What to do if you put the wrong fuel in your vehicle

Luckily, this isn't a common mistake because diesel fuel pumps usually won't fit into the petrol filler neck. But, if you accidentally managed to put diesel in your petrol car's tank, whatever you do, don't start the engine! Starting it will make the diesel circulate and mess up the whole fuel system – costing you a big chunk more. 

Thankfully, putting diesel in a petrol car isn't as bad as the other way around. Diesel is heavier and oilier, so it's not that easy to ignite in a petrol engine. If the diesel hasn't done its damage yet and you didn't start the car, it might not even start when you try. 

So, what do I do? 

Now, to fix this mess, you'll probably need to flush the fuel tank completely to get rid of the contaminated fuel. As for the cost, it depends on your car's type, engine size, and if you made the big mistake of starting the engine. 

If you didn't crank the engine yet, you could call one of those fuel recovery specialists, like AA, and it might cost you around £190. But if you did start and even drove the car, brace yourself because it could be way more expensive - like up to £5000, according to the RAC! 

However, there might be a tiny silver lining! If you're lucky and have a fully comprehensive insurance policy, you might be able to claim the repair costs under the accidental damage clause. 

Who should I contact? 

You'll find some big companies like AA and RAC offering specialised misfuelling services, but there are also smaller independent ones that might give you a better deal. So, check online and see who offers the best value for your money. 

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