“When I was in Ireland, I made the mistake of putting the wrong fuel in my car. I didn’t realise until it was too late and I had driven a few miles down the road. Luckily, I found Fuel Rescue and they were able to help me out.
I was quoted €200 for the fuel drain, but it could have been much worse. I’m just glad that I was able to get help and that my rental car didn’t suffer any lasting damage that I would have been charged for.” – a tourist in Ireland.
Has this happened to you? Have you ever put the wrong fuel in your car by mistake and driven off only to realise too late what you’ve done?
If you have, you’re not alone! Unfortunately, this mistake is all too common, especially during periods of high fuel prices when people may be rushing to fill up their tanks.
Accidentally putting the wrong fuel in your car can be a costly mistake. Not only will you have to pay for fuel rescue services, but there is also the potential for serious damage to your engine. If this happens, it could result in hefty repair bills or even the need for a new engine altogether.
How to Calculate the Cost of Putting the Wrong Fuel in Your Car
Putting the wrong fuel in your car can cost you more than just a trip to the gas station. In fact, using petrol in a diesel engine or vice versa can potentially cause significant damage that can cost thousands of euros to repair.
So, how do you calculate the cost of this mistake? Here are the things you need to add to compute the cost of putting the wrong fuel in your car:
Cost of the Fuel
Determine how much fuel you put in by checking your receipt or the station’s pump reading.
Towing Expense
Next, add the cost of having your car towed to a garage for repairs. This can be expensive depending on how far away you are from one.
Not only do you have to cover the cost of the tow itself, but also any storage fees at the garage while repairs are being made.
Luckily, there is another option for receiving roadside assistance: calling fuel rescue companies like Fuel Rescue.
These professionals come equipped with the tools and expertise to drain excess fuel from your tank, restoring your car’s ability to run. Fuel rescue services save you money on tow truck fees and get you back on the road much faster.
Car Repair and Associated Costs
When considering whether to repair or replace your car, it’s important to take all costs into account. This includes not just the cost of the repairs themselves but also any associated expenses, such as lost wages from taking time off work.
While these costs may seem minor compared to the cost of repairs, they can add up quickly and significantly impact your overall financial situation. So, don’t forget to factor them in when making your decision.
Possible solutions include finding alternative transportation for the time being or negotiating with the car repair shop for a reduced rate or faster turnaround time. Taking these extra steps can help alleviate some of the financial burden and ultimately make for a wiser decision in the long run.
What to Do if You Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car
When you realise that you made this error while behind the wheel, the first step is to stop driving immediately. Ignoring the problem and continuing to drive your car will only lead to bigger issues.
Remember, filling up a petrol car with diesel, or vice versa, can cause significant damage to the engine and result in expensive repairs.
After stopping, make sure you call a company that provides fuel rescue services. They will drain the tank and get you back on the road as quickly as possible, minimising potential damage to your vehicle.
How to Avoid Putting the Wrong Fuel in Your Car
To avoid this expensive misstep, it’s important to always double-check before filling up and make sure you’re using the correct fuel for your car. Ensure that the nozzle matches the type of fuel your vehicle requires. Also, never top off after reaching the recommended level.
It may seem like a hassle, but doing these things can save you from hefty repair bills. One extra second of attention can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road.
In addition, never put the wrong fuel type just because it’s cheaper. As fuel prices continue to rise, it can be tempting to try and save a few euros by putting petrol in a diesel car or vice versa (whichever is cheaper when you gas up).
Keep in mind, despite what some may believe, petrol and diesel are not interchangeable fuels for cars. Stick with what your vehicle requires and save yourself time, money, and potential headaches in the future.
Did you put the wrong fuel in your car? Don’t panic! Call us on 086 2551079 or 01 280 7661 or fill out our contact form here, and we’ll help you get back on the road quickly.
Royalty-free image supplied from PixaBay as part of SEO service from 3R.
