Fleets can now prevent costly misfuelling of diesel vehicles with the launch of a device invented by an RAC patrolman, Phil Cartwright. FuelSure can be used on over 80% of diesel cars and light commercial vehicles on UK roads.

FuelSure prevents the insertion of the smaller diameter petrol pump nozzle and removes the need to screw and unscrew the existing fuel cap.

According to RAC’s own Vehicle Fault Analysis data, misfuelling is the fourth biggest driver-induced fault among fleet drivers, with call-outs reaching 10,000 in 2009. Taking travel and wait times into consideration, it can take one to two days to drain a fuel tank, with a knock-on effect for fleet vehicle efficiency.

Diesel contamination can cause severe damage if the driver starts the engine and petrol runs through into the system. Fleet managers will be well aware it can cost thousands of pounds to repair modern diesel engines. In some cases, engine damage due to misfuelling won’t be covered by insurance.

A recent study by the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) found that of the 150,000 misfuelling cases per year, 95 per cent are caused by drivers putting petrol into their diesel vehicles due to the wider diesel filler neck and narrower unleaded nozzle.

Cartwright said: “I set out to design a solution that was tough, foolproof, easy-to-use and replaced the normal fuel cap, and am extremely satisfied with the result. 

“After careful evaluation, technical experts at RAC agree it’s the only product that comes complete with a range of filler neck adaptors in the pack, fits over 80% of cars and light commercial vehicles on UK roads, and can easily be fitted by anyone in a matter of seconds.”

Gary Wrightson-Heyworth, RAC technical service development manager, says: “FuelSure is a truly innovative product. It differs from similar products available as it physically prevents misfuelling - you need to have the diesel nozzle in your hand to remove the fuel cap. RAC fully supports this device and we are currently in the process of rolling it out to all of our roadside Patrols and recovery specialists to make available to our members.”

Find out if you could save on what your fleet is paying in petrol, visit the fleet news petrol prices page for more information.

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