As E10 is becoming the standard petrol grade in Great Britain, the AA is warning drivers not panic-buy this fuel when it arrives next month. This article from PA Motoring Service has more details.
The AA is advising drivers not to panic-buy super unleaded petrol given the official arrival of E10 fuel next month.
The Government’s pledge to reduce CO2 emissions has prompted the move, with E10 fuel using a higher proportion of bio-ethanol in unleaded fuel – up from five per cent currently to 10 per cent.
Though some older vehicles could be damaged by the use of E10 fuel, the vast majority of motorists won’t need to switch to super unleaded fuel – which remains at five per cent bio-ethanol – in order to keep their cars going.
AA technical specialist, Greg Carter says: “Over 98 per cent 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.”
The switch is said to save around 750,000 tonnes of CO2, with all petrol cars built after 2011 compatible with the fuel. Most petrol-powered cars from after 2001 will also accept the new fuel.
Carter added: “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.”
What this means for Scheme customers
Motability Scheme customers should be unaffected by the move to E10 petrol. This is because petrol vehicles built after 2011 are compatible with the new fuel and your Motability Scheme vehicle will almost certainly be newer than this. You can also confirm that your vehicle is suitable for the new fuel using the Government’s compatibility checker.
This article was written by Jack Evans and PA Motoring Reporter from PA Motoring Service and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
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