If you find you have put the wrong type of fuel in your vehicle, you’re far from alone. In fact, it’s a much more commonly made error than you may have realised, especially today. We’re all more easily distracted with more demands on our attention than previously – so we’ll make use of a stop at a petrol station to flick through our phones, for example. So lapses in concentration obviously do happen.
Clearly, you shouldn’t start your vehicle if it has the wrong type of fuel in it. But one thing people often ask us is, if they have started the engine having filled up with the wrong product, should they change their fuel filter?
What is a fuel filter?
The fuel filter is an inexpensive component typically costing no more than £50 which takes out dirt, rust and similar contaminants from fuel to stop it from getting into the engine. It’s vital to your engine’s performance and health, and prevents damage to fuel injectors and other sensitive parts of your car. Located between the fuel tank and engine, it’s usually made from paper or a fine mesh.
In fact, filters need replacing over time anyway, since they can become clogged up. But, especially if you’ve started your car, it’s always a good idea to change the filter if you’ve filled up with diesel instead of petrol or vice versa. That’s because your filter can clog up with the wrong fuel, potentially harming the fuel system and engine.
With some mechanical know-how, most drivers can probably manage a fuel filter change themselves. However, with flammable fuel involved there are potential safety risks, so it’s something that’s best left to the professionals if you don’t feel confident doing it.
Fuel filters are not typically changed by wrong fuel recovery specialists, since the system is usually flushed to clean out contaminants, including the filter itself. However, a filter change afterwards as a precaution against further damage is always a good idea especially if, as mentioned, you’ve started the engine with the incorrect fuel in the tank, but also if the vehicle is quite old or there is AdBlue or water in the system.
One pointer to consider is that if your car’s manufacturer’s warranty remains valid, you risk invalidating if you don’t visit a registered dealer for your brand of car to change the filter. Otherwise, any resulting problems could be costly to rectify.
Keep Wrong Fuel Recovery’s number in your phone
At Wrong Fuel Recovery, we’re experts in dealing with incidences of incorrect fuel in vehicles and have all relevant certifications plus we’re Which? Trusted Traders.
Call us on 0800 193 1103 or 07538 889 922, and keep our numbers stored in your mobile. We operate 24/7 UK-wide and our mobile team can typically be with you within an hour. You won’t be left stranded, won’t have to find public transport and won’t face potentially expensive garage fees.
We stand ready to help when you need us, and to take the hassle out of a potentially stressful situation.