Hiring a car should be straightforward but putting the wrong fuel in the tank can quickly turn into a costly problem. It often happens when you’re driving a car you’re not used to or when you’re in a rush at the petrol station.
If you’re not sure what to do next, this guide walks you through the steps to take, what damage can happen and how car hire excess insurance can help cover some of the immediate costs.
Ready to protect your excess? Get a quote today.
What to Do Immediately After Misfuelling
The first few minutes matter. Taking the right steps can make a big difference to the final bill.
If you haven’t started the engine
If you’ve already started the car
Most hire companies will arrange recovery so that the tank can be drained safely.
Why Using the Wrong Fuel is a Problem
Cars are designed to run on one specific fuel type, and that specific fuel type only. When you add the wrong fuel, the engine can’t function as intended. Indeed, petrol engines rely on spark ignition whereas diesel engines rely on compression and fuel lubrication.
The engine running on the wrong fuel can lead to:
The most serious issues usually happen once the engine is running and the incorrect fuel has begun to circulate through the system. This is why the action you take depends on whether you have or have not started the car.
Signs You Might Have Used the Wrong Fuel
Sometimes you might not realise your mistake instantly. If you’ve driven off after filling up, these signs could suggest you’ve used the wrong fuel:
Petrol in a diesel car
Diesel in a petrol car
If you notice any of these, stop driving and contact the provider of your hire car straight away.
Why This Happens With Hire Cars
Misfuelling is more common when you hire a car than people expect for several reasons:
Even experienced drivers can make mistakes when presented with new scenarios and different routines.
What Does It Cost if You Put the Wrong Fuel in a Hire Car?
Costs can vary from hire company to hire company but some common charges for putting the wrong fuel in a hire car include:
If the engine has been damaged as a result of you putting the wrong fuel in the car, the repair costs can go up and usually will be outside of any insurance you have with them.
How Car Hire Excess Insurance Can Help
This is where car hire excess insurance comes in. Misfuelling is part of the wider excess insurance that helps with unexpected you might face for damage to or theft of the hire vehicle.
A ReduceMyExcess policy can help reimburse up to £1,000 for the cost of draining the fuel tank and flushing the engine, additional travel expenses i.e. for a taxi as well as any towing costs.
It is important to know however, that the cost of the incorrect fuel itself is not reimbursed and any costs you face as a consequence of mechanical damage caused by misfuelling is usually not covered.
How to Reduce the Risk of Misfuelling
A few checks can help you avoid the issue altogether:
FAQs
Yes, most rental companies will charge you for recovery, drainage and any other associated costs.
Many policies include cover for drainage and towing, but not for engine damage. Make sure to check your policy documents for terms and exclusions.
Stop driving as soon as it’s safe to do so and contact the rental company. Continuing to drive after you’ve realised you used the wrong fuel will only worsen damage.
No, you shouldn’t attempt to fix a misfuelled vehicle. Always contact your hire provider and follow their instructions.
Misfuelling can happen to anyone, especially in a car you’re not used to in a country you’re unfamiliar with. Having the right protection in place can help with the unexpected costs that come with it.
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