How to Refuel a Rental Car in Spain and Avoid Using the Wrong Fuel

How to refuel a rental car in Spain

Refuelling a car in Spain is not difficult, but when driving an unfamiliar vehicle for the first time, even an ordinary petrol station can create a surprising number of questions. Petrol or diesel? 95 or 98? Pay first or refuel first? Why does the terminal want to temporarily block 100 euros? And most importantly, how do you even open the fuel flap on this car?

If you rent a car at Malaga Airport, in Marbella or Alicante and plan to travel around the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca or other parts of mainland Spain, it is better to understand the fuel system before your first stop at a petrol station rather than while standing next to the pump with the hazard lights on and your phone in your hand.

The main rule is very simple: before refuelling, make sure you know which type of fuel the vehicle requires. Mixing up petrol and diesel can cause serious damage and additional costs.

How to find out which fuel your rental car needs

You do not need to guess the fuel type from the sound of the engine, the size of the car or the confidence of someone who says they have “been driving for twenty years”. Modern petrol and diesel engines can sound surprisingly similar, especially to someone who collected the car ten minutes ago.

You can check the correct fuel type in several ways:

check the information in the rental agreement;
review the vehicle details in the documents or at handover;
look for a label inside the fuel flap;
check the marking next to the fuel filler opening;
look at the information on the fuel cap;
contact the rental company before refuelling if you are unsure.

The safest option is not to refuel the vehicle until you are completely certain which fuel it requires.

Five minutes spent checking is considerably cheaper than later explaining why a diesel car suddenly received a full tank of petrol. Mechanics are rarely impressed by the phrase “I was almost sure”.

What do Gasolina and Diésel mean at Spanish petrol stations?

The main fuel labels at Spanish petrol stations are relatively easy to understand.

Gasolina means petrol.

Diésel or Gasóleo means diesel fuel.

At the pump, you may see labels such as:

Gasolina 95;
Gasolina 98;
Diésel;
Diésel Premium;
Gasóleo A;
different premium fuel options.

In addition to traditional names, modern pumps may also use European fuel labels such as E5, E10 or B7. These markings relate to the composition of the fuel and the proportion of bio-components.

For a rental car driver, the important thing is not to interpret technical labels independently if there is any doubt. Use the fuel type specified for the particular vehicle.

Gasolina 95 or Gasolina 98?

Many petrol cars use Gasolina 95. Gasolina 98 has a higher octane rating and is required or recommended for certain engines.

Do not automatically choose 98 simply because it is more expensive and therefore appears to be “better fuel”. The car does not necessarily need the most expensive option. It needs the correct option.

Before refuelling a petrol car:

check the label inside the fuel flap;
follow the manufacturer’s requirements;
review the information provided when you collected the vehicle;
do not choose fuel based only on price;
do not rely only on the colour of the nozzle.

If the vehicle is designed for petrol 95, there is usually little reason to turn every petrol station visit into an investment project involving premium fuel.

Why you should not choose fuel by nozzle colour

One common mistake is assuming that the colour of the fuel nozzle always identifies the type of fuel.

Fuel pump designs may differ between petrol station chains. A colour used for petrol at one station may be presented differently at another.

Always read the label:

Gasolina;
95;
98;
Diésel;
Gasóleo;
the relevant fuel marking.

Colour can be used as an additional visual clue, but it should not be the main way of choosing fuel.

A nice green nozzle does not sign the rental agreement and will not pay for repairs to the fuel system. Reading the label is therefore still a worthwhile activity.

How do petrol stations work in Spain?

Spain has both traditional petrol stations with staff and a cashier, as well as fully automatic self-service stations.

The process may vary slightly depending on the station.

At some petrol stations:

you refuel the vehicle first;
then go inside to the cashier;
tell the cashier the pump number;
pay the actual amount.

At others:

payment is made directly at the pump;
you may need to select the pump or fuel type;
insert or tap your card;
confirm the transaction;
then begin refuelling.

