With forecourts already changing the E5 logos for E10 on their
standard unleaded pumps ahead of the fuels official introduction
next month*, The AA is advising drivers not to panic-buy super
unleaded, as the likelihood is their car will run fine on E10.
As part of the Government’s drive to reduce CO2 emissions, the
potential amount of bio-ethanol added to unleaded petrol is being
increased from 5% to 10%. While some older cars could be damaged
by prolonged use of E10, the vast majority of motorists won’t
need to switch to using super unleaded, which will remain at 5%.
The switch is estimated to save around 750,000 tonnes of CO2 from
going into the atmosphere, the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars
off the road. All petrol cars built after 2011 are compatible
with the fuel, and most petrol cars built after 2001 will also be
fine using it.
AA Technical specialist, Greg Carter says: “Over 98% of petrol
cars in the UK can run perfectly well on E10, but some older
models, classic cars and motorcycles shouldn’t use it.
“The extra bio-ethanol content can be more corrosive to older
fuel system components, so drivers of older cars and motorcycles
should check the Government website before heading to the pump**.
“Petrol powered garden machinery and generators are also likely
not to be compatible, so these should use super unleaded after
September.
“If you do drive an incompatible vehicle and accidentally fill up
with E10, don’t worry, just fill up with super unleaded next
time. There’s no need to get it drained as it takes some time for
any damage to occur.”
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
* https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fuelling-a-greener-future-e10-petrol-set-for-september-2021-launch
** https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-e10-petrol
