An estimated 150,000 drivers misfuel each year – that's one person every 3½ minutes – generating around 7.5 million litres of contaminated fuel, or the equivalent of three Olympic-sized swimming pools.
What to do if you misfuel
If you put the wrong fuel in your tank, do not turn on the ignition or start the engine as this will circulate the contaminated fuel and increase the risk of damage.
Instead, just call us on 0870 240 3985, Monday to Friday from 8am until 8pm.
Our specialist service will:
drain, flush and replenish your vehicle's fuel system
ensure the contaminated fuel is recycled through a waste management company
– it can then be used to power kilns and furnaces
We aim to attend any vehicle, providing the Fuel Assist van has enough capacity in its tank.
Prices start at:
£184 (£160 plus VAT) for AA members
£230 (£200 plus VAT) for non-members
Effects of misfuelling
Damage to the engine can be very expensive for some vehicle owners: manufacturers often recommend change of parts (as high as £5,000+) and garages often charge £300+ for a fuel drain (AA Fuel Assist costs from £160).
How Fuel Assist works
cars, vans, lorries, motorcycles, etc are covered
fresh fuel to refill the tank is charged at pump price
an appointment system is in place
technicians arrive within an hour, on average
the AA is investing around £1.7 million in the service after a one-year trial
