Some advice from Flexed.co.uk about what to do if you accidentally misfuel your car
Oh no! ā Youāve just put the wrong fuel in your car, what should you do? Whether youāve put diesel in a petrol car, or petrol in a diesel car, neither one is good news. But having said that, donāt panicā¦
Putting petrol into a diesel car is the more common mistake, as petrol nozzles fit very easily into most diesel carās filler necks. Unfortunately, it can also be the more serious and the costlier of the two.
Misfuelling happens to around 150,000 motorists every year but by following our few simple steps, you can avoid damaging your engine and that huge repair bill!
If youāve not started the carās engine ā DONāT!
Inform the attendant at the petrol station about your mistake. Push your car clear of the pumps and out of the way.
If you have breakdown cover, call them and let your insurance provider know whatās happened too.
Your breakdown company might be able to fix the mistake at the petrol station by draining the wrong fuel out of your vehicle.
Hopefully, if you havenāt put a lot in and not started your car, the incorrect fuel wonāt have been drawn into the engine and you should avoid any damage to your vehicle.
However, if you did start the carās engine and drove away from the petrol station, then you probably came to a sputtering standstill not far down the road and the consequences could be much more serious.
Instead of the fuel just sitting in the tank, itās now been drawn into the engine and through the system, meaning your car could have some serious damage.
Firstly, DONāT try starting the car again. Find help to push your vehicle out of the way into a safe place and make sure the ignition is off.
Call your breakdown company for assistance and then your insurance company to let them know whatās happened.
Your car will be towed to a garage, drained of fuel and examined to see what damage has been caused.
Misfuelling is classed as accidental damage, so check your insurance policy to see if you are covered as you may be liable for the cost of any repairs.
How to avoid misfuelling:
1. The obvious ā keep reminding yourself about what fuel you need to fill up with.
2. Donāt allow yourself to be distracted whilst filling up your vehicle ā stay focused!
3. Stick a label on the filler cover to remind you what fuel it needs.
4. For diesel car drivers ā consider purchasing a misfuelling prevention device. It fits into your carās filler neck to stop you from putting in the smaller petrol nozzle.
5. Never rely on the hose or nozzle colour, as they could vary at different filling stations ā always check the label on the pump trigger first.
6. Try to avoid filling up whilst stressed or in a hurry.
7. If youāve recently changed vehicle from one fuel type to another, or youāve hired/leased a car for a short period of time, place reminders inside and outside the vehicle as to what type of fuel you need to fill up with.
You can find out more about our flexible car leasing services and fantastic deals here.
Alternatively, why not give us a call today on 0800 311 8290 and speak to a member of our friendly team.
