Misfuel Prevention Guide

Preventing misfuelling is the best way to avoid costly damage and inconvenience. Follow these guidelines to protect your vehicle.

Understanding the Risk

Misfuelling occurs when the wrong fuel type is put into a vehicle. The most common incidents are:

  • Petrol in Diesel Vehicles: Most common, causes severe damage to diesel injection systems
  • Diesel in Petrol Vehicles: Less common but equally damaging
  • Contaminated Fuel: Water or debris entering the fuel system

Prevention Tips

1. Always Check the Fuel Type

Before inserting the fuel nozzle, always verify:

  • Check your vehicle's fuel cap label
  • Confirm the pump dispenser label matches your vehicle
  • Look for color-coded nozzles (diesel is usually black, petrol is usually green)
  • Read the fuel type on the pump display

2. Use Visual Reminders

Create visual reminders to prevent mistakes:

  • Place a sticker on your fuel cap indicating fuel type
  • Use a fuel cap lock with a reminder tag
  • Keep a note in your vehicle's glove box
  • Set a reminder on your phone if you drive multiple vehicles

3. Be Extra Careful When Tired or Distracted

Most misfuelling incidents occur when drivers are:

  • Tired or fatigued
  • Rushed or in a hurry
  • Distracted by phone calls or conversations
  • Driving a rental or unfamiliar vehicle

Take a moment to double-check before fueling.

4. Know Your Vehicle

Familiarize yourself with your vehicle's fuel requirements:

  • Check your owner's manual
  • Know the fuel type required (petrol, diesel, or alternative)
  • Understand any special requirements (octane rating, additives)
  • Be aware of fuel cap location and design

5. Use Fuel Nozzle Size Differences

Many fuel stations use different nozzle sizes:

  • Diesel nozzles are often larger and won't fit easily into petrol vehicles
  • Petrol nozzles are typically smaller
  • If a nozzle doesn't fit easily, STOP - you may have the wrong fuel type

6. For Fleet Operators

If you manage a fleet, implement these practices:

  • Color-code vehicles by fuel type
  • Provide clear training to drivers
  • Use fuel cards that restrict fuel type
  • Maintain clear documentation of each vehicle's fuel type
  • Have an emergency response plan

What to Do If You Misfuel

CRITICAL: DO NOT START THE ENGINE

If you realize you've misfueled before starting the engine:

  1. DO NOT start the engine - This is critical
  2. Do not turn the ignition key
  3. Contact ONLY operators displaying the NZIFDA Mark immediately
  4. Have the vehicle towed to the operator's certified fixed facility if necessary
  5. Do not attempt to drain the fuel yourself
  6. Verify the operator displays the NZIFDA Mark before engaging services

Starting the engine will circulate contaminated fuel throughout the system, causing extensive damage and significantly higher repair costs.

⚠️ Legal Warning: Customer Liability

Under New Zealand law, you are responsible for ensuring contaminated fuel is handled by properly licensed operators.

Using illegal or unlicensed operators can result in:

  • Fines and penalties for using unlicensed waste disposal services
  • Liability for environmental violations if waste is improperly disposed
  • Responsibility for cleanup costs if environmental damage occurs
  • Voided insurance coverage

✅ Protect yourself: Only use operators displaying the NZIFDA Mark. Illegal operators face fines up to $600,000 and NZIFDA reports them to authorities for enforcement.

Additional Resources