Quick Summary:
- Check the fuel door label and dashboard message before selecting any pump.
- Look for ULSD wording on diesel pumps and confirm the product name.
- Match nozzle size, diesel nozzles are often wider than petrol.
- If misfuelled, stop immediately, do not start, and request a tow.
Misfuelling is one of the most avoidable, and costly, mistakes during car hire in New York. The confusion usually comes from unfamiliar pump layouts, brand-specific colour coding, and the fact that US pumps label fuel slightly differently than some drivers expect. Add in jet lag, nighttime refuelling, and a queue behind you, and it is easy to reach for the wrong nozzle.
This guide gives you a pump-side checklist you can run through in under a minute, plus clear steps for what to do if the wrong fuel goes in. The aim is simple, protect the vehicle, avoid breakdowns, and reduce the chance of damage fees.
If you are collecting at a major hub, it helps to know your pickup location so you can plan the first refuel stop calmly rather than in a rush. For arrivals at JFK, see car hire airport New York JFK. If your trip starts from Newark, compare options like car rental Newark EWR or car hire New Jersey EWR.
Why diesel vs petrol matters for modern engines
Putting petrol into a diesel vehicle is usually more damaging than putting diesel into a petrol vehicle, but both can cause expensive problems. Diesel fuel systems run at very high pressure and rely on diesel’s lubricating properties. Petrol reduces lubrication and can damage pumps, injectors, and fuel lines. In many cases, the tank must be drained and parts inspected, sometimes replaced.
Diesel in a petrol car can foul spark plugs and lead to misfires, heavy smoke, and stalling. It may be less catastrophic if only a very small amount enters a large petrol tank, but it still risks contamination and the car may need to be drained. With car hire, even if you personally avoid long-term damage, the rental provider may still charge for recovery, diagnostics, and lost rental time if the vehicle is taken out of service.
Know what you are driving before you reach the pump
In New York, most standard hire cars are petrol. Diesel is more common in some larger SUVs, certain premium models, and occasionally vans. Do not assume anything based on vehicle size, because engine options vary by model year and supplier.
Before you leave the lot, take 15 seconds to confirm fuel type in three places.
1) Fuel filler door label: Many vehicles state “Gasoline only”, “Unleaded gasoline only”, or “Diesel fuel only”.
2) Owner’s manual or quick-start guide: Often in the glove box, sometimes in the infotainment screen.
3) Dashboard or fuel cap text: Some cars display “Diesel” on the cap, or show a message on startup.
If you are hiring a larger vehicle for family travel or luggage, diesel availability can be more likely. For people carriers from Newark, see minivan hire Newark EWR. For cargo and passenger vans at JFK, check van hire New York JFK.
New York pump labels, what you will actually see
US petrol is labelled “Unleaded” and usually offered in grades such as 87, 89, and 91 or 93. Those numbers are AKI octane ratings. Most hire cars take 87 regular unleaded, unless the fuel door says otherwise.
Diesel is usually labelled clearly as “Diesel” and commonly “ULSD”, which stands for Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel. That ULSD wording is a strong confirmation you are holding the diesel nozzle.
Colour can help, but never rely on it alone. Many stations use green for diesel, but some use green for petrol, and some pumps use black handles for everything. The text label on the pump face is the key.
Pump-side checklist, a 60-second routine
Use this sequence every time you refuel during your New York car hire. It is designed to catch the common failure points, rushing, distraction, and assuming the wrong grade.
Step 1, park and pause: Put the car in park, open the fuel door, and read the label out loud. If it says unleaded or gasoline, you want a petrol grade. If it says diesel only, you want diesel and you should expect to see ULSD.
Step 2, choose the pump based on text, not colour: On the pump, locate the product name strip. For petrol, look for “Unleaded” plus the octane grade. For diesel, look for “Diesel” and often “ULSD”. If you cannot find the wording quickly, move to another pump rather than guessing.
Step 3, check nozzle size and fit: Diesel nozzles are often slightly wider. Many petrol filler necks are narrower, which can physically prevent a diesel nozzle from fitting fully. The reverse is not always true, petrol nozzles can fit into diesel filler necks, which is why petrol-in-diesel mistakes happen more often. If the nozzle feels odd, do not force it.
Step 4, confirm the grade before you squeeze: For petrol cars, if the fuel door specifies regular, choose 87. If it says premium required, follow that label. Avoid picking “Diesel” because you saw a green handle. For diesel cars, do not pick “Unleaded” even if it is the cheapest option on screen.