At automatic petrol stations, you may sometimes need to select a maximum amount before refuelling. The actual amount charged is based on the fuel dispensed, while the release of any remaining pre-authorisation depends on the bank and payment system used by the station.

Why can a petrol station temporarily block money on your card?

At automatic petrol stations, the payment terminal may perform a pre-authorisation for a certain amount before allowing you to refuel.

For example, the terminal may temporarily reserve €100 or another amount even if you actually buy only €55 worth of fuel.

After refuelling:

the station calculates the actual fuel cost;
the real amount is charged;
the remaining part of the pre-authorisation is released according to banking procedures.

The time required to release the temporary hold may depend on the customer’s bank.

If your banking app initially shows an amount higher than the cost of the fuel, check whether it is a pre-authorisation rather than a final charge.

A bank card has an impressive ability to add drama even when someone only wanted to buy 40 litres of diesel.

Can you pay by card at petrol stations in Spain?

Most major petrol stations accept bank cards. Many stations also accept contactless payments.

However, automatic petrol stations may have some additional requirements:

the terminal may request a PIN;
a physical card may be required;
a foreign card may be rejected by a particular terminal;
a pre-authorisation may be performed;
some terminal functions may only be available in Spanish.

If one card is not accepted, you may be able to try another card or pay at the cashier where available.

For longer journeys, having at least two available payment methods is sensible. Technology works beautifully until you are standing at an unfamiliar petrol station in the evening with only 30 kilometres of range left.

Should you keep the fuel receipt?

It is a good idea to keep the receipt, especially if you refuel shortly before returning the rental car.

The receipt may confirm:

the date of refuelling;
the time;
the petrol station location;
the fuel type;
the number of litres;
the amount paid.

If the rental agreement requires the vehicle to be returned with a certain fuel level, the last fuel receipt can be useful together with a photo of the dashboard.

The small piece of paper you want to throw away three seconds after paying suddenly becomes fascinating the moment someone asks about the fuel level. Such is the glamorous world of documentation.

How to open the fuel flap on an unfamiliar car

Fuel flaps open differently depending on the vehicle.

Common systems on modern cars include:

the flap opens when you press its edge while the vehicle is unlocked;
there is a separate button or lever inside the car;
the fuel flap is connected to the central locking system;
the fuel cap is manually unscrewed after opening the outer flap.

If the fuel flap does not open, first make sure the vehicle is unlocked.

Do not immediately try to force it open with a key, bank card or brute strength. The manufacturer has almost certainly designed a less destructive method.

How to know which side the fuel filler is on

Many vehicles have a small arrow next to the fuel pump symbol on the dashboard.

The arrow indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel filler is located on.

If the arrow points left, the fuel flap is usually on the left side. If it points right, it is usually on the right.

This tiny detail is especially useful when driving an unfamiliar rental car.

And it can prevent the beautiful ritual of circling the pump three times, opening the driver’s door, checking the mirror and quietly reconsidering your driving abilities.

What should you do before refuelling?

Before starting to refuel:

park the vehicle next to the correct pump;
put the transmission in Park or Neutral;
apply the parking brake if necessary;
switch off the engine;
confirm the correct fuel type;
open the fuel flap;
check the fuel label once more;
only then begin refuelling.

Switching off the engine before refuelling is a simple and sensible habit. Smoking or using an open flame near fuel pumps should also be avoided. Some rules do, in fact, exist for reasons beyond decoration.

How much fuel should you add?

This depends on your journey and the vehicle return conditions.

If you still have several days before returning the vehicle, there is no need to fill the tank completely every time. However, if the vehicle must soon be returned with a full tank or the same fuel level as at collection, it is worth planning the final refuelling stop in advance.

Before returning the car, check:

the fuel policy in the rental agreement;
the fuel level recorded at collection;
the current fuel level;
the distance to the return location;
nearby petrol stations.

