Why Misfuelling Still Happens Despite Better Pump Labels

Despite significant improvements in pump labelling over recent years, misfuelling incidents remain frustratingly common across New Zealand. As a board director at EEK Mechanical, I see firsthand how even the clearest signage can't always prevent that sinking moment when you realise you've put petrol in your diesel ute.

Most major fuel retailers like Z Energy, BP, and Mobil have made genuine efforts to improve their pump designs. You'll now see larger, colour-coded nozzles, clearer font sizes, and better contrast between diesel and petrol labels. Some stations have even introduced physical barriers and different nozzle sizes to make it harder to select the wrong fuel.

However, several factors continue to contribute to misfuelling incidents. Rental cars and borrowed vehicles top the list – when you're unfamiliar with a vehicle's fuel type, even excellent signage won't help if you're guessing. Fatigue and distraction play huge roles too. After a long day or when you're juggling kids, phone calls, or simply running on autopilot, it's easy to default to whatever fuel you normally use.

Interestingly, diesel car owners are particularly vulnerable. While diesel ute drivers rarely make mistakes (the fuel type is obvious), diesel car owners often assume their vehicle runs on petrol, especially if it's their first diesel vehicle. The growing popularity of diesel SUVs and European cars has created a new category of at-risk drivers.

Fuel companies are responding with technology solutions. Some overseas markets are trialling smart pumps that can detect your vehicle type, and a few NZ stations are testing enhanced voice prompts and digital displays. However, these innovations are still years away from widespread adoption.

What to do right now

If you've misfuelled, don't panic, but absolutely do not start your engine. This is critical – starting the engine circulates contaminated fuel through your system, turning a simple drain into an expensive repair job. Remove your keys immediately, put your hazard lights on, and push your vehicle away from the pump if it's safe to do so.

Contact your insurance company first, as many policies cover misfuelling incidents. Then call EEK Mechanical on 0800 769 000. We operate 24/7 and will dispatch a tow truck to collect your vehicle and transport it to a certified workshop for professional fuel system cleaning. Our experienced team handles dozens of misfuelling cases every month, so you're in safe hands.