ACL tips - Misfuelling: a costly oversight!

Refuelling your car is a relatively simple matter. But one mistake can turn this simple matter into an unnecessarily expensive one.

It doesn't happen very often that you reach for the wrong fuel nozzle at the petrol station. Nevertheless, the ACL reports almost 1,115 fuel breakdowns in 2024. Although this is 20% less than in the previous year, this mistake can cost you up to 8,000 euros.

What should you never do when refuelling?

First of all, smoking while refuelling is strictly forbidden. And it's also better not to smoke in the car while you're still at the petrol station. Secondly, the engine must be switched off. It should not be forgotten that it is generally forbidden to let the engine run for no reason. Then you should never leave the nozzle unattended during the entire refuelling process, i.e. you have to stay close by. Even at cold temperatures, it is not advisable to sit in the car while refuelling. The tank should also not be filled too much. When the automatic system stops the fuel supply, you should stop refuelling. Similarly, the use of mobile phones is prohibited at some petrol stations.

What are the dangers of refuelling?

Modern petrol stations are safe. However, you should never forget that fuels are highly flammable substances. A fire can be caused by carelessness such as a cigarette drop, an engine that is left running or incorrect handling of the petrol nozzle. To protect the environment, you should avoid spilling petrol or diesel on the ground before, during or after refuelling. Furthermore, it is not good for the paintwork of the vehicle if it comes into contact with petrol. As for using a mobile phone, it only poses a risk if it falls on the floor and the battery comes loose, which can cause a small spark that could start a fire. However, this is highly unlikely with modern mobile phones and has nothing to do with the electromagnetic waves generated during a call, as is often claimed.

Put the wrong fuel in the tank? What should and should not be done in this case?

It's best to recognise this as early as possible, ideally before leaving the petrol station. In this case, you should never start the engine or switch it off as quickly as possible and contact the ACL at 26000 via phone, or even better, via the ACL app.

Why is misfuelling dangerous?

It is particularly problematic if you fill up a diesel vehicle with petrol. Petrol does not have sufficient lubricating properties compared to diesel, i.e. it does not have the sliding properties of diesel. This can quickly damage moving parts such as the high-pressure pump or the injectors.

What does a misfuelling cost?

That depends. In the best case, it is sufficient to have the tank pumped empty. That costs you about 250 Euro. However, if you have filled up a diesel car with petrol and started the engine, the tank, pumps, pipes and the entire injection system may need to be replaced. In this case, you can expect costs of up to 8,000 euros. That's why we advise you to always check carefully whether you have reached for the right fuel pump nozzle before starting the refuelling process.