The last thing I want is a Petrol Head label. Having said that, this is all about E10 petrol which might be an issue for some of the cars we trudge around in. Hopefully this will give some ever-so-helpful information.
Apparently the petrol we have been buying for our cars is okay but has been a bit polluting, as Greta Thunberg lectures and bullies us about. Over time the Government has twisted the arm of the petrol companies to add 5% ethanol. This apparently makes a little difference with lowering harmful pollution and now they want to go further.
This summer will see petrol being relabelled slightly as follows:
E10
This is normal unleaded petrol, RON 95 octane and will have, you guessed it, 10% ethanol. Available from supermarkets and regular petrol stations. This apparently will be okay for 95% of cars on the road, less clarity with boat and aircraft engines, just in case this applies to you.
There might be a slight drop in performance or economy but I am told this won’t be noticeable.
E5
This is like the premium super petrol, such as BP Ultimate, Shell V-Pwer and so on. It is a little more sparky with a 97 or even higher octane rating. This will continue to have 5% ethanol mixed in.
This is the fuel to use if you are in the unlucky 5% who have a car which isn’t compatible, or you have a flash car which requires anyway because its a fussy sipper. It is also more expensive and, we think, provides a smoother and slightly more torquey feel when driving. One of the existing benefits are the additives which keep the engine nice and clean inside (this is why I treat our cars to a tankful after they have been serviced, but no more).
Our friend Iain was worried about our Toyota
Apparently our Toyota is a model affected by this, apart from us having a humble 1.8 litre engine which is apparently okay. Hard cheese for those driving 2.0 or 2.4 litre engines as they’ll have to use the E5 fuel, unless you want to invite serious problems within the engine.
The same applies to older classic cars, which we don’t own and while I might admire an elegant Jaguar wafting along, I’d never want the expensive headaches which comes as part of the deal. So just remember, if you do have an older classic or cherished car, check the fuel you need and which may well be E5.
On average we squeeze 44.9mpg from the Toyota; this is what the on-board computer tells us. It was last reset a few years ago, so this is a fair reflection. Our Hondas, by the way, return about 52mpg. So they’re pretty cool. Also a bit slow and bumpy.
If you would like to check the compatibility of your car
E10 petrol explained on the gov.uk website
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