E10 Petrol – Drivers warned as new Fuel is launched in the UK

DVSA issues important warning to all petrol owners after E10 fuel changes

The DVSA has issued a warning to all petrol vehicle owners after new fuel changes.

They have advised drivers to check if their vehicle is compatible with the new petrol type before visiting the pumps.

What is E10 petrol?

E10 petrol has become the standard unleaded petrol at all petrol stations across the UK. It will replace the E5 standard petrol. The E stands for Ethanol, and the 10 stands for the percentage of Ethanol found in petrol. E10 Petrol has been widely used across Europe, the USA and Australia.

Why are we switching to E10 petrol?

The main reason that E10 is being launched in the UK is that it reduces the level of CO2 emissions overall for vehicles. Ethanol is made from plants, so doesn’t need any oil or other fossil fuels in it’s production. By replacing 10% of the petrol we put in our cars with this plant-based fuel then we are reducing the number of fossil fuels we use every time we fill up.

How can I check if my car is suitable for E10 petrol?

The good news is that the vast majority of UK cars will work just as well with E10 standard petrol. All cars made since 2011 will be fine running on E10 fuel. The majority of cars from the late 90s onward are also not affected.

But if you drive a classic car, a low cc moped, or an older vehicle, you should double-check.

To check if your car can run the new E10 fuel, you can go to the Government Website to find out.

What can I do if my vehicle won’t run the E10 Fuel?

If your vehicle does not run on E10 fuel you still have options. Some petrol stations will still stock E5 fuel. However, it will only be the premium ‘Super Unleaded’ variety that is generally more expensive. 

Can you mix E5 and E10 petrol in your vehicle’s tank? 

You don’t need to worry about this – you can mix and match E5 and E10 without any negative effects.