ALLO DÉPANNAGE / DABA

Wrong fuel in the car: do not restart and seek assistance

What to tell a professional after a petrol/diesel mistake and how to prepare for vehicle recovery.

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Content reviewed on 9 September 2026

If you notice at the fuel station

If you think the wrong fuel has been added and the engine is off, do not start it. Inform the station staff and seek advice before moving the car. Do not try to dilute the mixture by adding the other fuel. Keep the receipt and note both the vehicle’s usual fuel and what was added.

If the car has already been driven

If you suspect the mistake while driving, stop somewhere safe, switch off and do not attempt another start. Tell the professional roughly how far the car travelled after refuelling and which symptoms appeared. Inspection is needed to establish the required work. Do not attempt to drain fuel yourself at the roadside.

Prepare recovery and approval

In Daba, select the relevant need and clearly write “wrong fuel”. State whether the engine was started and whether the station has special access requirements. Check that the receiving garage can accept the car before transport. If using insurance assistance, confirm coverage: it depends on your policy and the circumstances.

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