E10 Petrol: What is it? Can I use it?

It feels like only the other day that E10 petrol became the standard type of unleaded being sold all over the UK. It comes as part of the UK Government's plans to cut down on carbon emissions.

But how will this affect the consumer? And is there anything we should be worried about? We’ve tried to answer a few of your concerns below. It's not all just car tyres here.

Is my car compatible with E10?

Over 95% of all petrol vehicles are compatible with the new E10 fuel. A small number of older vehicles, such as cars built before 2011, might be at risk of damaging their vehicles, or even voiding their insurance with the new E10. If you do put E10 in your car and later find out that it’s not compatible, try not to panic. Just make sure to put super unleaded in your tank at the next available opportunity.

We will still be able to access E5 petrol, which is arriving all across the UK as we speak, and due to arrive in Northern Ireland in 2022. However, one common concern is with the demand dropping, will it be around for much longer?

A recent RAC survey found that 27% of motorists are yet to check whether their car is compatible so we recommend you do so as soon as possible to be on the safe side. 

To help, the UK Government has created a handy E10 petrol checker to check if your vehicle is compatible with the new fuel or not.

Will E10 save me money?

No. It may help save our planet but we’re going to have to dig a little deeper for the E10.

How is E10 better for the environment?

The Government tells us that the new E10 fuel could cut transport emissions by the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road every single year.

Where should I go for more information?

We think this is a job for the big dogs and so have compiled a list of useful resources for you to find out more:

• Fuelling a greener future – E10 petrol available at pumps from today:
  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fuelling-a-greener-future-e10-petrol-available-at-pumps-from-today
• One-in-four drivers still in the dark about new standard grade of petrol being introduced this month:
  https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/news/fuel-prices/one-in-four-drivers-still-in-the-dark-about-new-standard-grade-of-petrol-be/
• E10 petrol: how will the switch affect your car?:
  https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-cars/e10-petrol-how-will-switch-affect-your-car
• E10 petrol explained: UK prices, checker tool and is it OK for your car?:
  https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/104126/e10-petrol-explained-uk-prices-checker-tool-and-it-ok-your-car