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Need help with your car rental? Phone: 0808-164-1480
Need help with your car rental?
Phone: 0808-164-1480

Will I Need To Return The Car With a Full Tank of Fuel?

Fuel policy in the UK banner

When you pick up your rental car, it will have a full tank of fuel. You'll need to also return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel, or you will be charged for the cost of re-fuelling. This is generally charged at a more expensive rate than the local petrol stations.

It is a good idea to find a petrol station that is close to your return location so that you can ensure the tank is completely full when you return it. If you are returning to an airport location, you'll find petrol stations are often located nearby.

  • Heathrow Airport: You will find a Texaco on Bath road nearby the entrance road to Heathrow Airport.
  • Manchester Airport: Refill your tank at the Shell petrol station on Styal Road just a short distance from Manchester Airport.
  • Edinburgh Airport: A BP station is located on Glasgow Road, nearby the airport.
  • London Stansted: You can easily fill your car at BP before arriving at Stansted at the A120 airport exit.

Some car rental companies offer the option for customers to pre-purchase the tank of fuel so they do not have to fill it before returning the vehicle. Note that you will not be refunded for the cost of any fuel that you did not use.

Make sure you know whether your car takes unleaded or diesel fuel, as often the costs incurred from using the wrong fuel is not included in roadside assistance policies.

 Remember:

In a hurry? You can pre-purchase fuel . . .

If you don't have the time to fill your car with fuel before you return it, some car rental companies offer you the option to pre-purchase the tank of fuel. If you have not selected this option, you will need to fill the tank yourself or you will be charged at the car rental counter.