Quick Summary
- If you realise you have used the wrong fuel in your rental car, stop the engine as soon as it is safe and do not drive further.
- Call the roadside assistance or emergency number on your rental agreement, then inform Hola Car Rentals if you booked through the platform.
- Misfuelling is usually treated as driver error, so expect to pay for recovery and repairs unless your protection package clearly says otherwise.
First steps when you have used the wrong fuel
Putting petrol into a diesel engine or diesel into a petrol engine happens more often than many travellers expect, especially when you are tired after a long flight. The most important rule is simple. As soon as you notice the mistake, switch off the engine and do not turn the key again. Every extra second the wrong fuel circulates through the system increases the risk of internal damage.
If you are still at the pump and it is safe, you may be able to push the car to a nearby parking bay with help. Do not attempt risky manoeuvres in a crowded forecourt. Turn on the hazard lights, keep your receipt and, if possible, take a quick photo of the pump you used. Those details will help the rental company and their mechanics understand what has happened.
Who to call and in what order
Your rental agreement includes a twenty four hour roadside assistance number. Call that first and have your contract number and location ready. Explain calmly that you have misfuelled the car and follow their instructions. They will usually arrange a tow truck to take the vehicle to an authorised workshop rather than trying to fix anything at the roadside.
If you booked through Hola Car Rentals, your voucher also lists emergency contacts and support channels. Once you are safe and the rental company knows about the problem, you can reach out to Hola Car Rentals so the team can track the case and help you understand how your protection package applies. This is particularly useful if you selected an all inclusive option at the Miami Airport car hire desk and want clarity on what is covered.
What usually happens to the car
In most cases, the car will be towed to a workshop where technicians drain the tank, clean or replace the fuel filter and check the rest of the fuel system. If you stopped early, this can be straightforward and the car may return to service within hours. If the vehicle was driven a long distance with the wrong fuel, more components may need replacing and the car could be off the road for several days.
During this time, the rental company might provide a replacement vehicle, but this is not guaranteed and depends on local availability. Hola Car Rentals works with partners who aim to keep your trip moving, yet repairs and replacement decisions are always made by the rental company itself.
How protection and insurance usually treat misfuelling
Standard damage waivers and basic protection bundles tend to focus on collision and theft rather than mechanical problems caused by driver error. That means misfuelling is often excluded or treated as negligence, with costs passed on to you. Even with a strong protection package, there may be specific exclusions for using the wrong fuel or ignoring dashboard warnings.
Reading your cover carefully is essential. Hola Car Rentals highlights what is included and what is not, and many All Inclusive plus rates at locations such as the Las Vegas Airport service area or the San Francisco Airport collection zone are designed to reduce your out of pocket risk. For a wider look at fuel policies and refilling rules, the guide hidden fees and refuelling charges is a useful companion.
How to avoid misfuelling next time
Before you leave the branch, check the fuel type on the key tag, dashboard or inside the fuel flap and say it out loud so it sticks. You can even add a short note on your phone that says petrol only or diesel only and glance at it before every fill up. When you reach a station, double check the colour and label on the pump handle instead of relying on habit from home.
If several people are travelling with you, agree who will be in charge of fuelling and make sure everyone knows which pump to use. A quick conversation on the first day of a road trip takes far less time than handling a breakdown later in the holiday.
FAQs
Is misfuelling ever fully covered by rental insurance? Some premium packages can cover misfuelling or reduce the cost you face, but there is rarely unlimited protection. Always read the exclusions section of your policy and assume you may contribute towards costs if you have used the wrong fuel.
Will the rental company always send a replacement car? Many partners will try to keep you mobile, but replacement vehicles are never guaranteed. It depends on how busy the branch is, how severe the damage appears and what your contract allows. Hola Car Rentals can help you explore alternatives if the original provider has no spare cars.
Can I keep driving if the car still feels normal? No. Even if the car seems fine, damage could be building up inside the engine. The safest option is to stop as soon as you realise the mistake and follow the instructions from roadside assistance and the rental company.
When you are ready to plan your next journey, booking through Hola Car Rentals gives you clear fuel policies, flexible protection choices and support if something unexpected happens on the road.
