7 Ways to Avoid Putting the Wrong Fuel in Your Car

Misfueling your vehicle can be a stressful and expensive situation, but with the right precautions, it doesn’t have to happen. Here are seven practical tips to avoid putting the wrong fuel in your car:

1. Use Pump Colour Codes

Most petrol stations use different coloured pumps for diesel and petrol. The red pump is typically for diesel, while the green one is for unleaded petrol. If you’re unsure about which type of fuel you need, ask a staff member or check with your vehicle’s manual.

2. Install Misfuel Caps

Misfuel caps are simple devices that fit over the fuel filler neck and prevent both petrol and diesel from being added to your tank. They can be purchased at most auto parts stores and are an effective way to protect against accidental misfuelling, especially when you’re in a hurry or driving through unfamiliar areas.

3. Be Mindful of Rental Cars

When renting a car, always check the fuel type specified on the rental agreement. If you’re unsure about what kind of fuel is required, ask your rental company for clarification. Many rental cars are equipped with misfuel caps to prevent accidental misfuelling.

4. Keep Your Vehicle’s Fuel Cap Clean and Intact

A dirty or damaged fuel cap can cause air to enter the tank, leading to a false sense of fullness. This can result in you accidentally adding the wrong type of fuel when refilling your vehicle. Regularly inspecting and cleaning your fuel caps is an important step in preventing misfuelling.

5. Check Your Vehicle’s Fuel Type

Before each trip, check your vehicle’s fuel type by looking at the owner’s manual or checking with a trusted mechanic. This information can be found on the driver’s side door jamb sticker or under the hood near the fuel filler neck.

6. Use Third-Party Roadside Assistance Services

If you’re unsure about which type of fuel to use, consider using third-party roadside assistance services like AA (Automobile Association) or FMG (Fuel Management Group). These companies can help guide you through the process and ensure that your vehicle is properly refuelled.

7. Be Prepared for Accidents

In case of a misfueling incident, it’s important to have a plan in place. If you suspect that your vehicle has been misfuelled, contact EEK Mechanical immediately. We offer 24/7 tow truck services and can dispatch a tow truck to collect your vehicle from any location, including the forecourt, roadside, home, or car park.

What To Do Right Now

If you’ve already made a mistake with fuel type, don’t panic! Here’s what you should do right away:

• Do Not Start Your Engine: This is always the #1 rule. If your engine has started and you suspect that it may have been misfuelled, stop immediately.
• Contact EEK Mechanical: We are here to help. Our 24/7 tow truck service can collect your vehicle from any location and transport it to a NZIFDA-certified workshop for manufacturer-spec fuel system recovery.

Closing Call to Action

If you’re ever unsure about which type of fuel to use, don’t hesitate to contact EEK Mechanical at 0800 769 000. We are here to help and can dispatch our tow truck service to collect your vehicle from any location, ensuring that it is safely transported to a certified workshop for proper recovery.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to avoiding misfuelling incidents. By following these tips and being prepared with the right tools and services, you can protect your vehicle and avoid costly repairs down the line.