What to Do if You Have Put the Wrong Gas in Your Rental Car in Crete?

May 4, 2023 - Reading time: 5 minutes
Wrong Gas in Your Rental Car in Crete

As the saying goes, "Nobody is perfect" so making mistakes is a part of life. While some mistakes may be minor and easily forgotten, others can be costly and cause significant inconvenience - like putting the wrong type of gasoline in your rental car in Crete. 

But don't worry, we're here to help. This article will explain what you need to do if you accidentally put the wrong gas in your rental car. Read on below to know more:

What to Do if You Put the Wrong Gas in Your Rental Car in Crete?

There are certain steps that you need to take if you accidentally put the wrong gas in your rental car: 

  • Do not start your car's engine
  • Move the Car 
  • Contact your rental company 
  • Be prepared for the outcome 

1. Do not start your car's engine

One mistake that many people make is they immediately start their car after realizing they've put the wrong type of gasoline in it. This is a big mistake and can actually cause more damage to your car. The cost of repair escalates from expensive to extremely expensive after you start the car. The expense of repairing the problem can be reduced if you notice your mistake but do not start the car. This entails draining the fuel system before any improper fuel reaches the engine.

2. Move the Car 

Place the car in neutral. Request assistance in pushing the car to a safe location. It's good to find a spot off the road so you're not blocking traffic. If you're on the side of the road, make sure to turn your car's hazard lights on so other drivers are aware of your situation. 

3. Contact your rental company 

If you have roadside assistance through your car rental company, now is the time to give them a call. They will be able to help you tow your car to the nearest service station. Do not feel obligated to locate a service station to make the repair; doing so will violate the rental agreement and may result in you being placed on the "Do Not Rent" list. The rental car business is likely to take the vehicle from service, resulting in a price for the loss of usage, service costs, and administrative costs.

4. Be prepared for the outcome 

As you may imagine,  this is not a cheap fix. In fact, it can be quite costly - especially if you have to tow your car to a service station. The good news is that most car rental companies have insurance that will help cover the cost of repairs. However, this doesn't mean that you won't have to pay anything out of pocket. In most cases, you will still be responsible for the deductible. Talk with your rental car company ahead of time to find out what their policy is regarding this type of situation. 

The Issue of Putting the Wrong Gas in Your Rental Car 

Before we dive in and look at the steps you need to take if this worst-case scenario occurs, let's quickly go over the basics of what happens when you put the wrong type of gasoline in your car. 

As you probably know, there are different classifications of rental cars as well as types of gasoline - Regular Unleaded, Mid-Grade Unleaded, and Premium Unleaded. These designations refer to the octane level of the gasoline, with Regular being the lowest and Premium being the highest. 

Cars that require Premium Unleaded gasoline have engines that are designed to run on higher-octane fuel. If you accidentally put Regular or Mid-Grade Unleaded gasoline in one of these cars, it's not the end of the world - but it's not ideal either. 

The main issue is that lower-octane gasoline can cause your car to run less efficiently. This can lead to a loss in power and decreased fuel economy. In severe cases, it can even cause your car to "knock" or "ping," which is a knocking noise that is caused by the engine burning the fuel too early. 

While this may not seem like a big deal, it can actually cause long-term damage to your car's engine if left untreated. 

So, if you accidentally put the wrong type of gasoline in your rental car, it's important to take care of the issue as soon as possible. 

Engine check orange light

How to handle potential challenges during your car rental in Crete?

Renting a car in Crete can be an exciting way to explore Crete. However, it's important to be prepared for any unexpected issues that may arise during your car rental experience. Two common difficulties that you may encounter include accidentally filling up the gas tank with the wrong type of fuel and experiencing a flat tire. While these situations can be frustrating, there are simple solutions that can help you overcome them effortlessly. By familiarizing yourself with the rental policies and keeping a positive attitude, you can confidently navigate any challenges that come your way and enjoy a stress-free journey in Crete.

What should I do if I get a flat tire in a rental car?

If you find yourself with a flat tire in Crete, remain calm and follow these steps to address the situation safely. First, activate your hazard lights to signal to other drivers that you're experiencing car trouble, and find a secure spot to pull over. Once parked, turn off the engine and engage the parking brake. If you're unsure how to change a tire, refer to a step-by-step guide or your rental car's manual.

Check your trunk for a spare tire and the necessary tools (a wrench and jack). If these items are unavailable, contact a tow truck to transport your car to the nearest service station. To change the tire, loosen the lug nuts with a wrench, lift the car using the jack, remove the flat tire, and replace it with the spare. Tighten the lug nuts and lower the car back to the ground. Remember to inform the rental company about your Crete rental car's flat tire, so they can provide assistance if needed.

Takeaway 

Although no one is perfect, it's still important to take care of your rental car. This means being careful not to put the wrong type of gasoline in it. If you do make this mistake, don't panic. Just follow the steps listed above to help minimize the damage. And, as always, be sure to contact your rental car company so they are aware of the situation.