7 Ways to Avoid Putting Wrong Fuel in Your Car

Putting the wrong fuel in your car is more common than you'd think. Whether it's diesel in a petrol engine or petrol in a diesel, this mistake can cause serious damage and leave you stranded. The good news? It's entirely preventable with the right habits and awareness.

Here are seven practical ways to avoid misfuelling your vehicle.

First, learn your pump colour codes. Most New Zealand stations use green handles for petrol and black for diesel, but this isn't universal across all brands like Z Energy, BP, or Mobil. Don't rely solely on colours – always read the labels.

Second, consider aftermarket misfuel prevention caps. These devices physically prevent the wrong nozzle from fitting into your fuel tank. They're particularly valuable for diesel vehicle owners, as petrol nozzles easily fit into diesel tanks.

Third, develop a pre-fuelling routine. Before you even get out of the car, remind yourself what fuel you need. Say it out loud: "This car takes diesel" or "This car takes petrol."

Fourth, slow down at the pump. Rushing leads to mistakes. Take a moment to read the pump display and nozzle labels before inserting anything into your tank.

Fifth, put a reminder sticker near your fuel cap or on your dashboard. A simple "DIESEL ONLY" or "PETROL ONLY" label can prevent costly errors.

Sixth, be extra cautious with rental cars. Always check the rental agreement or ask the staff what fuel type the vehicle requires. Different car models can look similar but require different fuels.

Seventh, if you're unsure, check your vehicle's manual or look for fuel type information around the fuel cap area. Most manufacturers clearly label the required fuel type.

What to do right now

Implement at least two of these strategies immediately. If you drive a diesel vehicle, seriously consider investing in a misfuel prevention cap – they're far cheaper than engine repairs. Create your pre-fuelling routine and practice it on your next few fill-ups until it becomes automatic.

If you do accidentally misfuel, remember the golden rule: don't start the engine. This prevents fuel from circulating through your engine and causing expensive damage. Instead, call EEK Mechanical immediately on 0800 769 000. We'll dispatch a tow truck 24/7 to collect your vehicle and transport it to a certified workshop for proper fuel system cleaning. Don't let a simple mistake turn into a major headache – we're here to help get you back on the road safely.