It is possible for anyone to get the wrong fuel in their car, and they could end up with any of the following problems. A few seconds’ lapse of attention at a petrol station is enough to fill a diesel car with petrol or a petrol car with diesel. It may feel like it’s a stressful situation, but the key takeaway is: don’t panic! Quick action can help you avoid a big repair bill and damage to your engine. It is best to have a professional roadside fuel drain service. Trained techs can remove the contaminated fuel anywhere, without putting your vehicle at risk of further harm, and get you back on the road safely.
We do fuel drain services at Mr Fuel Doctor and can do them on a roadside basis in the UK very quickly. Our qualified techs are ready to drain the wrong fuel, if needed, and flush fuel systems before reinstalling your car.
What Is a Roadside Fuel Drain?
Roadside Fuel Drain is a mobile service which removes contaminated fuel from your vehicle following misfuelling. A qualified technician brings his expertise to your place instead of towing your car to a garage.
This service is for:
- A petrol car with diesel fuel. A petrol car fueled with diesel.
- A car that is fuelled by diesel instead of petrol.
- Mixed fuel contamination
- After refuelling, the fuel is not correct.
- When the fuel is accidentally misfuelled at petrol stations.
The service is done at the roadside location, which means that most drivers can resume their driving operation soon after the service has been completed.
Why You Should Never Drive After Misfuelling
Many people think that they can just fill the tank with the appropriate fuel. Sadly, this can have adverse consequences.
Running your car on dirty fuel can lead to problems with such vital parts as:
Fuel Injectors
Modern fuel injectors run with very close tolerances. Poor fuel can lead to poor lubrication and performance issues.
High-Pressure Fuel Pump
The diesel pumps use diesel as the lubricant. Petrol decreases this protection and can lead to costly internal damage.
Fuel Filter
Fuel that is contaminated can cause a plug in the filter and low fuel flow.
Engine Components
Wrong fuel can cause poor performance, warning lights or total engine failure.
If you catch the error, you have the greatest chance of not having to pay for any repairs if you stop right after you find it.
Common Misfuelling Mistakes
There are more instances of misfuelling than people imagine.
The typical scenarios are:
Petrol in a Diesel Car
This is one of the most critical errors as petrol takes away the lubrication that diesel engines need.
Diesel in a Petrol Car
Although generally less damaging, diesel can still prevent proper combustion and cause the engine to stop running.
The wrong fuel in a Hire Car.
When changing car models, drivers tend to get mixed up.
Filling the Wrong Family Car
Many homes have both petrol and diesel cars, so misfuelling is a surprisingly common problem.
How Our Roadside Fuel Drain Service Works
We want to make the recovery process easy and stress-free at Mr Fuel Doctor.
Step 1 – Contact Our Team
Contact us immediately you discover the error!
Provide:
- Your location
- Model and make of vehicles.
- Type of fuel added
- Approximate quantity
- If the engine has been started;
- Mobile Technician dispatched
Step 1 – We send an experienced technician directly to your location.
All of our purpose-built service vehicles are equipped with specialist fuel extraction equipment capable of being fitted to the majority of vehicle types.
Step 3 – Fuel Removal
Professional equipment is used to safely remove the contaminated fuel from the fuel tank.
Step 4 – Check the fuel system. Check the fuel system.
We also inspect and flush portions of the fuel system, if necessary, to clear any extra contamination.
Step 5 – Fill with the correct fuel.
Before testing the vehicle, fresh fuel is used to ensure that everything is working.
In most cases, customers can continue their journey right away.
Benefits of Choosing a Roadside Fuel Drain
There are a few key benefits to the roadside assistance service.
Save Time
The need for towing and vehicle recovery is normally not required.
Prevent Expensive Repairs
Rapid fuel extraction will prevent damage to the engine’s key parts.
Convenient Service
To your home, work, road and petrol station.
Experienced Technicians
Our team are well experienced in handling misfuelling accidents and knows the safe recovery procedures.
Nationwide Coverage
Help is on offer when needed, no matter where you are in the UK.
Signs You Have Added the Wrong Fuel
Sometimes the mistake by the drivers is not discovered until after they have left the petrol station.
Look for the following symptoms:
- Difficulty starting
- Engine hesitation
- Rough running
- Exhaust smoke
- Warning lights
- Engine cutting out
- Reduced performance
If these symptoms occur after refuelling, pull over and call for professional help.
Can a Roadside Fuel Drain Save Your Engine?
In many cases, yes.
Often serious damage can be prevented if the wrong fuel is removed before it enters into circulation in the engine.
Taking action quickly can help minimise repairs, even if the engine is already running.
The sooner help can be provided by a professional, the better.
Why Choose Mr Fuel Doctor?
The choice of the recovery specialist is crucial.
Here at Mr Fuel Doctor, we offer:
- Fast UK-wide response
- Fully trained technicians
- Professional fuel extraction equipment
- Safe fuel disposal
- Competitive pricing
- Friendly customer service
- Help available with most cars, vans and light commercial vehicles
We aim to just fix your misfuelling problem in no time flat and without damaging your car.
Tips to Avoid Misfuelling
Errors occur, but some simple strategies can minimise the risk.
- Always conduct a fuel level inspection before filling.
- Follow the instructions on the pump label.
- Stop at unfamiliar gas stations and take the time to explore.
- Be extra careful when driving a hire or company vehicle.
- Avoid distractions while refuelling.
- If you change between cars for your usual activity, put a reminder sticker on the fuel filler.
Preventing a costly mistake can be made with a couple of small precautions.
Conclusion
It’s bad enough to add the wrong fuel; it doesn’t have to be a costly disaster. Professional roadside fuel drain service ensures removal of contaminated fuel in a safe and efficient manner before any serious engine damage can take place.
We know how difficult it can be to get your fueling right at Mr Fuel Doctor. This is the reason for our trained engineers offering immediate roadside support UK-wide. If you have put petrol into a diesel car or diesel into a petrol car, we are on hand to help you safely re-enter the road.
Don’t take unnecessary risks. If you have been misfuelled, then please stop your vehicle and call Mr Fuel Doctor for roadside fuel drain services.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a roadside fuel drain?
A roadside fuel drain is the mobile service to remove contaminated fuel from a vehicle after misfuelling, which does not need a garage recovery.
2. Can I drive after putting the wrong fuel in my car?
No. When driving, the fuel system and engine could sustain serious damage. STOP immediately and call professional help.
3. How long does a roadside fuel drain take?
The process takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the vehicle and the quantity of contaminated fuel.
4. Is petrol in a diesel engine dangerous?
Yes. Petrol can cause damage to the injectors and high-pressure fuel pumps, as well as lower the lubrication level of the diesel fuel system.
5. Can diesel damage a petrol engine?
Yes. Diesel can cause rough running, poor performance, or prevent the engine from starting because of its effect on the combustion.
6. Will I need my vehicle towed?
In many cases, no. Frequently, a professional roadside fuel drain can be done at the site of the vehicle.
7. Is the contaminated fuel reused?
No. The fuel removed is safely collected and disposed of in accordance with environmental requirements.
8. Why choose Mr Fuel Doctor?
Mr Fuel Doctor is available to respond quickly nationwide, has experienced staff, professional roadside assistance to drain fuel, competitive prices, and reliable customer service so you can get back on the road.