Putting the wrong fuel in your car can be an incredibly stressful and inconvenient situation. Unfortunately, this is a common mistake that can be easily avoided. If you do end up putting the wrong fuel in your car, there are several important steps that you should take immediately to minimise the damage and ensure the safety of your vehicle. This article will provide a guideline on what to do immediately after putting the wrong fuel in your car.
1. Don’t Panic
As soon as you realise you’ve made a huge mistake by putting the wrong fuel in your car, the urge to panic will usually kick in. Take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse and further compound the issue.
2. Turn Off Your Engine
Once you have taken a few deep breaths and calmed down, it is vital that you stop your car’s engine immediately. Continuing to drive your car with the wrong fuel in it can cause serious damage to your engine and other components.
3. Call for Help
If you are unable to move your car or it is unsafe to drive, you should call for professional help. A tow truck or mobile fuel draining service can be called to help you with the situation. It is important to ensure that the tow truck or mobile fuel draining service you use is reputable and experienced in dealing with this type of situation.
4. Try to Remember How Much Wrong Fuel You’ve Put In
Take a few moments to try to remember how much wrong fuel you have put in your car. If you remember exactly how much, this can help the professionals you speak to in the next steps and can help them assess the situation more accurately.
5. Don’t Even Attempt to Start Your Car
Under no circumstances should you attempt to start your car after it has been filled with the wrong fuel. Even if you need to pull over to the side of the road, do not turn the key. Starting the car can cause extensive damage to the engine and other components, resulting in costly repairs or even a complete engine rebuild.
6. Clean Up the Spill
If you have spilt fuel, it is essential to clean it up as soon as possible. Fuel can be a fire hazard and can also cause environmental damage if left unchecked. You should use absorbent materials, such as kitty litter, to soak up the fuel and then dispose of the absorbent materials in the correct manner.
7. Contact Your Insurance Company
If you are insured, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They may be able to provide you with assistance in dealing with the situation and may even cover the cost of repairs or towing.
8. Have Your Car Inspected
After the wrong fuel has been drained from your car, it is advisable to have your car inspected by a professional mechanic. This will help to ensure that any damage caused by the wrong fuel has been identified and repaired.
Conclusion
It’s important to take certain steps immediately after putting the wrong fuel in your car. Make sure to never drive the car until all the wrong fuel has been completely removed and you have received the go-ahead from the mechanic. Taking these steps can help protect your car and ensure that it is running correctly.
Stuck in the middle of nowhere and need help with wrong fuel removal? Petrol in Diesel UK is the one to call. We provide mobile fuel draining in the UK, wherever you are. Our team of experienced technicians is always available to help with all kinds of wrong fuel problems. Whenever you need fuel assist in the UK, give us a call, and we’ll get your car back on the road quickly and safely.
