Contaminated fuel
This is uncommon but can happen and cause expensive damage to your car. You can protect yourself by keeping receipts showing where and when you purchased fuel, as well as keeping records of the steps taken to fix the problem.
If you notice any of the following, symptoms soon after refueling you may have bought contaminated fuel
- Engine running rough or lacking power
- Engine is harder to start than usual
- Misfiring, pinging or backfiring
- “Engine check” light illuminated fuel
What should you do if you suspect you have filled your tank with contaminated fuel?
Take down the details: Note the time, date, and location the fuel was purchased and receipts are a big help. Keep all these records to hand so you can refer to them in any correspondence. Keep a note of any correspondence too. Get an expert opinion: Call us on 0415 073 306 to have a qualified mechanic come to take a sample, and report on the damage done and provide advice for getting back on the road.
Take a sample: We can take a sample of the fuel from the tank to be analysed, keep it stored in a clean sealed container. The best container is a new fuel can, sold at service stations, at least a litre of fuel is recommended. If the fuel was purchased during the previous 24 hours it can also be of benefit to obtain a second specimen directly from the service station. Speak to the authorities: To help improve the future quality of fuel you should report any fuel quality issues to the Federal Department of the Environment and Energy. The Department is in charge of all the fuel quality standards in Australia and can be contacted on 1800 803 772 or by filling out this form. If you’re not satisfied with the situation contact Fair Trading NSW Link for Fair trading NSW: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/help-centre/online-tools/make-a-complaint IMPORTANT: In most cases you’ll need to pay for the repairs upfront. Once the cause of damage has been proven then you’ll have a case to receive reimbursement from the fuel supplier. You may need to prove that all costs incurred are a result of the contaminated fuel. Sydney Fuel Assist is operated by A1 Pride Mobile Mechanics, We are qualified and licensed with over 25 years’ experience in auto mechanics. Call 0415 073 306 now for assistance.