RAC patrol invents misfuelling prevention device to benefit 11.4 million UK diesel drivers
RAC today launches FuelSure, a device designed to prevent those disastrous moments when you realise you've just put petrol into your diesel vehicle - an expensive mistake made by more than 400 drivers every day.
FuelSure is the brainchild of inventor, engineer and RAC Patrol Phil Cartwright. It's easy to fit and can be used on over 80% of diesel cars and light commercial vehicles on UK roads.
It's taken Phil three years to perfect his device, which is manufactured in his home town in Yorkshire, and is now ready for worldwide sales.
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 nozzle1.
FuelSure prevents the insertion of the smaller diameter petrol pump nozzle and removes the need to screw and unscrew the existing fuel cap. It has the potential to help the 11.4 million diesel drivers in the UK2.
Every three-and-a-half minutes a motorist misfuels3, generating approximately 7.5 million litres of contaminated fuel annually4 and costing drivers anything from £300 to over £5000 for individual repairs. The disposal of this waste fuel, coupled with CO2 emissions generated by towing misfuelled vehicles, also has a devastating effect on the environment.
Phil 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.”
FuelSure costs £29.95 and is available from RAC Patrols and recovery specialists, as well as selected Halfords stores.
Ends
Background on FuelSure
- FuelSure has potential sales to 11.4 million diesel drivers in the UK
- FuelSure prevents the insertion of the petrol nozzle
- Eliminates the need for handling of the filler cap on removal
- Maintains the original features of the filler system
- Eliminates the need to ‘stow’ the filler cap
- Allows ‘normal’ insertion of the pump nozzle into the tank
- Protects paint work adjacent to the filler area from damage from cap
- Provides positive single action locking of cap illuminating rotary action
- Eliminates rotary action when removing the device
- Requires no tools or equipment for installation
- Fits a wide range of vehicles and is easily transferable
- Requires no batteries, maintenance or adjustments during its life
Notes to editors
1 A study carried out by the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) to highlight the dangers uninsured motorists can face - 10 May 2010 http://www.biba.org.uk
2 Department for Transport, 2009 Transport Statistics study, http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/tsgb/2009edition/sectionninevehicles.pdf
3 150,000 drivers misfuelling annually results in a daily average of 400 cases, divided by the number of minutes per day
4 Based on an average tank capacity of 50 litres
