Compare Mobile Fuel Drain Prices Near You

Put the Wrong Fuel in Your Car? Do This First

Putting the wrong fuel in your car is a far more common mistake than most drivers realise. The most important thing is what you do in the next few minutes:

1. Don't start the engine, and keep the key out of the ignition. If you've already driven off, pull over as soon as it's safe and switch the engine off.

2. Tell the forecourt staff what's happened.

3. Put the car in neutral and, with someone's help, push it clear of the pumps to a safe spot.

4. If you have breakdown cover, call your provider first. Your cover may include help with misfuelling, and they can send someone out to you.

5. Check your car insurance, as some policies cover the cost of a fuel drain.

6. No breakdown cover, or your car is already parked somewhere safe? Compare mobile mechanics below who can drain the wrong fuel where your car is parked, so you don't need it towed.

Don't try to drain the fuel tank yourself, as the job needs the right equipment and training to do safely.

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*Some mobile technicians (that come out to you) may require an upfront payment or commitment, please check this with them first.

These are just some of the reasons to choose a mobile mechanic through BookMyGarage, so enter your reg and postcode to compare mobile mechanics who can drain the wrong fuel where your car is parked. We're here to make things simple and stress-free, so you can book with confidence and look forward to the results.

How Much Does a Mobile Fuel Drain Cost?

A mobile fuel drain typically costs between £150 and £300 if you haven’t started the engine.

The biggest factor is whether the wrong fuel has been through the engine. If it’s still sitting in the tank, the job is a straightforward drain and flush. Once the engine has run, the wrong fuel reaches the fuel lines, pump and injectors. Some of these parts may then need replacing, and the total bill can reach £1,000 or more. How much wrong fuel went in and how easy your fuel tank is to reach also make a difference.

When you search, you’ll see an hourly labour rate range for each mobile mechanic near you, so you can compare them before you book. Your chosen mechanic can then confirm the total cost for your car.

Typical UK costs based on published industry estimates as of 20th October 2026. Prices are representative figures only as costs vary depending on your make and model, the parts used and your chosen mobile mechanic. Enter your reg and postcode to compare hourly labour rates from local mobile mechanics.

What Happens During a Fuel Drain?

Your mobile mechanic will drain the contaminated fuel from your tank and, if the engine has been run, from the fuel lines too. They’ll then flush the system through, refill it with enough of the correct fuel to get you going and remove any air from the fuel system so the engine runs properly.

On a diesel car, your mechanic may also recommend replacing the fuel filter. If they find any sign of damage beyond the fuel system, they can talk you through what they’ve found before doing any further work.

It’s worth checking with your mechanic that they can work where your car is parked, as some locations, such as a busy forecourt, may not be suitable.

Putting petrol in a diesel car is usually more serious than the other way round, as petrol strips away the lubrication your fuel pump and injectors rely on. You can read more about what happens if you put petrol in a diesel car, and the other way round, before your appointment.

Warning Signs You've Used the Wrong Fuel

If you've put petrol in a diesel car, you might notice:

• A loud knocking noise when you accelerate

• Slower acceleration than normal

• Excessive smoke from the exhaust

• The engine warning light coming on

• The engine cutting out, or the car struggling to restart

If you've put diesel in a petrol car, you might notice:

• The engine misfiring

• Excessive smoke from the exhaust

• The engine cutting out

• The car failing to restart

If you notice any of these warning signs, pull over when it's safe, switch the engine off and enter your reg and postcode to compare mobile mechanics in your area, all in under 60 seconds.