Signs Your Fuel Might Be Contaminated: What to Do Next

Fuelling up your vehicle is a routine part of car ownership, but what happens if you suspect the fuel you’ve just pumped into your tank is contaminated? Contaminated fuel can cause a range of issues, affecting your engine’s performance and potentially leading to costly repairs.

Signs of Contaminated Fuel:

Here are some common symptoms that may indicate your fuel is contaminated:

1. Engine running rough or lacking power/performance: If you notice a decrease in your engine’s performance, such as rough idling, sluggish acceleration, or reduced power, contaminated fuel could be the culprit.
2. Engine harder to start than usual: Difficulty starting your engine, especially after refueling, can be a sign of contaminated fuel affecting the combustion process.
3. Misfiring, pinging, or backfiring: Contaminated fuel can lead to irregular combustion patterns, resulting in engine misfires, pinging noises, or backfiring.
4. “Engine check” light illuminated: A warning light on your dashboard, such as the “Check Engine” light, could indicate issues with your engine, potentially caused by contaminated fuel.

What to Do If You Suspect Contaminated Fuel:

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above soon after refuelling, it’s crucial to take immediate action:

1. Visit Your Local Mechanic: Your first step should be to take your car to your local mechanic or dealership for a thorough check and verification. They can diagnose the problem and determine if contaminated fuel is indeed the issue.
2. Roadside Assistance and Towing: If you’re unable to drive your car to the mechanic due to severe issues, call your roadside assistance provider to have your vehicle towed to your service centre of choice. This should be us, Call 9987 2818 if your on the north shore of Sydney and suspect you have a case of bad gas
3. Document Your Experience: Remember to note down the date, time, and location where you purchased the fuel. This information is crucial when dealing with contamination issues and making claims for repairs. While many people don’t retain fuel receipts, they can serve as proof of purchase and help in resolving disputes with the service station. Remember if your car fails 30-40 kms after you fill up you have a case if you fail at over a couple hundred kilometres your case against the fuel provider gets pretty weak.
4. Notify the Service Station: Inform the service station where you bought the fuel about the problems you’re experiencing following refuelling. Let them know that you’ll be making a claim against them for any repairs or damages caused by the contaminated fuel.