Filled up with the wrong fuel

Wrong fuel in your car?

Don't start your car, call AA Fuel Assist on

0870 240 3985

Main fuel types covered
We cover petrol and diesel cases

We cover petrol and diesel cases

Filled up with the wrong fuel?

Approximately 150,000 motorists every year put the wrong fuel in their vehicle. This might be because someone is not used to the vehicle or is simply distracted while filling up.

Stop the engine as soon as it is safe to and call 0870 240 3985

The AA's dedicated technicians will:

  • assist cars, vans and motorcycles
  • remove the fuel out of the system 

Our main aim is to get you back on the road within two hours.

What to do next

Do not try to start your car or turn on switch the ignition as this will cause the fuel to be pumped towards the engine

We have a team of trained Fuel Assist technicians who can retrieve the incorrect fuel from your vehicle at the roadside, restart the engine and get you back on you way, 99% of the time.

Just call 0870 240 3985.

Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Fuel Assist service will be provided on an appointment basis between 6am and 11pm, seven days a week.
Up to 15% discount for AA Members who have held AA Membership for one year or more. AA Members in their first year and AA customers who qualify for AA Rewards receive a 5% discount. These discounts can be withdrawn or varied at any time.
Fuel AssistSM is a registered Service Mark.
We will attend any vehicle providing the Fuel Assist van has enough capacity in its tank.

Caring for the environment
We dispose of incorrect fuel responsibly

Environmental note:  we will recycle the contaminated fuel through an environment-friendly disposal process.

Misfuelling advice

Starting the engine will circulate the contaminated fuel and increase the risk of damage.

If you're on a petrol station forecourt, put your car into neutral and get help to push your vehicle to a safe place.

If you have driven a short distance after misfuelling, safely and legally park the vehicle, turn off the engine and call us.

If the misfuelling has gone unnoticed, the car will eventually stop.

For AA Fuel Assist  – call 0870 240 3985.

The effect of petrol in a diesel vehicle can be very expensive – manufacturers often recommend change of parts (as high as £5,000+) and garages often charge £300+ for a fuel drain. 

Find out what happens if you add the wrong fuel to your car.

Fuel AssistSM is a registered Service Mark.
Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Fuel Assist service will be provided on an appointment basis between 6am and 11pm, seven days a week.
We will attend any vehicle providing the Fuel Assist van has enough capacity in its tank.

AA Fuel Assist

Filling up with the wrong fuel

Putting the wrong fuel in your car?

What do I do if I have put the wrong fuel in my vehicle?

Just call 0870 240 3985. Do not try to start your car or turn on switch the ignition as this will cause the fuel to be pumped towards the engine. The AA has a team of trained Fuel Assist Technicians who can remove the incorrect fuel from your vehicle at the roadside and restart the engine. We get you back on the road in 99% of cases.

What happens if I have started my car or driven it?

If you have started the vehicle, stop before the car cuts out and contact our dedicated team who will be able to advise the next course of action. Just call 0870 240 3985.

What does AA Fuel Assist do?

On arrival our technicians will ensure your safety, secure the area because there is a fire risk to this activity and get to work retrieving the incorrect fuel from the fuel system in an approved and safe manner. We aim to get you back on the road within two hours.

What sets the AA apart from the rest?

The AA has been helping people by the roadside for well over a century. As with all our patrol force, our Technicians are well trained. They all hold a Safety Pass Alliance (SPA) Passport for dealing with fuel on Petrol forecourts, ADR class 3 for the transporting of flammable liquids. We operate to an approved and audited safe system of work. Your safety and the safety of others are our priority.

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AA member card

Up to 15% off for AA members

If you hold another AA product such as breakdown cover or insurance, you’ll have been issued with an AA card, which gives you between 5% and 15% off today*.

If you've been with the AA for a long time, you may qualify for the higher discount.

Have your AA card to hand when you call us and quote the 16-digit number when asked to claim your discount.

For AA Fuel Assist – call 0870 240 3985.

* Up to 15% discount for AA Members who have held AA Membership for one year or more. AA Members in their first year and AA customers who qualify for AA Rewards receive a 5% discount. These discounts can be withdrawn or varied at any time.