Expert issues advice on when to ditch E10 and opt for E5 fuel

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E10 was introduced to England, Scotland, and Wales forecourts in 2021 as a new alternative, environment-friendly fuel. It contains up to 10 percent renewable ethanol and was meant to be slightly cheaper than E5 as it pays less environmental penalty. This means it should cost 1p per litre less than E5. 

However, despite environmental benefits, many drivers are still not convinced about the new petrol. 

Some drivers have previously hit out at efficiency issues, telling Express.co.uk that they will be switching back to E5. 

Another problem with E10 is that it is not compatible with every car on UK roads with classic vehicles being particularly affected. 

While experts stress that mistaking E10 for E5 in an incompatible car will not cause a lot of damage straight away, over a long period of time the repeated mistake can lead to problems. 

Dorry Potter, an expert at National Scrap Car, told Express.co.uk that the incompatibility issue is worrying for many drivers.

She said: “Drivers should check with manufacturers with questions about E5 and E10 and compatibility with their vehicles.

“You can also check if your vehicle can run on E10 petrol using the Government tool online at www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-e10-petrol.”

MS Potter also provided drivers with advice on whether they should opt for E10 petrol or E5 fuel. 

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She said: “The Department for Transport says using E10 petrol can ‘slightly reduce’ fuel economy, but it insists this is only by around one to two percent, which is very small.

“Whether you use E5 or E10 fuel can depend on several factors from your driving style to your journey.

“If your driving style is not economical, you could swap to E5 and still not get any more miles in.

“Your driving style has a far greater impact on fuel economy than the fuel you decide to use, the number of miles you get from a full tank, and the cost.”

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The expert added that drivers should always try to reduce engine revving as much as possible and change gears as smoothly and early as possible to “avoid overworking your engine and causing it to use more fuel”.

Ms Potter continued: “Avoid heavy acceleration and rapidly change your speed as well.

“Driving more defensively by anticipating things that may cause sudden braking so you can ease off the accelerator in plenty of time and keeping momentum are all easy ways to save more fuel.

“The same applies to speeding in general, not only is this dangerous and illegal but it goes without saying, the higher the speed, the more you are going to burn through your fuel.”

Lastly, Mr Potter said that choosing E10 will appeal to drivers who wish to be more environmentally aware. 

“If you are a driver who is conscious of their carbon footprint then by using E10, you are using more renewable fuel, and therefore you’ll be lowering your car’s emission,” the expert stressed. 

When should you ditch E10? The most obvious reason to avoid E10 is incompatibility. Drivers who own cars that are E10-incompatible should opt for E5 to avoid extensive damage. 

However, when it comes to fuel efficiency, the difference is quite small although it may vary from car to car. 

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