Filled your petrol car with diesel? It's an easy mistake at the pump. The most important thing right now: don't start the engine and don't turn the key to "on". RoadHelp comes to you anywhere in Canberra and surrounding areas, 24/7, and drains the wrong fuel on the spot.
What to do right now
- Leave the engine off. Don't turn the ignition on, as that can start the fuel pump and pull diesel into the fuel system.
- Put the car in neutral and, if it's safe, push it away from the pump.
- Call RoadHelp on 0498 338 188. Tell us where you are, the vehicle, and whether it has been started or driven.
What diesel does to a petrol engine
Petrol engines aren't designed to burn diesel. Diesel is thicker and oilier, so it can clog the fuel filter and injectors, foul the spark plugs and cause misfiring, heavy smoke and loss of power. The longer the engine runs on it, the more parts it can affect. Draining the tank before the engine runs is the cheapest and safest fix.
Already started or driven the car?
Pull over somewhere safe as soon as you can, turn the engine off, and call us. Common signs are rough running, misfiring, white or grey smoke, loss of power or the engine cutting out. We drain the tank and flush the fuel system, which in many cases gets you back on the road.
How our mobile fuel drain works
- We come to you: at the petrol station, the roadside, home or work.
- Drain: we safely remove the contaminated fuel.
- Flush: we clean the fuel lines where needed.
- Refuel: we add fresh petrol so you can drive away.
- Dispose: the contaminated fuel is disposed of responsibly.
How much does it cost?
The price depends on your location, the vehicle, the time of day, and whether the car has been started. Call us for a quote and our current availability.
Areas we cover
Canberra and surrounding areas, including Belconnen, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, Woden, Weston Creek, Molonglo, Inner North and Inner South, plus Queanbeyan, Yass, Murrumbateman, Goulburn, Marulan, Collector, Cooma and Jindabyne.
Frequently asked questions
Is diesel in a petrol car as bad as petrol in a diesel car?
Both need fixing before you drive. Diesel in a petrol car usually stops the engine running properly rather than causing instant damage, but running on it can still harm the fuel system and catalytic converter. Leave it off and call us.
Can I top up with petrol to dilute it?
That isn't recommended. The car can still misfire and the diesel can still clog the fuel system.
Do you also fix petrol in a diesel car or AdBlue in the fuel tank?
Yes. See petrol in a diesel car or our mobile fuel drain service.
Do I need roadside membership?
No. No membership is needed. Just call.