Tell Forecourt Staff as Soon as You Realise the Mistake
It’s a heart-stopping moment – when you place the nozzle back and you realise you should have put diesel in the car. Your first reaction is to panic, but it’s essential that you do not switch on the engine or put the key in the ignition.
If you mistakenly put petrol in a diesel engine, this will increase friction between the parts, resulting in pump and fuel line damage. However, putting diesel in a petrol engine doesn’t result in such severe consequences. Due to the fact diesel has to be compressed before it will ignite, it’s probable that the engine won’t start. Motorists may also notice that diesel pump nozzles are often larger than petrol necks, so putting the wrong fuel in a petrol car is rare.
If you have put the wrong fuel in the engine, place the car in neutral and tell forecourt staff immediately. It’s important to contact the insurance company as soon as possible. If you have breakdown cover, contact the company as there is a possibility they may be able to flush the fuel out.
Treat the Situation as You Would a Breakdown
However, if you have driven off with the wrong fuel on board, it’s likely the car will grind to a halt. You should treat this situation as you would a breakdown, and it’s recommended that you check your policy to see if it covers you for a tow to the garage. The policy may not cover the cost of draining the tank. Some insurers may cover wrong fuelling, so do check policies.
It’s essential to have your car fully serviced in preparation for Gloucester MOT, as it’s illegal to drive a car without a valid certificate. If you require a vehicle inspection, contact http://swiftfit.uk.com/gloucester-mot/.
According to The Express, many drivers fail to pull up to the correct side of the pump when refuelling. The article reminds motorists that there is a pump symbol on the driver display and next to that will be a small arrow. This arrow indicates the side where the filler cap is located.
Do pay attention when fuelling. There is a solution, and this is to fit a diesel fuel cap, which stops petrol nozzles from slotting into the wrong tanks.