It is not ideal to fill the tank too far away from the return point if you still have a long drive ahead. A full tank 50 kilometres from the office has an impressive ability to stop being completely full by the time you arrive.

What does the fuel policy mean in a rental agreement?

The fuel policy determines the fuel level at which the customer receives the vehicle and the level at which it must be returned.

The specific conditions are stated in the rental agreement.

When collecting the vehicle, check:

the fuel level shown in the agreement;
whether it matches the dashboard;
which fuel type is required;
which return conditions apply;
whether charges apply for missing fuel.

If the fuel level shown in the car does not match the documents at collection, it is better to report this before beginning the journey.

What happens if you return the car with less fuel?

If the rental conditions require the vehicle to be returned with a certain fuel level and the actual level is lower, the customer may be charged for the missing fuel and any additional amount provided for in the rental agreement.

Before returning the vehicle, it is therefore a good idea to:

refuel according to the rental conditions;
keep the receipt;
take a photo of the dashboard;
record the fuel level;
take a photo of the mileage where possible.

A dashboard photo takes only a few seconds and can save you from trying to remember later how many bars were showing on the fuel gauge. Human memory is impressively accurate, especially when it concerns something it never actually remembered.

What should you do if you accidentally use the wrong fuel?

If you realise that you have put the wrong fuel into a rental car, the most important thing is not to panic and not to try to solve the problem yourself.

Do not start the engine.

If the engine has not yet been started, the incorrect fuel may remain mainly in the tank. In this situation, professional removal of the fuel is usually simpler than after the fuel has circulated through the fuel system.

If you notice the mistake at the petrol station:

do not start the engine;
do not drive away from the pump;
do not add the correct fuel in an attempt to “dilute” the mistake;
do not try to drain the fuel yourself;
contact the rental company;
provide your location;
explain which fuel was added and approximately how much;
follow the instructions you receive.

The most important thing is not to turn one mistake into several. Putting the wrong fuel in the car is unpleasant. Starting the engine afterwards “just to see if it is actually fine” is a remarkably effective way to make the story much more expensive.

What if the engine has already been started?

If the vehicle has already been started after the wrong fuel was added, the situation may be more serious.

If you realise the mistake after beginning to drive:

stop in a safe place as soon as possible;
switch off the engine;
do not continue driving;
contact the rental company;
provide your exact location;
explain which fuel was added;
say whether the engine was started;
indicate approximately how many kilometres were driven after refuelling;
follow the instructions regarding roadside assistance or towing.

Do not continue driving until the vehicle “stops by itself”. That is not a diagnostic technique. It is simply a rather efficient way of increasing possible damage.

Why should you not repair a rental car yourself?

If the wrong fuel has been added, do not independently choose a garage, pay for repairs or allow the fuel system to be dismantled without approval from the rental company.

The vehicle belongs to the rental company, so technical work should be carried out according to an agreed procedure.

Unauthorised repairs may:

breach the rental conditions;
make damage assessment more difficult;
affect the customer’s responsibility;
create warranty problems;
lead to additional costs;
complicate further use or replacement of the vehicle.

Even if someone nearby says they can “drain everything in twenty minutes”, contact the rental company first. Twenty minutes of enthusiastic human initiative can sometimes create several days of paperwork.

Does insurance cover putting the wrong fuel in the car?

Misfuelling is usually treated differently from a normal mechanical breakdown. Having an extended coverage package does not automatically mean that costs caused by incorrect fuel are covered.

If the customer fills the vehicle with unsuitable fuel, the resulting costs may remain the customer’s responsibility according to the rental conditions.

This may include:

towing;
draining the fuel;
cleaning the fuel system;
repairing damaged components;
replacement fuel;
other related costs.

The exact responsibility depends on the rental agreement, selected coverage package and circumstances of the incident.

Insurance protects against many unpleasant situations, but it does not turn the word “Diésel” on the pump into decorative typography.

What information should you give the rental company after using the wrong fuel?

