Wrong fuel symptoms
Not sure if you've misfuelled? These are the signs — and if you spot them, don't start the engine.
Call 0800 170 0644 24/7, 365 days a year · across the UK
The common signs
- Difficulty starting, or the engine won't start at all
- Misfiring, juddering or loss of power
- Clouds of smoke from the exhaust
- A strong smell of fuel
- Warning lights shortly after filling up
- Cutting out or stalling
The clearest clue of all is your receipt and the pump you used. If in doubt, treat it as a misfuel and call 0800 170 0644.
Symptom questions
What are the symptoms of the wrong fuel in a car?
Common signs are difficulty starting, misfiring, loss of power, excessive smoke, a strong fuel smell and warning lights. If you notice these shortly after filling up, stop and get the fuel checked.
How can I tell if I've put the wrong fuel in?
The clearest clue is the pump nozzle and receipt. Diesel nozzles are wider and often won't fit a petrol filler neck; petrol nozzles fit almost anything. If the car runs rough right after fuelling, treat it as a misfuel until proven otherwise.
How do you know if you've put the wrong fuel in the car?
Check your receipt and the pump you used, and watch for hard starting, misfires, smoke or a fuel smell. When unsure, don't start the engine — have the fuel checked or drained to be safe.
Call 0800 170 0644 24/7, 365 days a year · across the UK