Step 5, start slow, especially at unfamiliar stations: Begin fuelling gently for the first second or two. This gives you a final chance to notice any mismatch, such as a strong diesel smell when you expected petrol, or the pump display clearly saying Diesel.
Step 6, keep the receipt: Always take a printed or digital receipt. It records the fuel type and grade and can help if there is later confusion about what was put in the car. It is also useful if you need to show you refuelled close to return time.
Common misfuelling scenarios in New York, and how to avoid them
Scenario A, you are used to “petrol” labels: In the US, “gas”, “gasoline”, and “unleaded” all mean petrol. If your car’s label says gasoline only, do not look for the word petrol on the pump.
Scenario B, your station has diesel next to regular: Some pumps have diesel on one side and petrol on the other, with identical-looking nozzles. Do not grab the nozzle first. Read the product label first.
Scenario C, you are driving a diesel van and the filler neck looks big: A wide filler neck can make petrol nozzles fit easily. Make ULSD your confirmation word. If the pump does not say ULSD or Diesel, it is not the right nozzle.
Scenario D, paying at the pump prompts confusion: Some pumps ask you to select a product on screen after you lift the nozzle. If the screen is unclear, cancel and restart. It is better to lose 20 seconds than to drain a tank.
If the wrong fuel goes in, what to do immediately
The right response depends on whether the engine has been started. The earlier you stop, the less likely fuel has circulated through the system.
If you realise before starting the engine: Do not turn the key or press start. Do not cycle the ignition “just to move”. Inform the station attendant if one is present, then contact the roadside assistance or emergency number given with your car hire paperwork. Explain that you have misfuelled and the vehicle must be towed, not driven, to a workshop for tank draining and system check.
If you have started the engine but have not driven: Turn the engine off as soon as it is safe. Do not restart. Call for assistance and report exactly what happened, including approximately how many gallons were added and which fuel type.
If you have driven and notice symptoms: Pull over safely. Symptoms can include rough running, loss of power, warning lights, knocking, or smoke. Turn off the engine and call for recovery. Continuing to drive can increase damage and costs.
Keep evidence: Save the receipt showing the fuel type, take a photo of the pump label if possible, and note the station name and address. This information helps the service provider diagnose and helps you explain events accurately.
Receipts, records, and avoiding disputes later
With car hire, documentation reduces arguments. Receipts matter for two reasons. First, they show you bought the correct fuel near return time if your agreement requires a full-to-full policy. Second, in a misfuelling situation, they prove what was dispensed, which can speed up diagnosis and prevent incorrect assumptions.
Practical habit, store fuel receipts in the glove box immediately, or keep a dedicated album on your phone for photos of receipts. If the printer is out, take a clear photo of the pump screen showing fuel type and grade, plus the pump number.
Extra tips for New York drivers, stay calm at busy stations
New York metro stations can be cramped and hectic. Choose a well-lit station with multiple pumps, especially at night. If you are returning a car at an airport location, consider fuelling a few miles earlier rather than right next to the terminal, where queues and pressure are highest.
If you are unsure about the correct grade, follow the fuel door label. Do not assume premium is safer. Most vehicles are designed for 87 regular and using higher octane does not provide benefits unless required by the manufacturer.
Finally, if you are travelling with others, ask one person to read the fuel door label while you read the pump label. A second set of eyes can prevent a costly mistake.
FAQ
How can I tell if my New York car hire vehicle is diesel? Check the fuel filler door and cap for “Diesel only”, and look for a “Diesel” or “ULSD” mention in the manual or dashboard messages. Do not rely on vehicle size.
What does ULSD mean on a pump? ULSD stands for Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel. In the US it is the standard diesel formulation, and seeing ULSD wording is a strong confirmation you are selecting diesel.
Are diesel nozzles always bigger than petrol nozzles? Often they are wider, but not always enough to prevent mistakes. Use nozzle fit only as a backup check, the pump text label is the primary confirmation.
If I put a little petrol into a diesel car, can I dilute it by filling with diesel? Do not attempt this. Even small amounts of petrol can reduce lubrication in a diesel fuel system. Do not start the engine, arrange towing and professional draining.
Will I be charged damage fees if I misfuel a hire car? You may be charged for recovery, draining, diagnostics, repairs, and loss of use. Acting immediately, not starting the engine, and keeping receipts can reduce damage and help the situation.
