7 Ways to Avoid Putting the Wrong Fuel in Your Car

<p>Misfuelling happens more easily than most drivers expect, and the consequences can be expensive. The good news is that a few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk. Here are seven practical ways to keep petrol out of your diesel tank — or diesel out of your petrol car — every time you fill up at Z Energy, BP, Gull, or Mobil.</p> <p><strong>Know your pump colours and do not rely on them alone.</strong> In New Zealand, diesel pumps usually have a black handle and green branding, while petrol is often red or yellow depending on the grade. Colours can vary between fuel station brands and countries, so always read the label on the pump and the fuel flap on your vehicle before you squeeze the trigger.</p> <p><strong>Fit a misfuel prevention cap if you drive a diesel.</strong> These caps physically block a petrol nozzle from entering your diesel filler neck. They are inexpensive, widely available, and one of the most effective barriers against accidental filling. If you own a fleet or share a vehicle with family members, a prevention cap is a sensible investment.</p> <p><strong>Create a personal pump ritual.</strong> Before you pick up the nozzle, pause and say your fuel type out loud — "diesel" or "91 unleaded." This sounds simple, but forcing a verbal check interrupts autopilot behaviour. Many misfuels happen when drivers are distracted, running late, or using an unfamiliar vehicle.</p> <p><strong>Double-check before you pay.</strong> Glance at the pump display to confirm the litres and fuel grade match what you intended. If something feels off, stop immediately. Do not start the engine if you suspect the wrong fuel has gone in. This is the single most important step to limit damage.</p> <p><strong>Be extra cautious with rental cars.</strong> Rental vehicles often have different filler neck sizes, fuel types, and dash layouts than your own car. Take thirty seconds to check the fuel flap label and the rental agreement before leaving the lot. If you do misfuel a rental, notify the rental company straight away and call <a href="tel:0800769000">0800 769 000</a> for vehicle collection.</p> <p><strong>Use phone reminders for shared or infrequently driven vehicles.</strong> If you swap cars with a partner or drive a work vehicle only occasionally, set a recurring note that pops up before fuel stops. A simple "Company ute — DIESEL ONLY" reminder can save thousands in recovery costs.</p> <p><strong>Keep EEK's number saved in your phone.</strong> If a misfuel does happen, staying calm and acting fast matters. Call <a href="tel:0800769000">0800 769 000</a> and we will dispatch a tow truck to your location — whether that is a forecourt, roadside, home driveway, or car park. Your vehicle will be transported to a NZIFDA-certified workshop where manufacturer-spec fuel system recovery takes place. We do not perform fuel work at the collection location; the workshop has the specialised equipment and trained technicians to complete the job properly.</p> <p>Recovery costs are fully itemised and vary depending on distance, labour time, parts, and any additional components that need attention. You can view indicative pricing on our <a href="/rate-card">rate card</a>. A standard a booking deposit applies (see our rate card — not the total job) applies, and total recovery typically includes tow charges, workshop labour, disposal, replacement fuel, parts, a booking fee, and NZIFDA filing. If the engine was not started, costs are generally lower. If you drove on the wrong fuel, separate component repairs such as pump or injector replacement may be needed beyond the recovery invoice.</p> <p>Wrong fuel in your tank? Do not start the engine. Call <a href="tel:0800769000">0800 769 000</a> — we are available 24/7 for vehicle collection and tow-to-workshop recovery anywhere in New Zealand.</p>