E10 Petrol is available from the pumps today - will you be switching?

TODAY (September 1) marks the first day that E10 petrol is available to purchase from UK petrol stations. The low carbon fuel is being touted as able to reduce carbon emissions by up to 750,000 tonnes per year – the equivalent of removing around 350,000 cars off the UK roads.

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The new fuel uses 90 percent traditional petrol and 10 percent bioethanol. The carbon-friendly bioethanol element is made from low-grade grains, sugars, and waste wood, and is said to support more than one hundred jobs at AB Sugar’s Vivergo manufacturing plant.

The news is not all great though for owners of older classic and vintage vehicles, as the low-carbon fuels have been known to contribute to the deterioration of older vehicle's engine internals. The fuel can in some cases cause damage to the fuel systems, perishing seals, rubber, and some metal parts if it comes into contact with them for prolonged periods of time.

How to check if your vehicle is compatible with E10 Petrol

To help motorists find out if the new fuel is compatible with their vehicle, the UK government has launched an E10 compatibility checker. It’s an online system that requires the make, model, and year of the vehicle. It’ll then advise if your vehicle (motorcycle or car) is deemed safe to use E10 fuel in.

What do I do if I can’t use E10 petrol?

If you can’t use E10 petrol, E5 will be your fuel of choice, and will still be available at UK petrol stations and will be known as Super Grade.

To use the E10 compatibility checker, head to: www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-e10-petrol