Any driver can accidentally use the incorrect fuel in their car. You could be driving a hire car or a company car, or distracted at the petrol station. While it may seem like an emergency, being quick can avoid costly damage and save you time on the road. The first thing is not to panic if you discover you’ve put in the wrong fuel. Do not start or stop the engine, or pull over if the engine is already running. Then call a professional emergency fuel drain company.
Moreover, we offer fast and effective fuel drain services across the UK in emergencies. Our trained technicians reach you at your location, equipped with the necessary specialised equipment, and remove the contaminated fuel safely, all while helping you get on the road with confidence.
What Is an Emergency Fuel Drain?
An emergency fuel drain is a mobile fuel recovery service that can be called in to remove contaminated fuel once the wrong fuel has been placed in your vehicle.
We have a technician who will travel to your location and drain the fuel on site rather than waiting for a recovery truck or making a call to get a garage to drain the fuel.
We are there every day to assist drivers following an incident with:
- Petrol in a diesel car
- Diesel used in a petrol vehicle.
- Mixed fuel contamination
- The use of the wrong fuel in hire vehicles.
- Misspelt company vehicles
- Wrong fuel refuelling
We serve most cars, vans and light commercial vehicles.
Why You Should Never Drive After Misfuelling
Some drivers think they can remedy the situation by adding the right fuel to make up for the loss. Sadly, it can often exacerbate the problem.
When driven with contaminated fuel, it can circulate through the fuel system and can cause significant damage to the engine.
The following components can be affected:
Fuel Injectors
Today’s fuel injectors are very accurate. They can be affected by incorrect fuel, which may lead to inadequate lubrication.
High-Pressure Fuel Pump
Proper Lubrication is essential to Diesel systems. If the vehicle runs on petrol, it can harm the pump due to the effects of petrol.
Fuel Filter
Dirty fuel can clog the filter and cause poor fuel flow.
Engine Components
Using the wrong fuel can cause poor combustion, excess smoke, warning lights, rough running or engine failure.
The quicker you stop, the better chance your vehicle has of avoiding expensive repairs.
Common Wrong Fuel Situations
Thousands of motorists drive around in the UK every day fuelled with the wrong type of fuel. Each day, thousands of UK motorists drive around using the wrong fuel.
Some of the most common situations include:
Petrol in a Diesel Vehicle
This is the most common misspelling error and, if left untreated, can cause a lot of problems.
The conversion of a petrol car to use diesel fuel.
Diesel is less serious, but can cause the engine to malfunction.
Hire Cars
Often, drivers in the process of switching from petrol to diesel or diesel to petrol end up misfueling.
Company Vehicles
Incorrect selection of the pump could be a problem if different vehicles are used as fleets.
How Our Emergency Fuel Drain Service Works
Our process is simple and easy, and you will be able to get professional assistance without any delay.
Step 1: Contact Auto Fuel Fixer.
Please contact us immediately when you see the error.
We’ll ask for:
- Your location
- Make and Model of vehicle.
- Fuel type added
- The estimated quantity of fuel consumed.
- To determine whether the engine is started or not
Step 2 – Mobile Technician Dispatched
Our nearest fuel recovery specialist comes right to you!
All service vehicles have a professional fuel extraction system that is compatible with modern vehicles.
Step 3 – Safe Fuel Removal
Care is taken with the removal of the contaminated fuel using specialist fuel pumps and recovery equipment.
Step 4 – Inspect the fuel system
If required, we check and clean sections of the fuel system before refuel.
Step 5 – The fresh fuel is added.
After contaminated fuel has been taken out, fuel is refilled, and checks are run again before you set off on a new trip.
Benefits of Choosing Auto Fuel Fixer
The emergency fuel drain service is a valuable option that has a number of benefits.
Fast Response Times
Rapid help minimises the risk of damage to the engine.
Mobile Roadside Service
We respond to you right at your doorstep, even if you are at home, at work or at a petrol station.
Experienced Technicians
Our experts are faced with wrong fuel incidents on a daily basis and know the safest recovery procedures.
Professional Equipment
Efficient and safe systems for fuel extraction are used that are in modern use.
Nationwide Coverage
Our mobile techs are available throughout the UK.
Signs You May Have Used the Wrong Fuel
Keep an eye out for the following warning signs:
- Engine hesitation
- Poor acceleration
- Difficulty starting
- Rough idling
- Excessive exhaust smoke
- Dashboard warning lights
- Engine cutting out
If any of these symptoms occur shortly after refuelling, come to a safe stop and contact an emergency fuel drain specialist.
Can an Emergency Fuel Drain Prevent Expensive Repairs?
Yes, in many cases.
Removing contaminated fuel as soon as possible will significantly reduce potential damage to injectors, fuel pumps, fuel filters, and engine damage.
Quick expert help can reduce the damage in many cases if the engine has already been started.
Acting quickly can save time and money.
Tips to Avoid Misfuelling
While errors are possible, there are things you can do to lessen the chance of error.
Check the Fuel Cap
Please make sure that your car is a petrol or diesel car.
Read the Pump Label
Older students take an additional second before lifting the nozzle.
Slow Down
The faster you run, the higher the risk of choosing the wrong fuel.
Stay Focused
Avoid distractions while refuelling.
Take care when hiring Cars
When driving an unfamiliar car, be aware of the type of fuel it uses.
Why Choose Auto Fuel Fixer?
We at Auto Fuel Fixer know how a wrong fuel incident can be stressful.
We are the preferred choice of our customers because we offer them:
- Fast nationwide response
- Safe fuel recovery experts
- Professional roadside assistance
- The newly developed high-tech extraction facilities
- The safe disposal of contaminated fuel.
- Competitive pricing
- Friendly customer support
We aim to get your problem resolved without unnecessary repair costs, and in a timely fashion.
Conclusion
Mixing up fuels does not need to result in an expensive mess. A professional emergency fuel drain service is efficient in safely removing contaminated fuel before serious damage is done.
As a provider of Auto Fuel Fixer service, we can offer you fast services across the country with experienced technicians and specialist equipment. We are here to assist you to get back on the road safely, whether you have fuelled the wrong vehicle with petrol or diesel.
When you discover that you have used the wrong fuel, stop driving your vehicle right away and call Auto Fuel Fixer for professional emergency fuel drain services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an emergency fuel drain?
An emergency fuel drain service is a mobile service that safely drains contaminated fuel if the wrong fuel has been put in the vehicle.
2. Should I drive after putting the wrong fuel in my car?
No. If there is any contamination in the fuel, it can work its way through the fuel system and engine, leading to expensive repairs.
3. How long does an emergency fuel drain take?
It normally takes 30 to 60 minutes for most emergency fuel drain services based upon the volume of wrong fuel and the type of vehicle.
4. Is petrol in a diesel car dangerous?
Yes. Petrol can be harmful to fuel pumps, injectors, and other fuel systems and it decreases the lubrication that is needed by diesel fuel systems.
5. Can diesel damage a petrol car?
Yes. Diesel will have an impact on combustion and can cause poor performance, rough running, smoke and starting problems.
6. Will I need to tow my vehicle?
Not usually. Our mobile teams are able to perform the emergency fuel drain at your site in many cases.
7. What happens to the contaminated fuel?
All fuel removed is collected in a special manner and disposed of safely, following UK guidelines for the environment.
8. Why should I choose Auto Fuel Fixer?
Let Auto Fuel Fixer take the strain for you with their rapid nationwide response, trained technicians, professional processing equipment, competitive price and friendly service to get you back on the road safely.

