It’s the thing that we always assume will happen to someone else, but using the wrong fuel is a surprisingly common occurrence. Call it autopilot, a lapse in concentration, or just one of those things, but using the wring fuel can be an expensive mistake to make, especially if you are unsure what to do if (or when) it happens.
If you realise before you start your engine
Whether you do it yourself or you get a phone call from a panicking family member, the most important thing to remember is to not start the engine. Once you start your engine, you will get all of that wrong fuel circulating around the engine; for now, you definitely want to keep it in your fuel tank.
As soon as you realise your mistake, let petrol station staff know what has happened so they know why you are still at the pump. You never know, they may have some advice for you regarding local garages who can help (you can guarantee that this isn’t the first time this has happened at their garage).
Place the car into neutral and get help to push the car to a space that is safe and not in the way. If you have breakdown cover, call your provider for assistance. They may need to tow your vehicle to a fuel recovery service, or they may offer a mobile fuel recovery service. While you are waiting, it is worth calling your insurance company, too, to let them know what has happened. If you don’t have breakdown cover, get in touch with nearby recovery services; ask them if (and when) they can collect, and if they offer roadside fuel recovery.
If you have already started your engine
If you don’t realise until after you have started your engine, pull over and turn the engine off as soon as it is possible to do so safely. Call your breakdown cover and tell them what the problem is; they should be able to flush the system for you.
What fuel recovery services cover
You may feel like a bit of a fool for misfuelling your vehicle, but you are by no means the first person to do it, which is why fuel recovery services are available. Depending on whether or not you started your engine, a fuel recovery service may only need to drain your tank. Once drained, they will give you enough fuel to get you going again; don’t worry about traces of the wrong fuel, the “clean” fuel will dilute it enough for the engine to return to normal service. The process once the engine has been started will vary depending on the type of fuel, and how long the engine was running for. If too much damage has been caused, your car may have to be towed away.
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