Put the wrong fuel in your car?
Your options explained
The next step depends on what went into the tank and whether the engine has run. Keep the vehicle safe and gather the details a fuel specialist will need.
Wrong Fuel Ayrshire enquiry line
Keep the engine off and make the location safe
If you notice the mistake before starting, leave the ignition off. If you are already driving, stop as soon as it is safe before switching off. At a filling station, tell the staff and follow their guidance; do not start the vehicle simply to clear a pump.
Gather the information for an assessment
Keep the receipt and note the fuel type and approximate quantity added. Have the make, model and normal fuel type ready. Explain whether the ignition was switched on, whether the engine ran and any distance travelled.
Give the exact forecourt, car park or address, with its postcode. Mention a low-clearance car park, a blocked entrance or any restriction that could affect attendance.
Confirm the scope before accepting a quote
Ask whether the vehicle can be assessed where it is and what the proposed work includes. Clarify attendance, tank draining, any flushing, clean fuel and disposal charges. If the vehicle cannot be dealt with on site, ask how recovery would be arranged and charged.
Ask what happens if further faults become apparent. An estimate for draining contaminated fuel is not necessarily an estimate for diagnosing or repairing damage elsewhere in the fuel system.
Hire, lease and fleet vehicles
Check the supplied breakdown instructions and tell the vehicle provider what happened. They may have their own contact or authorisation process. Keep the receipt, any written quote and a record of the work agreed so the vehicle owner can understand the incident.
Before the vehicle is driven again
The attending specialist should explain what was done and whether further assessment is needed. Ask for an itemised record of the work and any recommendations. Do not treat a fixed time estimate or an online starting price as a guarantee that every vehicle will be ready to drive.
Further reading: AA advice on what to do after putting in the wrong fuel. General information; the attending specialist should assess the vehicle.
For local enquiry information, see Wrong Fuel Drain in Ayr, Kilmarnock and Irvine.
Questions about your next step
What is the first thing to do after misfuelling?
Keep the engine and ignition off if they have not been started. If driving, stop safely and switch off before seeking specialist advice.
What details affect the assessment?
The vehicle, normal fuel type, type and amount added, whether the engine has run, symptoms and the exact location.
What should be included in the quote?
Clarify attendance, the drain, any flushing, clean fuel, disposal, applicable VAT and any separate recovery or further diagnostic costs.