In a bid to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the Government has changed the standard grade of petrol from 95% octane and 5% ethanol (known as E5 at the petrol pumps) to a mix that contains 10% renewable ethanol and the rest octane. By changing this mix of fuel, CO2-based vehicle emissions will be reduced. This will be known as E10

and is designed to be a more eco-friendly petrol and now standard petrol grade.

Now just two types of petrol can be sold in the UK. Known as E10 and E5 with E10 the standard grade of petrol sold from now on at every petrol station.

E10 however is not suitable for many pre-2011 engines and or most classics and vintage vehicles as it can cause damage to engines and various types of hoses. The government estimate in the UK there are 600,000 vehicles on the road that will not be able to use E10.

Fuel containing ethanol can turn corrosive if left in long-term storage, while ethanol’s high solvency will affect seals and gaskets used in some older fuel systems. Combustion can be affected, with ethanol affecting cold start performance.

Unlike putting diesel in a petrol car or petrol in a diesel car, you don’t need to drain the tank to avoid permanent damage to your car and engine if you put E10 fuel in your car by mistake.

Putting E10 petrol in a non-compatible car on a one-time basis should not result in the car’s engine being damaged. However, using E10 petrol in a non-compatible car on a regular basis is not recommended as this can result in long-term harm to the engine.

Should you fill up with E10 fuel just remember to fill up with E5 fuel next time. It would be worth topping up with one of these fuels once you’ve used up some petrol and you’ve got some space in the fuel tank.

For those not able to use E10 fuel you should use E5 formerly known as Super Unleaded or Premium petrol, with these having 97 and 99 octane. The Government has said that these fuels will continue to be available in many but not all petrol stations and should provide better performance but will cost more.