Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

How much does it cost to fix diesel in a petrol car?

I really screwed up at the gas station today. Without thinking, I started filling my car up with diesel instead of gasoline. Not sure what to do now. How much does it cost to fix diesel in a petrol car?

avatar
Melanie Mergen · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
This slip-up happens a lot more than you probably think. Draining diesel from a gas tank is a relatively straightforward job that’ll likely cost several hundred dollars. However, if further damage has been caused by running the vehicle with diesel fuel, that cost could extend into the low thousands.
Diesel
is thicker than gas but less combustible. If you run your gasoline-powered vehicle with diesel, it can cause several problems, like clogging your fuel filter and damaging your engine.
For this reason, it’s important that if you’ve accidentally filled your car up using diesel fuel, don’t start it. It’s best to have it towed to a mechanic where they can drain the fuel. If you start your car and run it using diesel, it can cause more serious and costly damage.
While you’re taking care of your fuel tank, it’s a great time to ensure the rest of your car is protected with the
Jerry
app.
Once you download Jerry, answer a handful of questions that will take you roughly 45 seconds to complete and you’ll immediately get car insurance quotes for coverage similar to your current plan. Jerry customers save an average of $887 a year.
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings