It’s easy to get the wrong fuel in your car, and many drivers don’t realise just how common it is. With several cars on the road, a car hired, or even distracted at the gas station, a single error can turn into a costly issue. Luckily, if the problem is found and acted upon quickly, the damage to the engine can be avoided, and repair expenses will be minimised. The purpose of professional misfuel recovery companies is to eliminate contaminated fuel in a safe and secure way, and to get vehicles moving as quickly as possible. Rather than risk the situation, professional experts drain the wrong fuel and get your car safely back on the road with the proper procedures and equipment.
If you need the services of Auto Fuel Fixer, then you are able to get the misfuel recovered quickly and efficiently throughout the UK. Our skilled technicians are available and get to your car promptly to prevent expensive repairs and provide expert roadside assistance when you need it.
What Is Misfuel Recovery?
Misfuel recovery is the process of getting rid of incorrect fuel that has been unintentionally put into your vehicle instead of diesel or petrol, or petrol instead of diesel.
Ideally, a professional recovery service will have the following:
- Contaminated fuel can be safely removed from the system.
- Fuel system inspection
- Cleaning the fuel system, if required
- Filling with the proper fuel
- The final operational checks before starting the vehicle.
Most of the time these services can be provided on the roadside without having to tow your car to a garage.
Why Misfuelling Happens
Even the most careful drivers can make mistakes when refuelling. People tend to live in the fast lane of life and are more likely to get distracted.
Some of the most common reasons include:
Driving Multiple Vehicles
A good number of families have petrol and diesel cars. The changeover can result in a choice of the wrong pump, unthinkingly.
You can hire or borrow a vehicle from one of the contacts listed here:
A hire car is frequently thought to be fuelled the same way a driver’s car is fuelled.
Distractions at the Petrol Station
Temporary lapses in concentration can be caused by phone calls, discussion, children in the car or fatigue.
Misreading Fuel Labels
Certain fuel caps may appear alike, particularly in low-lighting environments or when dealing with a vehicle that isn’t familiar.
These errors are annoying, but often the problem can be fixed quickly by having professional misfuel recovery services that can be reached before starting the engine.
Petrol in a Diesel Vehicle
It’s usually the worst of the two errors to put petrol in a diesel car.
Fuel pump lubrication and fuel injectors are important aspects of diesel fuel. This lubrication is decreased by petrol, which leads to higher friction and damage.
When the engine is started, contaminated fuel can be circulated throughout the fuel system.
Possible consequences include:
- The fuel pump is damaged, causing high fuel pressure.
- Injector failure
- Contaminated fuel lines
- Reduced engine performance
- Expensive repair bills
Immediately halt the flow and have the misfuel removed by a professional.
Diesel in a Petrol Vehicle
While it may not be as serious as petrol, diesel in a petrol engine should be taken seriously.
Possible symptoms include:
- Engine misfires
- Difficulty starting
- Excessive smoke
- Rough idling
- Poor acceleration
- Reduced fuel efficiency
To avoid further issues and get your vehicle back to normal, professional fuel draining can be done.
What Should You Do After Putting in the Wrong Fuel?
What you do right after you realise you made the mistake is extremely serious.
Do NOT start the engine.
This is the most crucial piece of advice.
When the wrong fuel is left permanently in the fuel tank, which is not flowing through the fuel pump, it is generally much easier to retrieve.
Turn the ignition off
If at all possible, don’t turn the ignition on, because some newer cars will actually turn on the fuel pump before the ignition turns on.
Go to a Safe Place
Push the vehicle away from the fuel pump, if necessary, after carefully (without starting the engine) pushing away the vehicle.
Call Auto Fuel Fixer
We have a team of experienced technicians all across the UK to perform quick misfuel recovery on the road.
How Professional Misfuel Recovery Works
All of Auto Fuel Fixer’s recoveries are safe and have been proven.
Vehicle Assessment
Our technician confirms:
- For instance, the vehicle make and model.
- Fuel type
- Amount of incorrect fuel
- Has the engine been turned on or not
- Fuel Removal
Using specialist equipment, contaminated fuel is safely removed from the fuel tank.
Fuel System Flush
The rest of the contaminated fuel is removed from fuel lines if needed.
Fresh Fuel Refill
The right fuel is applied before restarting the engine.
Final Safety Checks
We have a technician who will check the vehicle’s function before the recovery.
The majority of vehicles can start their journey after the service is completed.
Benefits of Professional Misfuel Recovery
There are a number of key benefits to selecting a specialist.
Extends the life of the major engine components
Quickly removing fuel prevents costly fuel system parts from getting damaged.
Saves Time
The majority of roadside recoveries can be finished within an hour.
Avoids Towing Costs
There are many vehicles that don’t need to be taken to a workshop.
Convenient Mobile Service
Our techs are on site!
Environmentally Responsible
Fuel contaminated with the material is removed and disposed of properly following environmental protection standards.
Why Choose Auto Fuel Fixer?
We know how hard it is to end up with the wrong fuel, so at Auto Fuel Fixer, we do our best to make it easy. We want to solve your problem as soon as possible and offer you great customer service.
We offer:
- Fast nationwide response
- Experienced recovery technicians
- Professional fuel-draining equipment
- Roadside assistance
- Competitive pricing
- Friendly customer support
- Modern recovery methods
- Services for cars, vans, SUVs and light commercial vehicles.
Our goal is to ensure that you’re back on the road as soon as possible, with as little disruption as possible.
How to Avoid Misfuelling
Errors are possible, but a few simple habits can help minimise the risk of errors.
Double-Check the Pump
Before filling gas, check the fuel type.
Read the Fuel Cap
Major manufacturers usually clearly indicate the proper fuel.
Slow Down
Don’t hurry while filling the tank.
Minimise Distractions
Be vigilant until refuelling is finished.
Install Fuel Reminder Stickers to remind you to fill the tank.
These are especially valuable if you have to get into various vehicles regularly.
Conclusion
It can be frustrating to put the wrong fuel in the car, but it doesn’t always result in costly repairs. Taking prompt action, not starting the engine, and calling a professional recovery specialist provide the best opportunity to save your car.
Auto Fuel Fixer is a professional, speedy and reliable misfuel recovery service throughout the UK. Our highly trained technicians can safely drain contaminated fuel, test your vehicle and get you on the road again!
Contact Auto Fuel Fixer today for expert misfuel recovery and reliable roadside assistance throughout the UK if you’ve accidentally put the wrong fuel in your car.