E10 Petrol Being Rolled Out To Petrol Stations Nationwide
14/09/2021
A new petrol standard with double the amount of biofuel has been rolled out to petrol stations nationwide over the summer, with 95 per cent of cars on the road already compatible with it.
The new E10 fuel is made up of 90 per cent standard unleaded fuel with 10 per cent bioethanol, as opposed to standard unleaded which contains up to 5 per cent ethanol.
Whilst E10 is becoming the new standard petrol, the older “super unleaded” will still be available classified as E5 fuel.
The reason for the change is that it reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted as well as the amount of fossil fuels required to produce the fuel that powers the majority of cars on the road today.
The government themselves claim that the introduction will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year, but there is one consideration that needs to be made by oil tank installers and owners of older cars.
The reason for this is that fuel containing more ethanol is more volatile and corrosive, which can cause issues with certain types of cars, particularly older ones, as well as small engined mopeds.
In older cars (made before 2000, or certain injection engines made in the early 2000s), it can potentially cause damage to gaskets and seals, which if used on a long-term basis can cause fuel leaks and damage to carburettors.
However, this only occurs after long-term use and unlike accidentally filling up with diesel, you can still drive the car without needing to drain the fuel out.
The government have produced a vehicle compatibility checker for those who are uncertain about whether their car can run on the new fuel.