To help arrange assistance more quickly, prepare the following information:

main driver’s name;
booking or agreement number;
vehicle model;
vehicle registration number;
exact location;
which fuel the vehicle requires;
which fuel was added;
approximate number of litres;
whether the engine was started;
whether the vehicle was driven after refuelling;
whether there are any dashboard warnings.

The more accurate the information, the easier it is to determine the next steps.

How to refuel before returning the vehicle

Before returning the vehicle, it is better to find a suitable petrol station near the return location in advance and leave enough time for refuelling.

This is especially important when returning the vehicle:

at Malaga Airport;
in Marbella;
in Alicante;
early in the morning;
late in the evening;
before a flight;
during the high tourist season.

Do not plan the final fuel stop with exactly three minutes to spare before returning the vehicle. There may be a queue, the terminal may reject your card, the correct pump may be occupied, or the navigation system may send you to a petrol station on the other side of the motorway. The universe has a particular affection for such experiments before a flight.

Should you photograph the fuel level when returning the vehicle?

Yes, this is a useful habit.

Before leaving the vehicle, you can take a photo of the dashboard showing:

fuel level;
mileage;
time or date, if displayed;
absence of warning messages, where relevant.

It is also useful to keep the receipt from the final refuelling stop.

These materials do not replace the official vehicle inspection, but they help document the vehicle’s condition at the time of return.

What should you check immediately after collecting the rental car?

It is best to clarify everything related to fuel before leaving the vehicle collection location.

Check:

whether the vehicle uses petrol or diesel;
the recommended fuel grade;
where the fuel flap is located;
how the fuel flap opens;
the current fuel level;
whether the level matches the agreement;
the fuel return conditions;
whether there are dashboard warnings.

If you rent a vehicle at Malaga Airport, in Marbella or Alicante and immediately begin a long journey, this one-minute check is especially useful. Understanding the fuel flap in a car park is much more pleasant than trying to solve it at night at an automatic petrol station somewhere on the road.

Refuelling during a long journey through Spain

On longer trips, it is better not to wait until the remaining driving range is almost zero.

This is particularly important:

in mountainous areas;
on less busy roads;
late in the evening;
on public holidays;
when travelling on unfamiliar routes;
if the vehicle has a small fuel tank.

There are many petrol stations along Spain’s main roads, but distances between them can be greater on smaller roads.

Navigation apps usually help locate petrol stations, but do not assume that every station shown will definitely be open, staffed or able to accept your particular card.

Can you refuel before driving to Gibraltar?

If driving to Gibraltar is allowed under your rental agreement, you can prepare for the journey by refuelling on mainland Spain before departure.

It is important to remember that the permitted territory and the fuel policy are two separate rental conditions.

At SOLO rent a car, vehicles may be used within mainland Spain and Gibraltar. Trips to Portugal, France, Andorra, Morocco, islands, ferry routes, Ceuta, Melilla and other territories outside the permitted area are not allowed unless expressly provided for in the rental agreement.

A full tank does not expand the permitted rental territory. It would be convenient, certainly, but contractual borders show a disappointing lack of interest in fuel quantity.

How to reduce fuel costs

Fuel consumption depends not only on the vehicle, but also on driving style, route, speed, load and use of air conditioning.

To keep fuel consumption reasonable:

avoid unnecessary hard acceleration;
maintain a steady speed where possible;
check tyre pressure if a warning appears;
avoid carrying unnecessary heavy luggage;
choose a vehicle of an appropriate size;
plan your route in advance;
avoid leaving the engine running unnecessarily;
consider fuel consumption when choosing an SUV or larger vehicle.

A large SUV can be an excellent choice for a family and luggage, but expecting it to consume fuel like a small city car is fairly optimistic. Physics has an unpleasant independence from holiday budgets.

Common mistakes when refuelling a rental car

Most petrol station problems can be prevented with a few simple checks.

