With lots of worry and concern over the potential harm E10 fuels could cause to older vehicles, we’ve teamed up with Zemo Partnership to bring you an E10 Fuel Compatibility Checker.
E10 Fuel Checker UK
The information is subject to change, and we cannot guarantee its accuracy. In addition, if your vehicle is fitted with replacement parts, it will affect its accuracy.
Neither Zemo nor Carwitter will be liable for any damage to your vehicle due to using this service.
What is E10 fuel?
E10 contains up to 10% renewable ethanol compared to the standard 5%, which is more widely used.
Increasing the ethanol content reduces CO2 emissions as less fossil fuel is needed.
Using E10 fuels in the UK could cut CO2 emissions by up to 750,000 tonnes per year, equivalent to taking 350,000 cars off our roads.
Does E10 affect fuel economy?
Yes, E10 can affect your fuel economy.
Ethanol contains roughly 33% less energy than pure unleaded, so you could see a decrease of around 1-3% in MPG when using E10 fuel.
Which cars cannot use E10 petrol?
Since 2016 all new vehicles have been performance and emissions tested for use with E10 fuel, but vehicles built since 2011 are compatible with E10 fuel.
Manufacturers also approve most cars and motorcycles manufactured since the late 1990s to use E10 fuel.
Some vehicles aren’t compatible though; these include:
- Classic or older vehicles
- Some specific models, particularly those from the early 2000s
- Some mopeds, particularly those with 50cc or less
If your vehicle doesn’t appear on the checker, consult your manual or contact your vehicle or equipment manufacturer. If you’re in doubt, continue to use E5 – this is available in higher ‘premium’ octane petrol 97+.
What petrol should I use if my car isn’t compatible?
Continue using E5 petrol; this is the ‘premium’ higher octane fuel which can always be found at larger forecourts. It will have ‘E5’ on the handle of the pump.
Can you mix E5 and E10 petrol?
Yes, there’s no reason why you can’t mix the two grades of petrol as long as your vehicle is compatible with E10 petrol.
How do I know if the fuel I’m using is E10?
At the petrol station, there will be a circular disk stating ‘E10’ or ‘E5’ on the handle of the pump; they look like this:
Is there an easy way to see if my vehicle is E10 compatible?
Yes, on newer vehicles (2019+), there will be a sticker that either says ‘E10’ or ‘E5’ near the filler cap.
Is ethanol corrosive?
Yes, ethanol can degrade rubber and plastic fuel lines on older vehicles (hence needing to check the suitability of your vehicle).
But ethanol also attracts water. When they mix, they can grow acetobacter bacteria which excretes acetic acid. If your fuel sits for long periods, these microorganisms can multiply until your tank contains damaging levels of acetic acid.
Can I use an additive to protect against E10 fuel?
Yes, there are now several additives to help against the corrosion the extra ethanol could cause in fuel systems.
Wynns Specialist E10 Petrol Fuel Protector
Putoline Additive Gasoline
Lucas Oil Safeguard Ethanol Fuel Conditioner
