We’ve all been there – in a rush, tired or distracted, we fill our car with the wrong fuel. It’s a common mistake that can cause significant damage to your engine and leave you stranded on the side of the road. Putting petrol in a diesel car or diesel in a petrol car can be a costly mistake, but it’s not the end of the world. Explore the easy ways to drain fuel from any vehicle to get back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.
1. Siphoning
Siphoning is the most common method of draining fuel from a vehicle. It involves using a hose to transfer the fuel from the tank to a container manually. To siphon fuel, you’ll need a hose length, a container to hold the fuel, and a good seal around the fuel filler neck.
Simply insert the hose into the tank, creating a seal around the filler neck, and use your mouth or a pump to create suction. The fuel will flow through the hose and into the container. Siphoning is a simple and effective way to remove fuel from your car, but it can be messy.
2. Two Hoses
Another method of draining fuel from a vehicle is to use two hoses – one to transfer fuel out of the tank and another to transfer clean fuel back in. The method is beneficial if you’ve filled up your car with a small amount of the wrong fuel. To use this method, you’ll need two lengths of hose, a container for the contaminated fuel, and a container for the clean fuel. Insert one hose into the tank to siphon the contaminated fuel and the other into the clean fuel container. Once you’ve removed all the contaminated fuel, use the second hose to transfer clean fuel back into the tank.
3. Manual Pumps
Manual pumps are another effective way to drain fuel from a vehicle. They work by creating suction, similar to siphoning, but are much easier and less messy to use. Simply insert the pump into the fuel tank, create suction, and the fuel will flow into the pump.
Once you’ve removed all the contaminated fuel, you can dispose of it safely and refill the tank with the correct fuel. Manual pumps are relatively inexpensive and easily stored in your car for emergencies. Therefore, whenever a mistake occurs, they are easily accessible.
4. Drain Plug
Some vehicles have a drain plug at the fuel tank’s bottom. If your car has a drain plug, this can be an easy and efficient way to remove contaminated fuel. To use this method, locate the drain plug and remove it using a wrench. Allow the contaminated fuel to drain into a container, and dispose of it safely. Once all the fuel has drained, replace the drain plug and refill the tank with the correct fuel.
5. Hiring Professional Fuel Drain Services
If you’re uncomfortable draining fuel from your car or don’t have the necessary equipment, you can always use a professional fuel drain service. These services are widely available across the UK and can be called to your location 24/7. Fuel drain services use specialist equipment to safely and efficiently remove contaminated fuel from your car. They can also flush out your fuel system to remove all traces of the wrong fuel. While using a professional fuel drain service can be more expensive than other methods, it’s often the safest and most effective way to get your car back on the road.
Conclusion
Putting the wrong fuel in your car can be costly, but it’s not the end of the world. There are several easy ways to drain fuel from any vehicle, from siphoning and manual pumps to a professional fuel drain service. Whichever method you choose, safely dispose of the contaminated fuel and refill your tank with the correct fuel. By following these simple steps, you can avoid costly engine damage and get back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.
If you’ve accidentally put the wrong fuel in your car, don’t panic! Fuel Fixer is here to help you 24/7 with our fuel replacement and diesel fuel cleaning services. We are the leading wrong fuel specialists in the UK, and our local mobile units are on call now to get you going. Our experienced technicians will arrive within 46 minutes to fix your car while you wait. Don’t risk damaging your engine by driving with the wrong fuel, and make yourself safe and call Fuel Fixer now.