E10 Fuel - How It Could Affect You

E10 fuel was designed as an eco-friendly petrol, which was introduced to UK petrol stations in September 2021. To help reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the UK, the Government changed the standard grade of petrol from 95% octane and 5% ethanol (known as E5 at the petrol pumps) to a mix that contains 10% renewable ethanol and the remainder is octane. By changing the fuel mix, the level of CO2-based vehicle emissions is reduced. The government anticipates that this could cut transport CO2 emissions by up to 750,000 tonnes a year. Initially, this sounds like a perfect solution to cut CO2 emissions.. however, there is a catch!

Not all cars can run on E10 Petrol 

Unfortunately, experts have warned that not all vehicles in the UK are E10 compatible. Many cars run on E5 without any issues, however doubling the amount of bioethanol in the petrol can be problematic for older cars. It has been estimated that between 600,000 to 700,000 older vehicles in the UK will not be able to run on E10 Petrol. This is mainly classics and vehicles that were manufactured before 2011.

You can use the Government E10 Checking Service here to see if your current vehicle is compatible with E10 fuel. 

The consequences of putting E10 fuel in an incompatible vehicle

If you're at the fuel pump and accidently put E10 petrol in a car that isn't compatible, you don't need to worry. The consequences are not as severe compared to accidently putting diesel in a petrol car. However, if you decided to repeatedly use E10 on an incompatible car, it could cause damage to your fuel tank, fuel lines, carburettors, engine and other components. 

What can I do if my car is not E10 Compatible? 

If it happens that your car is not compatible with E10 Fuel, you have a few options. 

1) You can continue using a fuel with no ethanol, however this is becoming more difficult to attain as E10 is becoming the default grade of petrol at filling stations. 

2) You could change the internal components of the vehicle that react negatively to E10 fuel, this includes changing the rubber fuel lines and replacing your fibreglass petrol tank with an aluminium one. 

3) Use lead additives for for older cars that do not have a catalytic converter, such as Castrol's Classic Valvemaster. This can help prevent corrosion as it contains an ethanol stabiliser.

4) Check for advice with the car manufacturer or car owners clubs.

5) You could part exchange your vehicle that's not E10 compatible and upgrade to a newer vehicle that is compatible. The good news, is that Wilsons Epsom have a wide range of <2011 vehicles for you to choose from that are E10 Compatible! Our current stock can be found here.

Use our online valuation tool today to receive a free quote for your vehicle!