Regular petrol’s switch to E10 from E5 may catch some motorists out. E5 contains 5% bioethanol while E10 contains 10% bioethanol, a renewable ethanol. During summer 2021, service stations are switching to E10, with E5 only being available as a super grade petrol option.
The purpose is to reduce the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 750,000 tonnes a year (the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road), but E10 can cause damage to rubber seals, hoses and fuel lines in older vehicles if used over a long period of time (one-off usage won’t cause any issues)
If your car was manufactured after 2011, it is E10 compatible, and many manufacturers’ vehicles have been compatible for several years before that (as far back as 1998 for many Toyotas, for example). Most modern motorbikes are also compatible. You can check your specific vehicle here or you can look in your vehicle’s manual.
Darren has owned several companies in the automotive, advertising and education industries. He has run driving theory educational websites since 2010.