Putting the wrong fuel into your vehicle can happen to anyone. A few moments at the pump can turn into a stressful situation for anyone, whether they are distracted, driving a hire car, or just in a rush. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid costly engine damage if you act in time. When it comes to steps to take if you’ve accidentally added the wrong fuel, it’s easy: the first rule is not to start the engine. If the engine is already running, stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Next, call a fuel drain professional. We are experts at emergency fuel drain services in the UK and provide prompt and efficient service. Our team of expert technicians will come to your location, extract fuel contaminated with these chemicals from the system and return you to your vehicle as soon as possible.
What Is an Emergency Fuel Drain?
An emergency fuel drain is a mobile service that will safely drain your contaminated fuel from your vehicle once it is filled with the wrong fuel.
Our technicians will go to you instead of having to call a tow truck or make an appointment with the garage. From petrol stations to your driveway to roadside restrictions, we’re there to help when you need it most.
We can serve:
- The idea of putting petrol into a diesel car is not feasible.
- Using diesel fuel in a petrol vehicle
- After only filling part of the tank with the wrong fuel.When the tank is only filled with the wrong fuel.
- Mixed fuel contamination
- Vehicles (cars, vans & light commercial vehicles)
The work is done at the location, which means that many vehicles can keep going shortly after the work has been carried out.
Why You Should Never Drive After Misfuelling
Some drivers think they can fix the issue by putting the proper fuel in their vehicles. Unfortunately, this can make the situation much worse.
Contaminated fuel can flow through the fuel system and into the engine when driving with it. This can result in severe damage, which can be costly to fix.
These are the components that may be affected:
Fuel Injectors
Modern fuel injectors are precision-engineered. The wrong fuel will affect performance and can damage the engine.
High-Pressure Fuel Pump
The pump is lubricated with diesel fuel. This lubrication is removed by petrol and increases the likelihood of failure.
Fuel Filter
Dirty fuel can cause clogging of the filter and can choke fuel flow.
Engine Components
Wrong fuel will impact combustion, causing reduced performance, warning lights, smoke, or even engine failure.
A sudden stop will help avoid expensive repairs.
Common Misfuelling Situations
Many people are unaware of how often misfuelling occurs.
The most common scenarios are:
Petrol in a Diesel Vehicle
This is a very serious type of misfuelling as modern diesel engines make use of diesel oil for lubrication.
Diesel can be used in a petrol vehicle.
Diesel is less harmful than petrol, but can lead to engine malfunction and poor performance.
Selecting the wrong fuel in a Hire Car.
When driving an unfamiliar car, many drivers end up selecting the wrong pump.
Company Vehicles
Regular fleet drivers who are converting from one vehicle to the next may accidentally misfuel.
How Our Emergency Fuel Drain Service Works
We make the recovery process easy at Mr Fuel Doctor, all the way through.
Step 1 – Contact Our Team
Don’t wait until you have time to think; call us if you notice the error.
We will ask for:
- Your location
- Make and model of the vehicle.
- The type of wrong fuel used in the engine.
- Approximate amount added
- Whether the engine has been started or not.
Step 2 – Technician Dispatched
Our closest qualified technician comes to you.
All service vehicles are equipped with specialist fuel extraction equipment which can be used on most vehicle makes and models.
Step 3 – Fuel Removal
Specialist extraction equipment is used to safely remove contaminated fuel from the tank.
Step 4 – The next step is to inspect the fuel system as detailed in.
If required, we drain and clean the fuel system and check critical system parts before fueling the vehicle.
Step 5 – THEN, add fresh fuel in Step.
After the polluted fuel has been drained off, fresh fuel is put in, and the vehicle is run through a test before travelling.
Benefits of Choosing an Emergency Fuel Drain Service
There are a number of important benefits to using professional help.
Fast Response
The faster you respond, the less damage you are likely to cause to your engine.
Mobile Service
Our techs go to you, which is a time saver and a convenience.
Professional Equipment
Specialist extraction systems specifically used for wrong fuel recovery.
Experienced Technicians
We deal with misfuelling incidents on a daily basis and know how to get the best outcome.
Nationwide Assistance
Emergency fuel drain services throughout the UK.
Warning Signs of Wrong Fuel
Often, drivers do not realise they’ve made a mistake until they’re on the road.
Be alert for:
- Difficulty starting
- Engine hesitation
- Poor acceleration
- Excessive exhaust smoke
- Rough idling
- Warning lights
- Engine cutting out
If you notice any of these symptoms following refuelling, stop safely and call a professional immediately.
Can an Emergency Fuel Drain Prevent Engine Damage?
In many cases, yes.
As long as it is removed before it can get to the critical parts of the engine, major repairs may be avoided if the contaminated fuel is removed.
If the engine has been started, immediate professional help can help minimise damage.
It is best to get the fuel drainage done as soon as you can.
Why Choose Mr Fuel Doctor?
At Mr Fuel Doctor, we know how stressful a wrong fuel incident can be.
Drivers opt for us since we offer them:
- Fast nationwide response
- Filled with expert fuel recovery professionals
- Mobile roadside assistance
- New fuel extraction machinery
- Disposal of contaminated fuel in a safe way
- Competitive pricing
- Friendly customer support
We want to be able to resolve your issue promptly without causing any additional damage to your car.
Tips to Avoid Misfuelling
While errors are possible, simple routines can minimise the likelihood of errors.
Check the Fuel Cap
A lot of cars clearly identify the type of fuel that the car will use.
Carefully read the Pump Label
When filling fuel, always check the fuel level before adding any fuel to the fuel tank.
Slow Down
Don’t rush at refuelling.
Take care when riding in unfamiliar vehicles
Always find out if a hire or company car is petrol or diesel powered.
Avoid Distractions
Concentrate on the refuelling.
Conclusion
The last thing you need is to be stressed out about adding the wrong fuel to your vehicle, but you don’t have to make the repair costly. A professional emergency fuel drain service is the only one that can safely and efficiently get rid of contaminated fuel before it causes any serious damage.
Mr Fuel Doctor will offer you a rapid nationwide emergency fuel recovery service by a trained technician utilising specialist equipment. If you’ve topped up your petrol car with diesel or diesel into your petrol car, we’re here to help you safely get back on the road.
If you have spotted that you have fuelled with the wrong fuel, STOP the vehicle and call Mr Fuel Doctor for our Fuel Doctor Emergency Fuel Drain Services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an emergency fuel drain?
An emergency fuel drain is a mobile service for removing the contaminated fuel from your vehicle after putting the wrong fuel in it.
2. Should I drive after putting the wrong fuel in my car?
No. Using contaminated fuel could cause damage to the fuel system and engine. Stop right away and call a professional recovery company.
3. How long does an emergency fuel drain take?
The average time to complete an emergency fuel drain service is 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the vehicle and the amount of misfueling.
4. Is petrol in a diesel car dangerous?
Yes. Petrol is a contaminant that will affect the lubricating properties of the diesel fuel system and can cause damage to fuel pumps and injectors.
5. Can diesel damage a petrol car?
Yes. Diesel may have a negative impact on the combustion and result in rough running, reduced performance, smoke and/or starting problems.
6. Will I need my vehicle towed?
Not usually. In most instances, our techs can drain your fuel at no extra charge at your site.
7. What happens to the contaminated fuel?
The fuel removed is safely collected and disposed of in line with UK environmental regulations.
8. Why should I choose Mr Fuel Doctor?
Mr Fuel Doctor has a quick response time across the country, skilled and experienced technicians, professional fuel extraction equipment, competitive pricing and reliable customer service to help you get back on the road safely.
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