zipcar parked on a cobbled london street

Refuelling your Zipcar

Here to make your journey as smooth as possible and ensure you're not caught short when it comes to refuelling on your journey.
zipcar parked on a cobbled london street

Refuelling your Zipcar during your booking

Nobody can run on empty - our vehicles are no exception! So always leave at least 1/4 tank. (It’s on us!)

This is really important for all journeys but especially for our Roundtrip vehicles as these vehicles are normally used for longer journeys and we need to ensure they are ready for the next member. Remember that topping up is free! If you’re running low during your reservation, use the fuel card at almost all UK petrol stations.

 

 

 

Do I have to pay for fuel in a Zipcar?

Fuel's on us! Every trip includes fuel, plus a mileage of 60 miles/day. If you go over the 60 miles, there's a per-mile charge from just 29p/mile, depending on your vehicle. If your vehicle is low on fuel, just take it to the most convenient station and top up, paying with the car's fuel card.

 

How do I use the Zipcar fuel card?

Fuel card position

How do I use the Zipcar fuel card?

When you arrive at the petrol station simply follow the steps below: 

  • Take the fuel card from the driver's side door jamb (look at the picture on the left for the location!)
  • Take note of the total mileage shown on the vehicle's dashboard
  • Take note of the vehicles registration number
  • At the till, follow the instructions from the cashier giving them the information above - no pin is required and you don't need a receipt
  • Return the card to it's holder once you're done

You must ensure at least 1/4 of a tank is in the car or van at the end of your trip (if you leave a vehicle with low fuel you may incur fines). 

If the fuel card is missing from your Zipcar don't worry - just get an itemised VAT receipt and send it to us for reimbursement.

What type of fuel can I use?

The fuel type of the vehicle you are in should be clearly labelled on the vehicle, and in the app. 

Please fill up with standard fuel known as E10 - please do not use premium fuel (E5).  We have a team who regularly service and maintain all our vehicles, so this isn't necessary. 

Electric Cars - we charge those, so just make sure you've got plenty of charge for your trip!

 

E5 vs E10 fuel types

 

Which petrol stations can I use?

You can use any major petrol station or supermarket, just try to avoid independent stations or motorway stations.

 

What if I use the wrong fuel?

If you realise you've used the wrong fuel for your vehicle please stop driving immediately as significant damage can be caused to the engine.

Give our customer service team a call and they will be able to guide you through the next steps.

 

Why Rent a Zipcar?

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Save money

We pay for fuel, parking, Congestion Charge and insurance – so you get access to a car without all the hassle of owning one!

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Rent a car locally

Zipcars live just around the corner. We've got the largest car sharing fleet in the UK (not that we're boasting) and you'll find us in cities across the UK. 

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Drive on-demand

Whatever you need wheels for, we’ve got them. Rent cars and vans by the minute, hour or day when and where you need them.

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Live greener

We’re the perfect addition to buses, trains and bikes for those times when you just need a car. We've also got hundreds of electric cars in our fleet.