There’s nothing worse than filling your car with the Wrong Fuel. It is not uncommon when you are in a hurry, driving a different vehicle, or maybe when distracted at the Fuel station. Fortunately, this is more common than many drivers realise, and it can be fixed without permanent damage if addressed in a timely manner. Mr Fuel Doctor offers rapid service using professional wrong fuel recovery throughout the UK. Our techs can tell you that these can be stressful times. That’s why we want to make it as easy as possible for you to get where you need to go safely.
You will find out what these problems are, what you need to do immediately, how you can recover and how to avoid the same mistake.
What Does “Wrong Fuel” Mean?
Wrong fuel is nothing more than putting the wrong kind of fuel in your car.
The most common errors are:
- Petrol in a diesel car
- The use of diesel in a petrol car.
- Massively pumping the wrong gasoline quality.
Petrol in a diesel engine poses the biggest threat, but both are issues that need to be addressed.
How Common Is Wrong Fuel?
A lot of motorists think that they’re the only ones to make this error. In fact, thousands of motorists in the UK are using the wrong fuel every year.
Common reasons include:
- Driving a hire car
- Alternating between family cars
- Feeling tired or distracted
- Using an unknown filling station is used.
- Being rushed during times of high travel activity
It’s important to take care of the problem properly, rather than hoping it won’t affect anything.
What Should You Do If You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car?
The first few minutes are very crucial.
1. It is best not to start the engine.
If you realise a mistake before turning the key or the engine start button, do not turn on the engine.
When the vehicle is started, the fuel can flow through the fuel system and cause costly repairs.
2. Only move the Vehicle If Necessary.
If the vehicle is in front of the fuel pump, get the station attendant’s opinion. Modern cars should not be operated in the aftermath of misfuelling.
3. Call in a Professional Wrong Fuel Specialist.
Professional technicians know how to safely remove contaminated fuel, clean the fuel system (when needed), and refill the vehicle with the proper fuel.
Attempting to fix the issue on their own can add risks and harm delicate engine parts.
What Happens If You Put Petrol in a Diesel Car?
Petrol decreases the lubricating qualities of diesel engines.
If petrol is present in the system, the engine may have an impact on:
- The fuel pump
- Fuel injectors
- High-pressure fuel components
- Engine performance
Modern diesel engines are equipped with very accurate fuel systems, and starting up an engine after putting a little petrol in can lead to a costly repair.
Thankfully, if the contaminated fuel is replaced before extensive driving, damage can usually be prevented.
What Happens If You Put Diesel in a Petrol Car?
Diesel is thicker and burns differently to petrol.
A diesel engine that is filled with petrol can:
- Fail to start
- Produce excessive smoke
- Misfire
- Run roughly
- Stall shortly after starting up.
While this may be less troublesome when compared to petrol in a diesel car, it is still best to have the tank drained professionally.
Can Driving With the Wrong Fuel Damage Your Engine?
Yes, it can.
However, the damage is dependent on several factors such as:
- The fuel added is a function of the type.
- The number of gallons of wrong fuel that was added to the tank.
- It is not specified whether the engine was started or not.
- The distance travelled by the car
Handling the issue early will provide the greatest chances of a positive outcome.
How Professional Wrong Fuel Recovery Works
Mr Fuel Doctor’s recovery process was optimised for efficiency and safety.
Inspection
The first step is to establish what type of fuel is being used and if the engine has been started or not.
Fuel Removal
Fuel is extracted from the tank using specialist equipment that is safe.
System Check
The fuel system is checked for fuel contamination, and if any significant amount of fuel contamination is found, the procedure outlined in the fuel system inspection section of the logbook is followed.
Fresh Fuel Refill
Appropriate checks are performed before adding the correct fuel.
Final Testing
The vehicle is tested for correct operation before you proceed with your journey.
This professional approach is designed to help reduce the potential for additional mechanical problems.
Why Choose a Professional Wrong Fuel Service?
Numerous drivers look up “how to” videos online. These might appear to be less expensive, but vehicles today have sophisticated fuel systems, which need specialist attention.
There are several benefits to selecting an experienced recovery service:
- Fast roadside assistance
- Specialist draining equipment
- Experienced technicians
- Lower likelihood of damaging the engine.
- Safe fuel disposal
- Your service convenience, hassle-free.
When it comes to replacing parts in the fuel system, professional help is usually much cheaper.
How to Prevent Wrong Fuel Mistakes
While things can go wrong, some simple things can minimise the risk of repeat accidents.
Double-Check Before Filling
When using a nozzle, always check the fuel label before picking up the nozzle.
Take Your Time
The majority of errors are made under certain stress when the driver is rushed.
Know Your Vehicle
If you drive different cars regularly, keep track of what kind of gas each one requires when you make it to the gas station.
Fuel Reminder Stickers are used to help ensure you fuel your vehicle properly.
A small reminder is put inside the petrol flap or on the dashboard by some motorists.
Stay Focused
Don’t use your mobile phone or get distracted during fuel-up.
Just a few more seconds can eliminate a costly error.
Why Fast Action Matters
The sooner you stop driving, the more likely you will be to avoid expensive repairs by getting professional assistance.
Tight tolerances and complex fuel systems are the hallmarks of modern engines. If the vehicle is running, even a little bit of bad fuel can impact performance.
Sometimes it is a matter of life and death (literally) whether you can fix something in a few minutes or the trouble turns into a much bigger repair job.
Trust Mr Fuel Doctor for Wrong Fuel Recovery
We know how common it is for people to mix up their fuel, and that’s why Mr Fuel Doctor is here. We have an expert team to assist you if you’ve accidentally filled up with petrol in a diesel car, or vice versa.
We deliver quick, reliable and professional service, with customer safety always in mind. Our techs have the expertise and tools needed to get you up and running again in the shortest time possible.
If you find that the wrong fuel is in your vehicle, do not take any unnecessary risks; reach out to Mr Fuel Doctor for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is putting the wrong fuel in a car?
Many don’t realise how common it is. Clothed in a variety of colours, thousands of UK motorists get in their cars and mistakenly put in the wrong type of fuel each year.
Can I drive after putting the wrong fuel in my car?
No. If you discover the error before driving, turn the ignition off and call for the services of professionals right away.
Is petrol in a diesel engine worse than diesel in a petrol engine?
Generally, yes. Petrol makes the fuel movement in the diesel fuel systems thinner and can harm the costly parts if the engine is run.
Will my insurance cover wrong fuel recovery?
There are breakdown and insurance policies that offer misfuelling assistance. Review your policy and make sure you are adequately covered.
How long does a wrong fuel recovery take?
Most recoveries can be done fairly quickly, but time will vary depending on the type of vehicle and if the engine is started.
Can contaminated fuel be reused?
No. The fuel that is removed should be disposed of properly according to environmental laws.
How much does wrong fuel recovery cost?
Depending on the car, location and work to be done, the prices may change. Professional recovery is typically much more affordable than repairing problems to the engine resulting from running with contaminated fuel.
Can electric or hybrid vehicles be affected by wrong fuel?
Misfueling can happen with hybrid cars which use a petrol/diesel engine. Same advice applies: do not start the engine, contact a specialist.
Final Thoughts
Having the wrong fuel in your car can seem like a daunting challenge, but it need not be a big issue. If you are quick, refrain from starting the car engine and call a trusted recovery specialist; you may be able to avoid costly repairs.
If you are ever in a fuel emergency, you can rely on the expertise of Mr Fuel Doctor to efficiently get you back on the road quickly and professionally.