Significant Numbers of UK Drivers Make a Costly Fueling Error
New findings highlight a startling prevalence of misfuelling within the United Kingdom’s automotive population. A recent study revealed that approximately 29% of petrol and diesel car owners have inadvertently filled their vehicles with the incorrect type of fuel – a figure significantly higher than previously anticipated.
This “misfueling” event, occurring when gasoline is introduced into a diesel engine or vice versa, represents a considerable risk to vehicle integrity. Experts emphasize that such errors can lead to substantial repair costs, potentially reaching several thousand pounds.
The research underscores the widespread nature of this issue, affecting motorists across all age groups and demographics. Statistical analysis demonstrated key trends:
- Gender Discrepancies: Men exhibited a higher propensity for misfuelling, with 33% admitting to the mistake compared to 23% of women.
- Age as a Factor: Younger drivers – specifically those between 18 and 24 – were markedly more likely to make this error, accounting for over half of all reported incidents. Conversely, only 12% of motorists aged 55 and older confessed to the same oversight.
“Our research demonstrates that misfuelling is a surprisingly common occurrence,” stated Tom Banks, spokesperson for Go.Compare car insurance. “And with many standard vehicle insurance policies failing to provide coverage for this type of error, it presents a potentially very expensive mistake.”
The financial ramifications are substantial. A staggering 62% of typical car insurance policies do not include protection against damage caused by using the wrong fuel. This leaves drivers vulnerable to covering extensive repair bills, which could involve draining and flushing their fuel tank, alongside any consequential mechanical problems.
“It’s crucial to understand that this oversight in policy coverage can transform a simple error into a significant financial hardship,” Banks cautioned. He advised individuals who accidentally misfuel their vehicles to immediately avoid starting the engine or attempting to drive away, as this could exacerbate the damage, potentially leading to thousands of pounds in repairs.
While most breakdown assistance policies will cover the necessary steps such as draining the fuel tank and arranging garage transport, it’s vital for drivers to assess their protection. Banks recommends determining whether breakdown coverage is integrated within a comprehensive car insurance plan or acquired as a separate safeguard.
“These kinds of mistakes happen more often than you might think,” he added, highlighting the importance of vigilance at the fuel pump.
