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

Can a petrol pump temporarily malfunction and provide the wrong fuel?

Some 18 months ago I filled my car at my usual Tesco petrol filling station using the diesel pump and getting a receipt for diesel. After about 800 yards the car started to misfire and a breakdown service was called who diagnosed fuel contamination (i.e there was petrol in the tank). The car was repaired at a cost of £4,500, most of which was paid by my insurers but Tesco have continued to deny liability and I am in the process of taking them to court. They maintain that as nobody else has complained it cannot be the diesel tank or the pump. Do you have any experience of a petrol pump temporarily malfunctioning and dispensing the wrong fuel?

Asked on 12 January 2012 by MG. via email

Answered by Honest John
You case is clear-cut. You used a diesel pump. You have a receipt for diesel. But what you got was petrol and this severely damaged your car. Tesco's arguments fail because you have a receipt for diesel and you got petrol. You will win and Tesco knows you will win. They will throw in the towel before your case gets to court.
Similar questions
I took my Saab 9-3 in for its first service which was completed late and left the car dirty. The garage agreed to collect the car and perform a valet as a gesture of goodwill. However, on returning the...
I know it is my fault, but I filled my diesel Mercedes-Benz car with petrol, and landed myself with a bill for £730. Amazingly, the car travelled 75 miles before the engine cut out. The service manager...
I think the motor industry has got it the wrong way round in its effort to prevent misfuelling. It is impossible to put diesel into a petrol tank but this does little harm except that the car won't start...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer