It’s a tank masquerading as a stretched limo; 8-inch armour plating, solid tyres and independent air supply make it immune to bombs, missiles and chemical attack, but the US Presidential limousine, a car designed to carry and protect the world’s most powerful man has an Achilles heel – the petrol-powered, 8-ton vehicle is as vulnerable to mis-fuelling as the average family saloon when filled with diesel.
The Times reports that the Cadillac, which is referred to as The Beast by the secret service, broke down during President Obama’s visit to Israel after its tank was filled with diesel and had to be towed away by a local car breakdown service.
A spokesperson from car breakdown recovery specialists, ETA, said: “Our mechanics are well used to the problem experienced by President Obama as over 100,000 British drivers each year make the mistake of putting the wrong fuel in their cars.”
Breakdown cover from the ETA costs from less than £30 a year.
What to do if you put the wrong fuel in your car
If you realise you have mis-fuelled your do not start your engine and if possible call your dealer and ask their advice. If you have added less than a gallon of the incorrect fuel it’s possible that you will be able to top-up the tank with diesel and continue driving as normal, but crucial that you check with your car dealer, mechanic or breakdown recovery company to make sure this will not cause damage to you particular car. In most cases your car’s fuel tank will have to be drained at your local garage. If you put the wrong fuel in your car, most recovery firms will consider it a breakdown like any other and come out to you as usual.
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