Standard Unleaded Petrol is Changing – Everything You Need to Know

From summer 2021 the make-up of standard unleaded fuel will be changing, with the amount of renewable ethanol being increased to 10% from 5% previously – It will be known as E10.

All vehicles made since 2011 will be compatible with this new fuel, however, older vehicles may experience issues. If you own a vehicle built before 2011 you should check its compatibility using the Government’s online checker.

Check If Your Vehicle is Compatible

If your vehicle isn’t compatible you can continue to purchase E5 petrol by choosing ‘super’ 97+ octane unleaded petrol which is available at most petrol stations. Petrol pumps will be clearly labelled either E5 or E10. No changes are being made to diesel fuel.

Are Cars Sold by Smiths Motor Group Compatible with E10 Petrol?

Dacia

All Dacia petrol models are compatible with E10 petrol.

Hyundai

All Hyundai petrol models built since 2005 are compatible with E10 petrol.

Nissan

All petrol-powered Nissan vehicles manufactured since 1st January 2000 are compatible with E10 petrol.

Renault

All petrol-powered Renault vehicles manufactured since 1st January 1997 are compatible with E10 petrol with the following exceptions:

Megane I with 2.0-litre F5R direct-injection petrol engine (1999 – 2003)
Laguna II with 2.0-litre F5R direct-injection petrol engine (2001 – 2003)
Laguna II with 2.0-litre F4R Turbo engine (2000 – 2002)
Espace IV with 2.0-litre F4R Turbo engine (2000 – 2002)
Vel Satis with 2.0-litre F4R Turbo engine (2000 – 2002)
Avantime with 2.0-litre F4R Turbo engine (2000 – 2002)

Vauxhall

All Vauxhall models are compatible with E10 petrol with the following exceptions:

Models with the 2.2-litre direct injection-petrol engine, motor code: Z22YH

For other makes of vehicle, please use the Government’s online tool to check compatibility.

What is E10 Petrol?

E10 petrol contains 10% renewable ethanol produced from crops such as sugarcane and grains. Previously, unleaded fuel in the UK contained 5%. It is estimated that this change could reduce CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year, or the equivalent of having 350,000 fewer cars on the road.

What Happens if You Put E10 Petrol in an Incompatible Vehicle?

Unlike putting petrol into a diesel vehicle, or vice versa, a single fill-up of E10 petrol shouldn’t cause any major problems. It is, however, recommended that you fill up with E5 petrol the next time. Prolonged use of E10 petrol in a non-compatible vehicle may cause harm and is not recommended.

Can You Mix E5 and E10 Petrol?

If your car is compatible with E10 petrol, there is no reason why you can’t mix the two types of fuel.

How Can I Tell Which Fuel a Petrol Pump is Dispensing?

Petrol pumps will be clearly labelled with the following labels to show whether they are dispensing E5 or E10 petrol.

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Reg Office: Sturrock Way, Bretton, Peterborough, PE3 8YL

Reg. Company Number: 359860

VAT Reg. No. 120617216

Financial Disclosure

F.P. Smith Holdings (Newark Avenue) Limited, F.P. Smith Holdings (Ilkeston) Ltd, and F.P. Smith Motors Ltd are Appointed Representatives of Automotive Compliance Ltd, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 497010). Automotive Compliance Ltd’s permissions as a Principal Firm allows F.P. Smith Holdings (Newark Avenue) Limited, F.P. Smith Holdings (Ilkeston) Ltd, and F.P. Smith Motors Ltd to act as a credit broker, not as a lender, for the introduction to a limited number of lenders and to act as an agent on behalf of the insurer for insurance distribution activities only.

We can introduce you to a selected panel of lenders, which includes manufacturer lenders linked directly to the franchises that we represent. An introduction to a lender does not amount to independent financial advice and we act as their agent for this introduction. Our approach for a new car purchase is to introduce you first to the manufacturer lender linked directly to the particular franchise you are purchasing your vehicle from, who are usually able to offer the best available package for you, taking into account both interest rates and other contributions. If they are unable to make you an offer of finance, we then seek to introduce you to whichever of the other lenders on our panel is able to make the next best offer of finance for you. Our aim is to secure the best deal you are eligible for from our panel of lenders. Lenders may pay a fixed commission to us for introducing you to them, calculated by reference to the vehicle model or amount you borrow.

Different lenders may pay different commissions for such introductions, and manufacturer lenders linked directly to the franchises that we represent may also provide preferential rates to us for the funding of our vehicle stock and also provide financial support for our training and marketing. But any such amounts they and other lenders pay us will not affect the amounts you pay under your finance agreement, all of which are set by the lender concerned. If you ask us what the amount of commission is, we will tell you in good time before the Finance agreement is executed. All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18’s or over. Guarantees may be required.

In the event of disputes we are unable to resolve the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) National Conciliation Service will offer free impartial advice and when appropriate an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service that we are fully committed to. For further information you can visit their website at www.nationalconciliationservice.co.uk or call 01788 538317.

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