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7 Ways to Avoid Putting the Wrong Fuel in Your Car

Avoiding the costly and potentially dangerous mistake of putting the wrong fuel in your car is crucial. This article provides seven practical tips, including pump color codes, misfuel caps, habit tips, and rental car risks.

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Riley
Chief Marketing Officer · 27 August 2026

7 Ways to Avoid Putting the Wrong Fuel in Your Car

TOPIC: 7 ways to avoid putting the wrong fuel in your car — pump colour codes, misfuel caps, habit tips, and rental car risks.

1. Understand Pump Color Codes

  • Different colors on gas pumps indicate different types of fuels. Red usually means diesel, green typically indicates regular unleaded petrol (petrol), and blue often signifies premium unleaded petrol.
  • Always double-check the color before refueling to avoid accidentally putting the wrong fuel in your car.

2. Use Misfuel Caps

  • Many modern vehicles come with misfuel caps that can be installed on the gas pump nozzle to prevent accidental fuel spills or leaks.
  • These caps are designed to fit snugly over the gas pump nozzle, ensuring no fuel is accidentally dispensed into your vehicle.

3. Establish a Habit of Checking Fuel Types

  • Develop a routine where you always check the type of fuel in your car before refueling.
  • Keep a list or reference guide that matches different vehicles with their respective fuel types to avoid confusion and errors.

4. Be Mindful of Rental Cars

  • When renting a vehicle, ensure you understand which type of fuel is used by the rental company.
  • Always ask about the fuel type before refueling and confirm it again after filling up to prevent any mix-ups.

5. Use Misfuel Caps for Home Use

  • If you have a garage or home workshop where you store vehicles, consider using misfuel caps on your gas pumps.
  • This can help prevent accidental fuel spills in areas where children might be present and reduce the risk of accidents.

6. Educate Yourself About Fuel Types

  • Familiarize yourself with different types of fuels such as diesel, petrol, and premium unleaded petrol.
  • Understanding these differences will make it easier to identify which fuel is appropriate for your vehicle and avoid any mix-ups.

7. Keep a Checklist or Reference Guide

  • Maintain a checklist or reference guide that lists the different types of fuels used in various vehicles you own or frequently use.
  • Regularly update this list as new vehicles are added to ensure accuracy and reduce the risk of errors.

What to Do Right Now: Take Action Today!

If you suspect your vehicle has been misfuelled, take immediate action. Contact EEK Mechanical at 0800 769 000 for assistance.

EEK Mechanical is here to help with all your fuel-related issues. We dispatch a tow truck to the customer's location (forecourt, roadside, home, car park), transport the vehicle to an NZIFDA-certified workshop, and perform manufacturer-spec fuel system recovery exclusively at the workshop — never at the collection location.

If you need further assistance or have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you get back on track with your vehicle.

#EEKMechanical #FuelSafety #VehicleMaintenance

Had a misfuel incident?

We're available 24/7. Call now and we'll dispatch a tow truck within the hour.

Call 0800 769 000

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