Accidentally putting the wrong fuel in your vehicle can be alarming, but it's more common than you might think. Whether you've put petrol into a diesel engine, diesel into a petrol engine, or even AdBlue into a diesel tank, don't panic! In the UK, an average of 410 drivers misfuel their cars daily. The key is to act quickly. If you haven't started your engine yet, don't! If you've already started it, turn it off immediately. Running the engine with the wrong fuel can cause
serious
damage to the fuel system and the engine itself. In most cases, your fuel tank must
be drained
and flushed thoroughly before you can safely drive the car again.
What to Do if You Misfuel
Mobile Fuel Doctor has you covered if you find yourself in this situation. Our highly trained Fuel Technician engineers are available nationwide, including
London
and surrounding areas. Whether at a petrol station, on the roadside, in a car park, or
even
at home, we can get to you fast. We offer 24/7 emergency call-outs, ensuring that no matter where or when your misfuel happens, we can swiftly help get you back on the road.
How to Request a Fuel Technician
There's no need to worry if you've put the wrong fuel in your car, van, truck, motorbike, or even industrial equipment.
Just call
us, and we'll dispatch a fuel drain technician to your location. Our team is experienced in handling all vehicle types and is well-trained to resolve misfuelling incidents quickly and efficiently. Depending on your location, the technician can
typically
reach you within 30 minutes to an hour. If you're not in an immediate rush, you can also schedule an appointment in advance.
Misfuelling on a Motorway
You'll need to call for recovery first if you realize you've put the wrong fuel in your vehicle while on a motorway. Due to safety regulations, it's not possible to carry out a fuel drain directly on the
motorway
, even if you're on the hard shoulder. We can prioritize your booking and arrange for your vehicle to
be towed
to a safe location where
the fuel drain can be performed
.
Impact on Your Engine and ECU
One potential consequence of running your vehicle with the wrong fuel is damage to the Engine Control Unit (ECU), which manages your vehicle's electrical and mechanical systems. The ECU is sensitive to issues like misfiring caused by incorrect
fuel in the injectors
. Some vehicle models may automatically shut down as a precaution. After the wrong fuel
is drained
, our technicians can reset your ECU on the spot using advanced diagnostic tools, saving you a costly trip to the dealership.
Warranty Concerns
Many drivers worry that using an independent service like Mobile Fuel Doctor will invalidate their vehicle's warranty. In most cases, misfuelling won't affect your warranty. While some manufacturers might suggest otherwise, rest assured that our technicians use certified, compliant fuel-draining equipment that won't compromise your vehicle's components. Our service adheres to all relevant safety and environmental regulations, including ATEX, DSEAR, and HSE standards, so you can feel confident that your car is in safe hands.