Wrong Fuel Recovery

The most important thing is do not start the engine. If you have already started it, turn it off immediately. Move to a safe location, switch on your hazard lights, and call us on 0330 520 1620. We will arrange wrong fuel recovery or referral to a fuel-drain specialist as quickly as possible.

A roadside wrong fuel drain and flush typically costs from £99 for a straightforward petrol in diesel incident where the engine has not been started. Costs increase if the engine has been started or if the contamination is more complex (e.g. AdBlue in the fuel tank). Call us on 0330 520 1620 for a quote.

Petrol in a diesel engine is the most common wrong fuel incident. Petrol acts as a solvent and strips lubrication from the fuel pump and injectors. If the engine is not started, a fuel drain and flush is usually sufficient. If the engine has been started and driven, damage to the fuel pump and injectors can cost thousands of pounds to repair. Do not start the engine — call us immediately on 0330 520 1620.

We refer you to fuel-drain specialists who can drain the wrong fuel at the roadside in many cases. A roadside drain takes approximately 30–60 minutes. In some cases (e.g. AdBlue in the fuel tank), the vehicle will need to be recovered to a specialist garage. Call us on 0330 520 1620 and we will advise the best course of action.

If the engine has not been started: damage is usually limited to a fuel drain and flush (from £99). If the engine has been started briefly: additional cleaning of the fuel system may be required (£200–£500). If the engine has been started and driven: serious damage to the fuel pump, injectors, and other components is possible (£500–£5,000+). Act immediately — do not start the engine.

Yes. We arrange wrong fuel recovery 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year including bank holidays. Call us on 0330 520 1620 any time.

Yes. We cover wrong fuel incidents on the M25, M20, M23, M11, A2, A3, A12, A1(M), and all major roads across our coverage area. Move to the hard shoulder or emergency refuge area if safe, switch on your hazard lights, and call us on 0330 520 1620.

Petrol in a diesel car is more common and more dangerous — petrol strips lubrication from the diesel fuel pump and injectors. Diesel in a petrol car is less common (the diesel nozzle is larger than most petrol fillers) and generally less immediately damaging, but can still cause misfiring, spark plug fouling, and catalytic converter damage. Both require a fuel drain — do not start the engine in either case.

AdBlue in the fuel tank is one of the most serious wrong fuel incidents. AdBlue is corrosive and can cause catastrophic damage to the fuel pump, injectors, and fuel lines if the engine is started. Do not start the engine under any circumstances. Call us immediately on 0330 520 1620 and we will arrange specialist recovery.

Some comprehensive car insurance policies include misfuelling cover. Check your policy documents or call your insurer. Some breakdown cover policies also include misfuelling as standard or as an optional extra. If you are unsure, call us on 0330 520 1620 and we can advise.