What to Do If You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car in Calgary

Putting the wrong fuel in your car can happen to any driver. You might be in a hurry, driving an unfamiliar vehicle or simply distracted at the petrol station. Accidentally putting petrol in a diesel car, or diesel in a petrol car, can cause serious problems if you start the engine.

Knowing what to do immediately can help reduce the risk of damage and prevent an avoidable breakdown. For Calgary drivers, it is also important to consider where to stop safely and how to arrange roadside assistance if the vehicle cannot be driven.

This guide explains what happens when you use the wrong fuel, what steps to take and when to contact a towing service.

Quick Checklist: What to Do After Putting the Wrong Fuel in Your Car

If you realise you have filled your car with the wrong fuel, follow these steps:

• Do not start the engine. Starting the vehicle can circulate the incorrect fuel through the fuel system.
• Do not turn the ignition on unnecessarily. Some vehicles activate the fuel pump when the ignition is switched on.
• Tell the petrol station staff. Let them know what happened, especially if your vehicle is blocking a pump.
• Move the vehicle only if it is safe to do so. If necessary, ask for help pushing it to a safe location without starting the engine.
• Contact a qualified mechanic or fuel-drain service. The fuel tank may need to be emptied and cleaned.
• Arrange towing if required. If the vehicle cannot be safely moved, contact a roadside assistance or towing service.

The most important step is to avoid starting the engine until you have received appropriate advice.

What Happens When You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car?

The effects depend on the type of fuel, the vehicle and whether you started the engine.

Putting Petrol in a Diesel Car

Diesel fuel lubricates parts of the fuel system, including components that operate under high pressure. Petrol does not provide the same lubrication.

If petrol enters a diesel fuel system, it can reduce lubrication and potentially damage fuel pumps and injectors. The risk increases if you start the engine and drive the vehicle.

Possible symptoms include:

• Unusual engine noises
• Loss of power
• Engine hesitation
• Difficulty starting
• Engine warning lights
• The engine stopping while driving

Not every vehicle will show symptoms immediately. If you realise you have made this mistake, do not wait for warning signs before seeking help.

Putting Diesel in a Petrol Car

Diesel is heavier and less volatile than petrol. A petrol engine is not designed to burn diesel in the same way.

Depending on how much diesel enters the tank, the engine may struggle to start or run poorly. You may notice:

• Difficulty starting the engine
• Engine misfires
• Excessive smoke
• Poor acceleration
• The engine stopping shortly after starting

The vehicle may not start at all. If it does start, continuing to drive can make the situation worse.

What If You Have Already Started the Engine?

If you start the engine before noticing the mistake, switch it off as soon as it is safe.

Do not continue driving to see whether the vehicle will recover. The wrong fuel may already have entered parts of the fuel system, and running the engine could increase the risk of damage.

If you are driving when you notice the problem, find a safe place to pull over. Avoid stopping in a live traffic lane or another dangerous location.

Once you have stopped:

1. Switch off the engine.
2. Turn on your hazard lights if necessary.
3. Move away from traffic if you can do so safely.
4. Contact a qualified mechanic or roadside assistance provider.
5. Arrange towing if the vehicle cannot be driven safely.

Tell the mechanic whether you started the engine, how far you drove and approximately how much incorrect fuel you added. This information can help them assess the situation.

Can You Drive After Putting in the Wrong Fuel?

In most cases, you should not drive the vehicle after discovering that you have used the wrong fuel.

Even if the engine seems to run normally, the incorrect fuel may still cause damage. Continuing to drive can circulate it through the fuel system and make repairs more complicated.

The safest course of action is to leave the engine off and seek professional advice.

If you are unsure whether the fuel is correct, check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer or a qualified mechanic.

What Should You Do at a Calgary Petrol Station?

Realising that you have used the wrong fuel at a busy petrol station can be stressful. However, taking a few simple steps can help you manage the situation safely.

Keep the Vehicle Switched Off

If you have not started the engine, leave it off. Avoid turning the ignition on just to check whether the vehicle starts.

Inform the Petrol Station Staff

Let the staff know what has happened. They may be able to help you move the vehicle away from the pump without starting it, provided it is safe to do so.

Avoid Blocking Other Drivers

If the vehicle is preventing other customers from using the pump, ask staff for assistance. Do not attempt to push it yourself if doing so would put you or others at risk.

Arrange Professional Assistance

Depending on the circumstances, you may need a fuel-drain service, a mechanic or a tow truck. Explain your location and the type of vehicle when requesting help.

