What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Didn't realise I put petrol in my diesel car until it started stuttering. Is it badly damaged?

I've just put petrol into my diesel car. I didn't realise and drove it for about three mins. I only realised when it started stuttering. The car would have had about 15 miles of diesel left in the tank before putting £20 worth of unleaded in. What are the chances that my car is now damaged?

Asked on 26 May 2020 by Scott Smith

Answered by Dan Powell
Impossible to say without seeing the car in the metal. However, given the reported stuttering, I'd be very concerned that the petrol has caused friction and then damage within the fuel lines, pump(s) and/or injectors. The car will need to be inspected by a mechanic and the fuel systems drained and flushed. At best, it'll be a couple of hundred pounds. At worst, a few thousand. Do not drive it, under any circumstances.
Tags: misfuelling
Similar questions
My son has a 5 year old diesel car and told me that he had a half tank full (about 28 litres) of premium diesel in it and then went to top up to full but accidentally put about 4 litres of petrol in. After...
I'm in dispute with a car rental provider who want to sue me for a small fortune. They allege I filled up a diesel car with petrol but some things are not adding up. Is it possible to drive a car for 60+...
Does putting petrol in a diesel car cause damage?