The Complete Guide to E10 Fuel: Everything You Need to Know
Introduction
Since September 2021, British fuel retailers have been required to switch to E10 fuel, a new petrol formula aimed at reducing emissions. This change has been implemented across almost all forecourts in the UK, making E10 the standard grade of unleaded petrol.
What is E10?
E10 fuel is a blend of regular unleaded petrol and renewable ethanol, with the ethanol content increased to 10%. This change from the previous E5 blend, which contained 5% ethanol, is part of the government’s efforts to reduce CO2 emissions from petrol vehicles.
Can My Car Run on E10?
Most cars built in the past 20 years should be able to run on E10 without any issues. However, some older vehicles, particularly classic or vintage cars, may experience problems due to the higher ethanol content. Owners of incompatible cars can still purchase E5 fuel in super-unleaded form.
Should I Use E5 or E10 Petrol?
If your car is compatible with E10, there is no reason not to use it. While there may be a slight drop in fuel economy compared to E5, the difference in performance should be minimal. For cars that cannot run on E10, E5 fuel is still available in higher-octane super-unleaded form.
Which Cars Cannot Run on E10?
Most petrol cars manufactured since the 1990s can run on E10, but there are exceptions. The government provides an E10 compatibility checker on its website to help determine if your car is compatible. New cars sold in the UK since 2011 are required to be E10-compatible.
What Happens If I Put E10 Petrol in My Old Car?
If you accidentally fill your older car with E10, you can dilute it with E5 fuel moving forward. While E10 may cause issues such as cold start difficulties, vapour lock, leaks, and corrosion in older vehicles, occasional use should not be a problem.
Should I Use E10 Petrol in My Sports Car?
Performance cars designed for high-octane fuels may experience a slight change in power delivery when using E10. While it is safe to use E10 in these cars, super-unleaded fuel may still provide better performance and fuel efficiency.
Does E10 Fuel Give Lower MPG Figures?
E10 can reduce fuel economy by 3-4% compared to pure petrol due to its lower energy content. However, if your car is compatible with E10, the difference in fuel economy should be minimal.
Is It Okay to Mix E5 and E10 Petrol?
It is safe to mix E5 and E10 petrol, as long as you do not regularly use E10 in a car that is not compatible. Mixing fuels should not cause immediate issues, but prolonged use in incompatible vehicles may lead to corrosion of rubber and plastic components.
