Running out of fuel is one of the most avoidable breakdowns — but it happens to careful drivers too, especially with an inaccurate fuel gauge or a longer-than-expected detour. Here’s what to do if it happens to you in South East London.
Pull over safely first
A car running out of fuel often loses power gradually rather than instantly, giving you a few seconds to steer to a safe spot. Use them — don’t try to coast to the petrol station if it means stopping in a live lane.
Don’t just add fuel and go
Running a tank completely dry can draw sediment into the fuel system and, in some diesel engines, cause air to enter the lines — meaning the car won’t simply restart after you add fuel. It may need bleeding or a proper restart procedure.
Refuelled But Still Won’t Start?
If you’ve added fuel and the car still won’t start, repeated cranking can flatten the battery. At that point a jump start is often needed alongside the fuel. Our jump start service and roadside assistance cover Woolwich, Greenwich, Plumstead and South East London around the clock, and if the engine still won’t fire, we’ll recover the vehicle to a garage of your choice.
When to call for fuel-less recovery
If you’re not confident the car will restart cleanly, or you’re stuck somewhere unsafe to top up yourself, our fuel-less recovery service brings enough fuel to get you moving and checks the car starts properly before we leave.
Recovery Car provides fuel-less recovery across Greenwich, Woolwich, Plumstead and South East London, 24/7.
Broken down right now?
Call us for fast, friendly recovery anywhere in South East London — open 24/7.
Call +44 7547 907000