You’re running late, distracted, maybe even humming along to your favourite playlist… And then it happens: You tell the fuel attendant to fill ’er up with petrol only to realise, about 16 litres in, that your car needs diesel. Or worse (and we’d say this is worse for sure), your mother dearest has popped into the garage café for some milk and bread, and you tell them it’s diesel. Next thing you know, your mom’s bakkie gets a tank full of unleaded.
It’s a mistake more common than you’d think, and 1 that could cost you a pretty penny.
So, what actually happens when you put the wrong fuel in your car? And more importantly, will your insurance cover the damage? Let’s break it down.
First things first: What’s the actual damage
Using the wrong fuel type can cause serious (and expensive) damage, especially if you start the engine after filling up.
We’ll start with the worst case scenario, which is when you fill up a diesel car with petrol. You see, diesel acts as a lubricant for your fuel pump and injectors, and petrol strips away this protection. Essentially, this can cause internal metal parts to grind, overheat, and break down. Sometimes a mistake like this can destroy the entire fuel system.
Now, the other way around (diesel in a petrol engine) is slightly less catastrophic. Still, it’s not ideal. This little fuel switcharoo can cause the engine to misfire, smoke, or stall. Your car might not even start.
What should you do
Okay, so if you realise your mistake before you leave the fuel station, you’re in a bit of luck. Just make sure you don’t even so much as turn the key and make an immediate call to your insurer (we’re ready and waiting) to let them know. They may tell you to hang 10 while they send a tow truck to get your car to an approved mechanic. Of course, depending on your insurer or your policy, they may appreciate the call but not be in a position to help.
In that case, call a trusted mechanic immediately and they should be able to handle the miss-fuelling situation for you.
So… Will your car insurance pay
This depends on 2 main factors. For starters, the type of car insurance policy you’ve taken out, and secondly, the Ts and Cs of your insurance policy.
Most insurers, including us for example, don’t automatically cover miss-fuelling. But that doesn’t mean all is lost. You might still be able to claim parts of the damage, like the cost to tow your car to a workshop or cleaning the fuel system (also known as fuel draining).
You know, with some comprehensive car insurance policies, limited mechanical damage might be covered, especially if you’ve added an extra benefit like mechanical breakdown assistance.
The golden rule? Check your policy wording or ask us directly.
How to avoid miss-fuelling mishaps
Let’s be honest, we’ve all zoned out at a petrol station at some point. To help you avoid such a pricey mistake, here are a few tips…
- Label your fuel cap if you switch between vehicles with different fuel types.
- If you’re filling up yourself, double-check the pump nozzle before filling up. The colours might be familiar, but it isn’t inconceivable to get them mixed up.
- If you’re in a new car (or a rental), pause and confirm what it takes before pumping.
- Train yourself to read the nozzle every time, even when you’re distracted or in a rush.
Don’t fuel your problems
Putting the wrong fuel in your car is a frustrating and expensive mistake, but it’s not the end of the world. If you act fast, avoid starting the engine, and get help immediately, you could minimise the damage.
If you want to get a bit more clarity on whether your policy has your back for things like this, then give us a call. We love a chat, we’re fond of you, and we’re basically obsessed with making sure you’re treated like royalty. Click here for a commitment-free insurance quote or you can WhatsApp us on 0860 50 50 50