Topping off your car with the wrong fuel can be an uncomfortable experience! This can occur when you are driving a car that is not you and are distracted while waiting in line at the gas station. Luckily, a fuel drain service can often help correct the problems before they escalate into a much bigger problem.
When you have poured petrol into a diesel car, or diesel into a petrol car, the first thing to do is to remain calm and not start the engine! Operating the unit will cause the contaminated fuel to flow through the system and may lead to damage.
In Wrong Fuel Recovers, we offer services for fuel drain. Our technicians will be able to come to your location and use specialist equipment to remove the wrong fuel. The service aims to facilitate safe and immediate return to the road for motorists with minimal disruption.
What Is a Fuel Drain Service?
A fuel drain service is the process of pumping out the incorrect or contaminated fuel from the fuel tank of a vehicle. The fuel is extracted in a safe manner by employing appropriate extraction equipment instead of makeshift techniques.
The service is frequently needed following:
- A diesel car has been filled with petrol instead of diesel fuel.
- A petrol vehicle has been ‘refuelled’ with diesel.
- A fuel has been placed in a van or commercial vehicle that is not the correct fuel.
- Fuel contamination has taken place.
- There’s another incompatible fluid in the fuel tank.
The exact procedure varies from vehicle to situation. A technician will be able to determine the situation and if the tank and the rest of the fuel system require more attention.
Why Is Fuel Drain Important After Misfuelling?
Using the incorrect fuel may have an impact on performance of your fueling system and engine. It’s especially important for modern fuel systems in diesel-powered vehicles as the fuel properties are essential for good lubrication.
Petrol can cause damage to fuel pump and injectors if it gets into a diesel system and is used. Likewise, inserting diesel into a petrol car can disrupt combustion and result in poor performance and/or starting difficulties.
But the risk is different in different cars. It is easier to handle if the engine has not been started.
That is why wrong fuel companies say that drivers should turn off the engine and refrain from driving once they realize they have made a mistake.
What Should You Do Before the Technician Arrives?
If you discover you’ve filled the wrong fuel into your car, follow a few simple steps.
Please do not start the engine.
Do not start the engine if it is not yet turned on. Do not start the ignition unless it is absolutely necessary as some vehicles can pump fuel through the system before the engine starts.
Evacuate to a Safe Place.
If the vehicle is at a petrol station and there is no danger, seek help from the petrol station staff. Safety of the vehicle and other motorists should be the priority.
Get in touch with a Fuel Drain Expert
Contact a wrong fuel recovery company and describe what you’ve done. Indicate to the technician if the engine was started and give the vehicle make and model.
Do not use DIY Fuel Removal.
Draining a modern vehicle without the proper tools can cause an unnecessary risk. Fuel is ignitable and contaminated fuel requires proper handling and disposal, too.
The problem can be safely handled by professional technicians who have the equipment and experience required.
How Does Professional Fuel Drain Work?
A professional fuel drain will typically start by assessing the vehicle. The technician verifies the misfueling type and checks to see if the engine has been started or run.
Where there is contaminated fuel, it is removed by appropriate equipment. The technician may also drain the fuel system and flush the appropriate sections before refueling if conditions and/or vehicle dictate.
This allows the car to then be tested to ensure the vehicle is running as intended.
Mobile fuel drain services are extremely helpful since the technician will be able to come to you rather than you having to make a separate trip to the garage. On-site draining and system flushing are often touted as a competitive service for wrong fuel recovery.
Can You Drive After Putting in the Wrong Fuel?
After a misfuelling event it is strongly recommended that the driver should not operate the vehicle. While the car might run just fine, contaminated fuel can be flowing through the system.
Do NOT assume that the damage is serious if you have already driven with the incorrect fuel. STOP the vehicle immediately when it is safe, and call the professionals.
A tech can help you determine what’s happened and what you need to do next.
How Long Does Fuel Drain Take?
The time will depend on a few factors. These include the amount of incorrect fuel, vehicle driving and the vehicle’s fuel system.
In many cases, simple cases can be resolved at the roadside. In more complex cases, however, further testing or special workshop troubleshooting may be necessary.
Some of the fuel-draining competitors boast about being able to drain a fuel load in about 20 minutes, and say that some call-outs can be finished in an hour. These are only estimates for the services, not a guarantee for every car.
Why Choose Wrong Fuel Recovers?
When you make a misfuelling error, you don’t want to deal with the added stress of the wrong fuel drain provider.
Wrong Fuel Recovers is available throughout the UK offering wrong fuel mobile services 24/7. The company claims its technicians are able to address petrol in diesel vehicles, diesel in petrol vehicles and any other fuel contamination issues.
The primary benefits are:
- Mobile assistance
- 24/7 availability
- Highly trained fuel extraction gear.
- There are no plans to support petrol and diesel vehicles.
- Flushing fuel system as necessary
- Nationwide service
- Tips from expert techs
Most importantly, it’s not a fuel system you have to deal with for the first time, but a professional one that you get assistance to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fuel drain?
A fuel drain is the removal of the wrong or contaminated fuel by a professional from a car’s fuel tank.
What should I do if I put petrol in my diesel car?
Don’t start or drive the vehicle. Call a wrong fuel recovery company and describe what happened.
Can diesel in a petrol car cause damage?
This can lead to starting and running difficulties, and can impact the fuel system. The potential impact is dependent on the vehicle and if it has been driven.
Can a fuel drain be done at the roadside?
In many cases, yes. Mobile techs can sometimes get the contaminated fuel off-site at the vehicle location with special equipment.
Should I try to drain the fuel myself?
The professional service is better to be used. Today’s fuel systems may be complex and fuel should be handled safely.
How quickly should I arrange a fuel drain?
As soon as possible. Undamaged fuel can cause additional issues if left in the car or if the vehicle is driven after the fuel is contaminated.
Does Wrong Fuel Recovers offer 24/7 assistance?
Yes. According to Wrong Fuel Recovers, they are available to provide mobile wrong fuel recovery services throughout the UK at any time.
Conclusion
A fuel drain may be the safest choice if the wrong fuel has gotten into your car. The important thing is to get on with it. Do not start the engine, do not drive and call in a professional recovery specialist.
Wrong Fuel Recovers offers mobile services to extract contaminated fuel and safely get motorists back on the road. A simple refuelling error does not always result in a big vehicle issue, with the proper professional guidance.
Don’t panic if you’ve accidentally filled your car with the wrong fuel. Stop, get expert advice and leave the fuel draining job to a professional.
Visit Wrong Fuel Recovers for practical advice on fuel recovery and vehicle care.
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