We provide assistance for road vehicles, vans and equipment across Scotland. Provide the symptoms, recent refuelling or storage history and any water-in-fuel warning. Explain whether water is known to have entered or is only suspected, so the service is based on evidence rather than an assumption.
Water in diesel and water in petrol are not identical
The fuel system, tank arrangement and manufacturer’s instructions vary with the vehicle. A diesel water-separator warning is not the same as proof that a petrol tank contains water. Explain the actual vehicle and the wording of any dashboard message.
Where you know water has entered the fuel tank, avoid using the engine while arranging advice. If a warning appears while driving, follow the vehicle’s safety instructions and stop safely where appropriate. A warning should not be ignored simply because the vehicle continues to move.
Consider how water may have entered
Water can be associated with fuel storage, ingress or another supply issue. Note the source used, any damaged filler or cap you are aware of, exposure to flooding or an incident involving a container. Do not assume every case has the same origin.
If other vehicles used the same suspect supply, record that information. A drain on one vehicle will not identify or resolve a continuing supply problem on its own. Further assessment of the source may be necessary before the same fuel is used again.
Removal and further checks
The scope may include tank contents, filters or water-separation equipment and checks appropriate to the vehicle. Manufacturer-specific maintenance instructions are important. Removing water from one accessible point does not establish that the entire tank or fuel system is clean.
Where the engine has operated, explain the duration and symptoms. Additional inspection or workshop attention may be required, especially if an ongoing fault or contamination of components is suspected. We do not offer an additive as a universal substitute for assessment.
Cars, commercial vehicles and plant
A car tank, a van, a large HGV and machinery supplied from a bowser can involve very different quantities and access. Describe the application and tell us if multiple tanks or a shared source are involved.
Provide a safe, accessible location and the operator’s approval where required. Remote sites, islands, depot access and site inductions affect attendance. The proposed removal work, travel and any further recommendations are discussed for the individual enquiry.
Attendance, access and the cost of the work
Contamination enquiries are assessed for the vehicle, fluid, quantity, access and whether the engine has run. AdBlue, water and unknown-fluid work should not be assumed to have the same scope or price as a simple petrol-and-diesel mix.
We cover mainland Scotland and the islands. Arrival estimates are confirmed for the vehicle’s actual location and current availability. Time on site is a separate matter and depends on the work. Neither a coverage page nor an initial enquiry is a promise of a fixed completion time.
Before attendance, identify the person authorised to approve the work. The technician explains the proposed service and confirms the cost before starting. If you intend to use a policy, lease agreement or hire-company process, check its requirements with the provider.
Find your coverage areaWater contamination in fuel: common questions
Can an additive remove all water contamination?
Do not assume a treatment is suitable for your engine or will resolve the source. Obtain advice for the fuel, vehicle and contamination before adding another product.
Does a water-in-fuel light mean the tank needs draining?
The warning needs attention under the manufacturer’s instructions. The appropriate work depends on the vehicle and findings; do not infer the entire job from the warning alone.
Can condensation be the only possible cause?
No. Storage, ingress and supply history may all be relevant. The source needs assessment rather than an assumption based on weather or vehicle age.
Can you help with stored-fuel enquiries?
Describe the tank or container, quantity, fuel and location. Storage-system work is scoped separately from an ordinary vehicle drain.