# How to Prevent Misfuelling Your Rental Car in United States

> Rental cars are one of the highest-risk categories for misfuelling. Here is why, and the simple checks that protect you from an expensive mistake on your next trip.

- Canonical URL: https://www.formancetane.com/news/how-to-prevent-misfuelling-your-rental-car
- Published: 2024-04-18
- Author: Forman Cetane
- Publisher: Forman Cetane, a trade name of Forman Pacific, LLC

## Why Rental Cars Are High-Risk for Misfuelling

Rental cars represent one of the most common misfuel scenarios in United States. When you drive an unfamiliar vehicle, you may not automatically know whether it takes diesel or petrol — and at a busy self-service forecourt, mistakes happen fast. A 2023 survey by a major UK motoring organisation found that one in three misfuelling incidents involved either a rental or borrowed vehicle.

## The Diesel Nozzle Problem

Modern diesel nozzles are designed to be wider than petrol nozzles to prevent petrol being accidentally put into diesel cars. However, rental fleets in United States increasingly include small diesels — Toyota Corollas, Mazda 3s, and SUVs — where the nozzle diameter difference is less obvious, especially under time pressure. The moment you collect a rental car, check the fuel cap: it will state the fuel type clearly, and many modern vehicles also display it on the instrument cluster when you switch on.

## What to Do If You Misfuel a Rental

Do not start the engine. Do not move the vehicle. Call the rental company immediately, then call Forman Cetane on [(866) 777-3712](tel:18667773712). Liability for misfuelling is almost always with the driver under standard rental agreements — your credit card travel insurance or personal car insurance may cover the recovery cost, so document everything. A fast response limits damage and limits your bill.

Forman Cetane works with all major rental companies and can coordinate directly with their roadside assistance teams. The sooner you call, the lower the risk of damage to the vehicle's fuel system.

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Source: https://www.formancetane.com/news/how-to-prevent-misfuelling-your-rental-car