Many drivers don’t know that putting the wrong fuel in their tank is a more common occurrence than they think. It can occur when you’re distracted, driving a new car, or when you are driving a hire car or when you are just being rushed through a busy petrol station.
While it may appear to be a huge mistake, sometimes the fastest response can be the best. The most significant point is what to do next.
Auto Fuel Fixer offers quick nationwide fuel drain services and mobile fuel recovery services throughout the UK. Our skilled technicians restore your car to the road safely no towing and no delays. As with the other companies in this field, it’s all about getting you on the road quickly, safely and with as little disruption as possible.
This guide will tell you all about the wrong fuel, including some of the most common errors that you might make, how you will know if you’ve made a mistake, the steps you’ll take to correct the situation, and how a professional fuel drain service can help keep your vehicle safe.
How Common Is Putting the Wrong Fuel in a Car?
Each year, thousands of UK motorists mistakenly put the wrong fuel in their cars. It is a very frequent error for drivers who switch from petrol to diesel and for those who borrow from other cars.
Common situations include:
- Driving a business car.Driving a business vehicle.
- Using a rent-a-car
- Refuelling while distracted
- Filling up in the rain and wind
- Fatigue as a result of long travel
- Unusual fueling stations
Luckily, most troubles can be resolved quickly without starting the power plant if the following measures are taken.
What Happens If You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Vehicle?
The effects vary in relation to the type of vehicle and the injected fuel.
Petrol in a Diesel Car
The fuel for a diesel motor lubricates key parts of the engine.
Petrol diminishes the lubrication, which could result in:
- Damage to the fuel pump.
- Injector problems
- Engine performance issues
- Increased repair costs
The more time the engine has to run, the more likely it is to be damaged.
Diesel in a Petrol Car
Diesel is much thicker than petrol.
This can cause:
- Engine misfires
- Difficulty starting
- Excessive smoke
- Fuel system blockages
- Engine stalling
This is not nearly as harmful as petrol in a diesel car, but it’s still a problem that needs to be addressed immediately.
The First Things You Should Do
If you discover you have used the wrong fuel, stay calm.
Follow these easy tips.
1. Don’t start the engine.
This is the one thing that is the most important.
When the engine is started, contaminated fuel is pumped around the fuel system.
2. Stay Safe
When in a petrol station, notify petrol station staff and only move the vehicle if it can be done safely without the engine running.
(3) Contact a Wrong Fuel Specialist
Fuel removal and preparation for the vehicle start-up will be handled by professional technicians who will do it safely.
Don’t attempt to do it on your own without the proper equipment.
What If You’ve Already Driven the Car?
People don’t realise the error until a few miles down the road.
The symptoms may include:
- Loss of power
- Engine warning lights
- Rough idling
- Unusual engine noise
- White or black smoke
- Difficulty restarting
If this happens:
- Pull over safely.
- Switch off the engine.
- Call the wrong fuel recovery company right away.
The further you drive, the greater the likelihood of costly repairs. The first step in recovery is usually to pull the vehicle to a safe location, then use a fuel drain professional to remove the fuel.
How Does a Wrong Fuel Recovery Service Work?
The goal of professional fuel drain services is to get you moving as soon as possible.
Typically involves:
Vehicle Assessment
The technician verifies the nature of the contamination and if the engine has been started or not.
Fuel Removal
Fuel contaminated with oil is removed from the tank by specialist equipment which is safe to use.
Fuel System Inspection
The technician inspects the fuel system for contamination.
Fresh Fuel Added
Clean fuel is provided to help your vehicle safely restart.
Final Checks
The car is checked before departing on its journey.
In many instances, the driver may be able to continue driving without having to go to a garage after the fuel has been safely removed.
Why Professional Fuel Drain Services Are Important
A few motorists choose to drain the tank on their own.
Today’s cars, however, have complex fuel systems and they are best fitted for specialist equipment.
There are several benefits to professional recovery:
- Safe fuel removal
- Lower likelihood of engine damage.
- Correct fuel disposal
- Mobile roadside service
- Experienced technicians
- More Road to Recovery
Doing your own repairs may end up exacerbating the issue. Can Wrong Fuel Damage the Engine?
It can, but not all of our errors cause permanent damage.
There are many factors which influence the result.
These include:
- Determine whether the engine was started or not.
- The distance travelled by the vehicle
- The quantity of wrong fuel injected
- The manufacturer and type of the vehicle.
- Engine type
Remove contaminated fuel as soon as possible; the risk of which is lowered.
How to Avoid Putting the Wrong Fuel in Your Car
Doing things to prevent is better than doing things to repair.
Simple habits include:
- Double-check fuel cap.
- Thoroughly read the label on the pump.
- Do not do anything that will distract you during fueling.
- Be extra vigilant in the use of hire vehicles.
- Place a reminder sticker by the fuel filler.
- Hold off before picking up the pump nozzle.
These little things can avoid a big error.
Why Choose Auto Fuel Fixer?
If fast help is a necessity, it is essential to select a knowledgeable recovery firm.
Auto Fuel Fixer offers:
- 24/7 emergency response
- Mobile fuel drain services are available.
- Nationwide UK coverage
- Experienced technicians
- Roadside assistance
- Petrol and diesel recovery
- AdBlue contamination services
- Fast response times
Our aim is simple. We quickly get drivers back on the road with minimal risk of unnecessary engine damage.
Conclusion
The fuel mistake is not something you want to do, but it doesn’t have to be an expensive problem. Taking immediate action, not being tempted to start or resume driving the vehicle and calling a professional fuel drain service can make a world of difference.
Auto Fuel Fixer is available for wrong fuel recovery services 24 hours a day throughout the UK and is reliable. We’re trained and equipped to help you get back on the road safely, no matter if you’ve topped up your diesel car with petrol, put diesel into a petrol car or added AdBlue to the tank!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What should I do immediately after putting the wrong fuel in my car?
Don’t start the engine. If it’s safe to leave the car, call in a wrong fuel recovery service.
2. Can my car be repaired without going to a garage?
In many cases, yes. Fuel drain specialists can be located on mobile platforms that can extract the contaminated fuel at the roadside, and have you on your way.
3. Is petrol in a diesel car worse than diesel in a petrol car?
Petrol is likely to be more of a problem in a diesel vehicle because it negatively affects lubrication inside the fuel system and could harm sensitive parts if the engine is not shut down.
4. What happens if I accidentally drive after using the wrong fuel?
Come to a safe stop when it is safe. Driving may cause damage to the fuel system or engine.
5. How long does a mobile fuel drain take?
The amount of time required is dependent on the vehicle involved and the amount of contamination, but roadside recovery is intended to get drivers back on the road as fast as possible.
6. Can you remove AdBlue from a fuel tank?
Yes. The contamination of AdBlue will not cause substantial damage to the fuel system if taken out by professional technicians before it can cause serious damage.
7. Why choose Auto Fuel Fixer?
Available nationwide 24 hours a day, Auto Fuel Fixer is a service that offers wrong fuel recovery, fuel-draining services on the road, and professional assistance with automotive technicians to minimise disruption and protect your vehicle.