Quick answer: if you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car in Melbourne, you have four options: tow it to a mechanic, call roadside assistance, call a specialist wrong fuel service, or keep driving. For most drivers who notice early, a specialist on-site fuel drain is the fastest and cheapest way to fix it.
Putting the wrong fuel in a vehicle is more common than most people think, especially with fuel prices pushing people to switch between service stations. Whether it’s petrol in a diesel or diesel in a petrol car, what you do next has a big effect on the cost, the damage and how long you’re without your car.
Option 1: Tow it to a mechanic
This is a common reaction, especially if you’re not sure what to do.
Benefits
- A safe choice if you’re worried about damage
- A mechanic can fully inspect the vehicle
- Suits cases where the vehicle has already been driven a long way
Downsides
- It can take 1 to 3 days or longer to get your car back
- Towing plus workshop labour adds up quickly
- Not every mechanic specialises in fuel contamination
- You’re without a vehicle during repairs
For a car that hasn’t been driven, towing is often more than the situation needs.
Option 2: Call roadside assistance
Many drivers instinctively ring their roadside provider, such as the RACV or a manufacturer’s assist program.
Benefits
- You may already be covered under your membership
- Response in metro areas can be quick
- They can organise a tow if needed
Downsides
- Most roadside patrols don’t carry equipment to drain fuel on site
- They’ll usually arrange a tow to a workshop or refer you on
- That can still mean long delays and a bigger total bill
Roadside assistance often ends up being a middle step on the way to a tow.
Option 3: Call a specialist wrong fuel service
For most people, this is the quickest and most efficient fix.
Benefits
- On-site fuel drain wherever the vehicle is
- Usually finished in 30 to 60 minutes
- No towing
- Usually much cheaper than workshop repairs
- The vehicle can often be driven straight away
Downsides
- Not every provider is properly licensed, insured or permitted to handle contaminated fuel
- Quality and experience vary
Choosing a licensed, insured and experienced provider matters. We cover what to look for in the best wrong fuel rescue service in Melbourne.
Option 4: Keep driving
Some people realise too late, or decide to push on.
Risks
- Petrol in a diesel can destroy injectors and the fuel pump
- Diesel in a petrol car can cause misfires and engine damage
- Repairs can run from $2,000 to $15,000 or more
Even with a tiny amount and a top-up of the right fuel, it’s a gamble we don’t recommend. See the long-term effects of driving with the wrong fuel.
If you’re a roadside club member, it’s still worth calling them for a tow or general breakdown help. RACV’s roadside assistance page explains what’s included, but a fuel drain is usually arranged separately.
Side-by-side comparison
| Option | Typical time to fix | Relative cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tow to a mechanic | 1 to 3+ days | High | Vehicles already driven a long way |
| Roadside assistance | Varies, often ends in a tow | Medium to high | Getting moved off a busy road |
| Specialist on-site drain | 30 to 60 minutes | Lowest overall | Most cases, especially if not started |
| Keep driving | n/a | Potentially very high | Not recommended |
What is the best option for wrong fuel in Melbourne?
For most situations, it’s a specialist wrong fuel recovery service. It deals directly with the problems the other options create:
- Compared with towing: no transport, no workshop queue and no multi-day wait.
- Compared with roadside assistance: no extra step before the actual fix.
- Compared with driving on: the contaminated fuel is removed before it can damage the pump, injectors and engine.
A specialist service works best when the mistake is noticed early, the vehicle hasn’t been driven (or only briefly), and you need help straight away.
Outside Melbourne? See wrong fuel services by state for providers across Victoria and the rest of Australia.
The bottom line
For most Melbourne drivers, a specialist on-site fuel drain gives you the fastest fix, the lowest overall cost and the least disruption to your day. Before anything else, don’t start the engine.
Want to know what it costs? Read our wrong fuel rescue cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the fastest way to fix wrong fuel in Melbourne?
A mobile wrong fuel specialist who drains the tank where the car is. There’s no tow and no workshop wait, and most jobs take under an hour once they arrive.
Will RACV drain the wrong fuel?
Roadside patrols generally don’t carry fuel drain equipment. They usually offer a tow or a referral, so many drivers call a specialist directly.
How much does it cost in Melbourne?
A standard car usually costs a few hundred dollars for an on-site drain. Our cost guide breaks down what changes the price.
