MORE than half a million drivers won’t be able to use the new E10 petrol when it is rolled out across the UK from tomorrow.
E10 will replace E5 as the standard fuel for petrol cars from September 1 – but not all cars are compatible with it.
1
E5 is currently the standard unleaded petrol.
But from September 1 it will be replaced as the default petrol by greener E10 fuel.
The change is part of the Government’s efforts to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
However, it could present problems for the drivers of the 600,000 vehicles that usually run on unleaded petrol but won’t be compatible with the new fuel.
E5 petrol will still be on sale for those drivers, but it will be more expensive and won’t be available at all forecourts.
We previously calculated that this could cost as much as £6 extra every time you fill up.
How to check if your car is compatible
The change only applies to petrol cars and won’t affect you if your vehicle is diesel.
All petrol cars built after 2011 are compatible with the fuel, and most petrol cars built after 2001 will also be able to use it, according to the AA.
However, that leaves around 600,000 drivers unable to use the new fuel, RAC figures show.
We’ve compiled a list of what the change means for cars from different manufacturers, including which vehicles aren’t able to use the fuel.
If you’re unsure about whether your car is compatible, you should contact a dealership of check your owners’ manual.
You can also check whether your car is compatible on the Government’s website.
In order to use the search tool you will need to provide information on your car’s manufacturer.
You will then be shown a list of which models can run on E10 and which can’t.
It shouldn’t be a problem if you do accidentally fill your non-compatible car with E10 as a one off – just make sure you use E5 next time.
However, repeated use of E10 petrol in a non-compatible vehicle could damage your car’s engine.
AA’s Head of Road Policy Jack Cousens describes how motorists adapt to and use new E10 petrol
