for petrol in diesel, diesel in petrol and AdBlue accidentally added to the fuel tank across Canberra and surrounding regional NSW.
If the engine is still off, keep it off. Call 0498 338 188 with your location and vehicle details.
Step 1: Tell us exactly what happened
When you call, provide your vehicle make and model, the correct fuel type, what was accidentally added, approximately how much was added, and whether the ignition was switched on, the engine started or the vehicle driven. These details help us assess the incident and discuss the proposed service, availability and quote.
Step 2: Confirm the location and attendance
RoadHelp can attend safe, accessible locations including petrol stations, homes, workplaces and roadside locations. For regional jobs, your exact location matters because travel time and availability can vary. We currently service Canberra, Queanbeyan, Yass, Murrumbateman, Goulburn, Marulan, Cooma, Jindabyne and the Collector/Hume Highway corridor, plus nearby areas subject to availability.
Step 3: The technician assesses the vehicle
On arrival, the technician confirms the vehicle and contamination details before work proceeds. The required approach depends on the vehicle, the fuel mistake and whether contaminated fuel has circulated through the system.
Step 4: Contaminated fuel is removed where appropriate
The technician uses suitable equipment to remove contaminated fuel from the vehicle. The exact process varies by vehicle. Cleaning or purging of relevant parts of the system may be appropriate in some situations, while other incidents may require a different next step.
Step 5: The next step is explained
If the vehicle has not been started, the situation can be different from one that has been driven. If symptoms, warning lights or possible mechanical damage are present, further inspection or repair may be recommended. A fuel drain cannot guarantee that damage which occurred before attendance has been resolved.
What should you do before the technician arrives?
- Keep the ignition and engine off if possible.
- Do not repeatedly try to start the vehicle.
- Stay in a safe location and follow petrol-station or roadside safety instructions.
- Have the vehicle details and approximate amount of wrong fuel ready.
- Tell us immediately if AdBlue went into the fuel tank.
How long does mobile wrong-fuel recovery take?
The time required varies by vehicle, access, contamination and the work that is needed. When you call, we can discuss current availability and an expected arrival time for your location. We avoid promising one fixed duration for every vehicle because the circumstances differ.
How much does mobile wrong-fuel recovery cost?
Pricing depends on the vehicle, fuel mistake, quantity, location and whether the engine was started or driven. Read our wrong-fuel rescue cost guide or call for a quote based on your incident.
Need mobile fuel drainage now?
See our main wrong-fuel and fuel-drainage service or call RoadHelp 24/7 on 0498 338 188.
Wrong-fuel guides
Not sure what to do? Read our guides: petrol in a diesel car, diesel in a petrol car and AdBlue in the fuel tank.