If the vehicle is in a dangerous position, prioritise your safety and follow the petrol station’s instructions.

Does Wrong Fuel Always Mean You Need a Tow Truck?

Not necessarily. The appropriate solution depends on the amount of incorrect fuel, whether the engine was started and the vehicle’s condition.

If you have not started the engine, a specialist may be able to drain and clean the fuel tank at your location. However, this depends on the vehicle and the equipment available.

If the engine has been running, a mechanic may need to inspect the fuel system. Towing may be necessary if the vehicle is unsafe to drive or requires workshop repairs.

A tow truck can transport the vehicle to a suitable garage without requiring you to drive it.

When Should You Call ARM Towing?

If your vehicle cannot be driven safely after a wrong-fuel incident, arranging a tow can help you get it to a repair facility.

ARM Towing can be contacted for towing assistance in Calgary when your vehicle needs to be transported. When you call, provide the following information:

• Your exact location
• Your vehicle’s make and model
• Whether you put petrol in a diesel car or diesel in a petrol car
• Whether you started the engine
• Whether the vehicle is still running
• Your preferred destination, if known

Providing these details can help the towing service understand your situation and prepare for the job.

If you need more information about roadside help, read our guide to roadside assistance in Calgary.

How to Prevent Putting the Wrong Fuel in Your Car

A wrong-fuel mistake can happen even to experienced drivers. A few simple habits can reduce the risk.

Check the Fuel Label Before Filling Up

Look at the label on the fuel pump and compare it with your vehicle’s fuel requirements. Do not rely only on the colour of the pump handle, as colours can vary between stations.

Pay Attention When Driving an Unfamiliar Vehicle

If you are borrowing or renting a car, check whether it uses petrol or diesel before visiting a petrol station.

Read the Fuel Information in Your Vehicle

Many vehicles display their fuel type near the fuel cap or inside the fuel flap. Your owner’s manual also provides this information.

Avoid Rushing at the Petrol Station

Take a moment to check the pump before inserting the nozzle. A brief pause can help prevent an expensive mistake.

Keep Your Vehicle’s Fuel Type in Mind

If you regularly drive more than one vehicle, make a habit of checking the fuel type every time you refuel.

What Not to Do After Using the Wrong Fuel

Some reactions can make the situation worse. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Do not start the engine to test it. This may circulate the wrong fuel.
• Do not keep driving. A vehicle that seems fine may still suffer damage.
• Do not try random additives. They cannot reliably correct a wrong-fuel incident.
• Do not attempt an unsafe fuel drain. Removing fuel requires suitable equipment and safe handling.
• Do not ignore the problem. Seek professional advice even if you have added only a small amount of incorrect fuel.

If you are unsure what to do, leave the engine off and contact a qualified professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I put petrol in my diesel car by mistake?

Petrol can reduce the lubrication needed by diesel fuel-system components. If the engine is started, the incorrect fuel may circulate and potentially damage the fuel pump and injectors. Leave the engine off and seek professional assistance.

What if I put only a small amount of the wrong fuel in my car?

Even a small amount can cause problems, depending on the vehicle and the amount of fuel already in the tank. Do not assume it is safe to drive. Ask a qualified mechanic for advice.

Can I fix a wrong-fuel mistake myself?

It is generally safer to have the fuel removed by a qualified professional. Draining fuel requires suitable equipment and careful handling. Avoid attempting it without the necessary knowledge and equipment.

Will my car be damaged if I have not started the engine?

If you have not started the engine, the risk of fuel circulating through the system is lower. However, the tank may still need to be drained and cleaned. A professional can advise you based on your vehicle and the amount of incorrect fuel.

Should I call a mechanic or a towing service?

If the vehicle is safely parked and a suitable fuel-drain service can reach you, you may not need towing. If the vehicle cannot be driven or needs to go to a workshop, a tow truck may be necessary.

Can ARM Towing transport a car after a wrong-fuel mistake?

You can contact ARM Towing to arrange towing assistance in Calgary if your vehicle needs to be transported after a wrong-fuel incident. Explain what happened and whether the engine was started when you request assistance.

Final Thoughts

Putting the wrong fuel in your car can be an unpleasant experience, but your next steps matter. Keep the engine switched off, avoid driving and seek professional advice as soon as possible.

If your vehicle needs to be transported to a garage, a towing service can help you move it without risking further damage by driving it. For Calgary drivers, knowing what to do in advance can make an unexpected wrong-fuel incident easier to manage.