Our automotive expert is here to address your inquiries about the impact of the new fuel, E10, on older vehicles. E10 is a blend of 90% regular unleaded fuel and 10% ethanol, a biofuel derived from plants. Recently, E10 has replaced E5 as the standard petrol grade in Ireland. This change is part of the government’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions by 51% before 2030.
While E10 may be new to Ireland, it has been in use for many years in countries like the US, Brazil, and Australia. European countries have also extensively utilized this biofuel for over a decade. Cars manufactured since 2011 are certified to be compatible with E10. However, based on the experiences of other nations, there is no reason to believe that older vehicles will encounter any issues.
The US Department of Energy conducted a study in 2021, assessing the use of E10 in the United States. Their report concluded that “any vehicle made to international standards in the last 50 years will have a very high probability of being fully compatible with E10.” Therefore, it is highly likely that classic cars or vehicles older than 20 years will not face significant problems. Nevertheless, for these older cars, it is advisable to pay closer attention to certain components during maintenance. Hoses and seals may need to be replaced more frequently.
Additionally, owners of cherished classic cars may want to consider replacing specific fuel system components as a precautionary measure. Since ethanol is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air, it can potentially cause corrosion. To prevent this, using additives can be an effective solution. Many additives available for purchase provide protection against potential corrosion. If you have concerns, it is recommended to consult your vehicle manufacturer, local dealership, or garage.
As for E5, it is no longer available at petrol stations. Most service stations lack the space to store two types of fuel or the necessary distribution systems to supply both E5 and E10 petrol.
Top Tip: The average age of cars in Ireland is almost nine years, with diesel vehicles accounting for 63% of the national fleet. Among the one million petrol vehicles, there is a minimal number of older models. Therefore, the majority of motorists are unlikely to be affected by the switch to E10.
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