E10 fuel guides

Short, sourced answers to the questions drivers actually ask about ethanol petrol.

UK & Europe

What is E10 petrol? A plain-English guide

What E10 is, why it replaced E5 as standard unleaded, which vehicles can use it and how it affects your tank, your engine and your fuel bill.

Read โ†’

E10 vs E5 petrol: which should I use?

Side-by-side comparison of E10 and E5 petrol: ethanol content, octane, price, economy and which cars need which.

Read โ†’

Put E10 in a car that isn't approved? What to do

Accidentally filled a non-approved car or bike with E10? What happens, whether you need to drain the tank, and how this differs from putting petrol in a diesel.

Read โ†’

E10 petrol and classic cars: what owners should know

Why most classic and pre-2000 cars should stay on E5, what ethanol does to old fuel systems, and simple steps to protect a classic.

Read โ†’

E10 petrol in motorcycles, scooters and mopeds

Which motorcycle and scooter makes approve E10, which year ranges are safe, and extra care for bikes that are stored over winter.

Read โ†’

E10 in lawnmowers, chainsaws, outboards and other small engines

Can you use E10 in a lawnmower, strimmer, generator or boat engine? Practical advice on fuel choice and storage for small engines.

Read โ†’

How long does E10 petrol last? Storage tips

How long E10 keeps in a car, can or tank, why ethanol fuel absorbs water, and how to store vehicles and fuel safely.

Read โ†’

E10 petrol in Ireland: what changed and what it means for your car

Ireland switched its standard petrol to E10 in 2023. Which cars are affected, why E5 is hard to find, and what owners of older and classic cars can do.

Read โ†’

USA

E15 gasoline: which cars can use it? (USA)

What E15 is, which U.S. vehicles are approved for it (2001 and newer cars and light trucks), which engines must never use it and how to spot it at the pump.

Read โ†’

E10 vs E15 vs E85: U.S. ethanol fuels explained

Compare the three ethanol blends sold in the U.S.: ethanol content, which vehicles can use each, octane and how to read the pump labels.

Read โ†’