Oops—Wrong Fuel? Here’s What to Do if You Put the Wrong Gas in Your Car

Put the wrong gas in your car?

Learn what to do immediately, the risks of misfuelling, and whether your insurance may cover the damage.

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Oops—Wrong Fuel? Here’s What to Do if You Put the Wrong Gas in Your CarAccidentally filling your car with the wrong type of fuel is more common than you’d think—and it can lead to serious (and costly) damage if not caught quickly. Whether you grabbed the diesel pump by mistake or filled up with regular unleaded when your car needs premium, knowing what to do next is key.
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What Happens When You Use the Wrong Fuel?The consequences depend on the type of mix-up:

• Diesel in a Gas Engine: Diesel is heavier and oilier than gasoline. Your car likely won’t start or will run very poorly. The longer it runs, the more damage can occur to your fuel system and engine components.
• Gas in a Diesel Engine: This one’s worse. Gasoline in a diesel engine can cause significant internal damage, ruin the fuel pump, and harm the injectors—potentially totaling your engine if driven too far.
• Regular Gas Instead of Premium: This is less severe. Your car may not run as efficiently or could knock (a pinging noise from the engine), but one tank likely won’t cause long-term harm. Just don’t make it a habit if your car requires premium.

What To Do If You Put in the Wrong Gas

1. Do NOT Start the Engine – If you catch the mistake before driving off, that’s ideal. Starting the engine can circulate the wrong fuel through the system and worsen damage.
2. Call Roadside Assistance or a Tow Truck – You’ll need the fuel tank drained by a professional. Some service providers can do this on-site.
3. Tell the Mechanic Exactly What Happened – Knowing what fuel was used and how much was added helps them assess the damage and take the right steps.
4. Check Your Insurance and Warranty – In most cases, insurance won’t cover misfuelling unless you have mechanical breakdown coverage or a service contract that includes it. Some comprehensive warranty plans may help, but standard policies often exclude these incidents.

Can Insurance Help?
Unfortunately, putting the wrong gas in your car is typically considered a driver error or maintenance mistake—not a sudden, accidental loss—so it’s not covered by most auto insurance policies. That said, if the error causes damage that leads to a larger covered incident (like a fire or towing need), certain parts may be reimbursed depending on your policy and provider.

Still unsure?
That’s where having an independent agent—like our team at Corin Insurance—comes in handy. We’ll walk you through what your current policy covers and what add-ons or mechanical breakdown protections might be worth considering.

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Disclaimer:This blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered mechanical or insurance advice. Always consult a certified mechanic and licensed insurance agent for your specific situation and policy details. Coverage may vary by provider and state.