Common customer mistakes include:

not checking the fuel type when collecting the vehicle;
choosing fuel based on nozzle colour;
confusing Gasolina and Diésel;
using 98 because it is assumed to be automatically better;
starting the engine after using the wrong fuel;
trying to drain the fuel independently;
going to a garage without approval from the rental company;
not checking the fuel policy;
returning the vehicle with insufficient fuel;
not keeping the final fuel receipt;
not photographing the fuel level at return;
leaving the final refuelling stop until the last few minutes before a flight.

The cheapest petrol station mistake is the one you notice before removing the nozzle from the pump. Everything after that begins to develop a plot.

Frequently asked questions about refuelling a rental car in Spain

How do I know whether the car uses petrol or diesel?

Check the rental agreement, the label inside the fuel flap or the marking next to the filler opening. If you are still unsure, contact the rental company before refuelling.

What does Gasolina mean?

Gasolina means petrol. Spanish petrol stations commonly offer Gasolina 95 and Gasolina 98.

What does Diésel mean?

Diésel or Gasóleo means diesel fuel.

Can I identify the fuel by the colour of the nozzle?

It is better not to rely on colour. Colours may differ between petrol station chains. Always check the wording on the pump and nozzle.

Why did the petrol station block more money on my card than I spent?

Some automatic petrol stations perform a pre-authorisation before refuelling. After the transaction, the actual fuel cost is calculated and the remaining hold is released according to banking procedures.

What should I do if I used the wrong fuel but have not started the car?

Do not start the engine. Contact the rental company and follow its instructions. Do not try to drain the fuel yourself or dilute it with another fuel type.

What if I have already started the engine?

If the vehicle is already moving, stop safely as soon as possible, switch off the engine and contact the rental company. Do not continue driving.

Is wrong fuel covered by insurance?

Not necessarily. Misfuelling may remain the customer’s responsibility. The specific conditions depend on the rental agreement and selected coverage package.

Should I keep the petrol station receipt?

This is recommended, especially for the final refuelling before returning the vehicle.

Do I have to return the car with a full tank?

This depends on the fuel policy of the specific rental agreement. Check the fuel level at collection and the return conditions.

Refuelling a vehicle rented from SOLO rent a car

When collecting a vehicle from SOLO rent a car, it is important to check the fuel type, current fuel level and the return conditions stated in the rental agreement. If you are not sure which petrol or diesel the vehicle requires, clarify this before the first refuelling stop.

If the wrong fuel is added, do not start the engine and contact the company immediately. If the vehicle has already been started, stop safely and report what happened. Do not arrange independent repairs or technical work without approval.

Before returning the vehicle, check the fuel policy, refuel to the required level, keep the receipt and take a photo of the dashboard. If the vehicle is returned with less fuel than required under the agreement, the missing fuel and applicable contractual charges may be billed to the customer.

SOLO rent a car works with customers in Malaga, Malaga Airport, Marbella and Alicante. Regardless of where the vehicle is collected, one simple rule applies: first confirm which fuel the car needs, then reach for the nozzle. Surprisingly effective sequence of events.

In short

Before the first refuelling stop with a rental car in Spain, always confirm whether the vehicle requires petrol or diesel. The information is usually shown in the rental agreement, inside the fuel flap or next to the filler opening.

Gasolina means petrol, while Diésel or Gasóleo means diesel fuel. Do not select fuel only by the colour of the nozzle because pump designs can vary between petrol station chains.

At some automatic petrol stations, the card may receive a temporary pre-authorisation before refuelling. The actual fuel cost is calculated after the transaction, while the release of any remaining blocked amount depends on banking processing.

If you accidentally use the wrong fuel, do not start the engine. Contact the rental company and follow its instructions. If the engine has already been started, stop safely and do not continue driving.

Before returning the vehicle, check the fuel policy in the rental agreement, refuel to the required level, keep the receipt and photograph the dashboard. A few simple steps prevent a surprisingly large number of problems. For car rental, that is almost suspiciously efficient.