Quick answer: occasionally the problem isn’t the wrong nozzle but contaminated fuel from the station, such as water or the wrong product in an underground tank. If your car runs badly straight after filling up, stop driving, keep your receipt, write down the pump number and time, and get the fuel tested before it’s drained so you have evidence.
Signs the fuel itself may be the problem
- Symptoms start within minutes of leaving the station.
- You’re sure you used the correct nozzle and fuel type.
- Other drivers report problems after using the same station.
- A diesel’s water-in-fuel warning light comes on soon after refuelling.
Common symptoms include sputtering, loss of power, rough idling and stalling. See water in your fuel tank for more.
What to do
- Stop driving when it’s safe and switch off.
- Keep the receipt. It shows the station, date, time, pump and fuel grade.
- Write down the details: pump number, nozzle used, how much you bought and when symptoms started.
- Tell the station straight away, in person or by phone, and ask them to record it.
- Ask the technician to keep a sample of the drained fuel in a sealed, labelled container before it’s disposed of.
- Keep all invoices for the drain, towing and repairs.
Evidence that helps
| Evidence | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Fuel receipt | Proves where and when you bought it |
| Fuel sample | Can be tested for water or the wrong product |
| Technician’s report | Records what was found in the tank and filter |
| Photos | Fuel colour, filter condition, warning lights |
| Timeline | Links the symptoms to the fill-up |
Consumer Affairs Victoria has a page on damage caused by contaminated fuel, including getting written confirmation from a mechanic and reporting it to the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, which regulates Australian fuel quality.
Making a claim
Start with the station or fuel brand’s customer service. If you can’t resolve it, contact your state’s consumer protection agency (such as Consumer Affairs Victoria or NSW Fair Trading). Fuel quality in Australia is also regulated under national fuel quality standards, so serious or repeated problems can be reported.
Was it really the station?
Be honest with yourself. If there’s any chance the wrong nozzle was used, a fuel test will show it. Either way, the fix is the same: don’t keep driving, and get the fuel drained. Our immediate actions checklist covers the first steps.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a servo sold me bad fuel?
Problems straight after filling up, especially if other drivers report the same thing, point to the fuel. A fuel sample tested by a laboratory is the strongest evidence.
Who do I report contaminated fuel to?
The service station first, then Consumer Affairs Victoria or your state’s fair trading agency, and the federal fuel quality regulator.
Should I keep a fuel sample?
Yes. Ask the person draining the tank to keep a sealed sample, and keep your receipt showing the time and pump number.
