Motorcycle mechanic Grant Hagger was furious after filling up at his local Esso garage. He and his wife had gone out for a ride on their bikes when they filled up with what they thought was premium unleaded petrol.
However, just a few miles down the road, the performance of both motorcycles deteriorated, and the exhausts started belching smoke. The bikes coughed and spluttered when they started, with puffs of blue smoke shooting out every time they accelerated.
Upon inspection, Mr. Hagger discovered that his Kawasaki tank contained diesel instead of petrol. He got both bikes fixed and went back to the Esso garage with the fuel receipt and a £220 repair invoice.
Unfortunately, his request for compensation was denied, with the filling station claiming their fuel was not contaminated. They stated that an independent specialist ensures the integrity of their fuels at all times.
It is estimated that someone fills up with the wrong fuel every three minutes in the UK, with around 150,000 motorists making this mistake last year. It is crucial to have misfuel insurance to avoid costly repairs.
If you mistakenly fill up with the wrong fuel, it is important not to start the engine and circulate the fuel. Instead, stop as soon as it is safe to do so and have the tank drained and flushed before refueling with the correct type of fuel.
Putting petrol in a diesel engine can cause even more damage, as the mix acts as a solvent, reducing lubrication and damaging the fuel pump. The longer you drive without correcting the error, the more damage you are likely to do.
FAQ:
What should I do if I fill up with the wrong fuel?
If you realize the mistake at the filling station, do not start the engine. If you only notice later on, stop the vehicle as soon as possible and have the tank drained and flushed.
Can I drive with the wrong fuel in my tank?
It is not recommended to drive with the wrong fuel in your tank, as it can cause damage to the engine and fuel system.
Conclusion:
Mistakenly filling up with the wrong type of fuel can lead to costly repairs and potential damage to your vehicle. It is important to have misfuel insurance and know the proper steps to take if this situation occurs.
