Petrol Switch To Affect Millions
Millions of drivers could stockpile gallons of petrol ahead of the switch to a greener form of the fuel in September which can not be used in older cars and garden machinery.
Experts have warned that the switch from E5 petrol to E10 will mean many classic car owners will now be forced to buy the more expensive super unleaded petrol, and while the new E10 should theoretically be cheaper at the pump, it is less economical so will cost more in the long run. The switch will also hit those who have petrol lawnmowers as these are unlikely to be compatible with the new E10 petrol.
Despite the concerns, the AA have said that 98 per cent of vehicles are likely to be unaffected by the switch and that the remaining drivers should not panic.
“Over 98 per cent of petrol cars in the UK can run perfectly well on E10, but some older models, classic cars and motorcycles shouldn’t use it,” says AA technical specialist, Greg Carter in the Daily Mail.
“The extra bioethanol content can be more corrosive to older fuel system components, so drivers of older cars and motorcycles should check the Government website before heading to the pump.
Petrol powered garden machinery and generators are also likely not to be compatible, so these should use super unleaded after September.”
While lawn mowers are unlikely to use gallons of fuel over the course of a year, they are still faced with having to switch to a fuel option which is on average 10p per litre more than standard petrol. The AA specialist also advised that even those who accidentally put E10 in their cars don’t need to drain the engine, they can simply top up with super unleaded as the damage take some time to come through.
The damage to the finances of all drivers however is confirmed by a government statement which says that motorists will pay more over the course of a year.
A government statement said: “Introducing E10 will add to fuel costs paid by motorists. Moving from E5 to E10 is estimated to reduce pump price petrol costs by 0.2 pence per litre.
However, as the energy content of the fuel will also decrease, motorists will have to buy more litres of fuel. Overall fuel costs for petrol cars are therefore estimated to increase by 1.6 per cent as a result of moving from E5 to E10.”