E10 petrol is being rolled out across forecourts in Northern Ireland by next week - and drivers are being urged to check if their cars are compatible.
The new fuel is greener than the regular E5 it is replacing, which is used as the standard for unleaded petrol.
But around 5% of older cars aren’t compatible with E10. These drivers will instead have to use more expensive super unleaded E5 petrol.
This currently costs 13p a litre more than regular E5 and E10 standard unleaded fuel, according to the latest figures from the RAC.
Gov.uk has a webpage that lets you check if your vehicle can take E10.
Have you had trouble filling up with E10 fuel? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
The Government warns the following types of vehicles may be incompatible with E10:
- Classic cars
- Some models from the first few years of the millennium
- Many mopeds, particularly those with an engine size of 50cc or under
Some drivers have also complained that they’ve had to top up more with E10 as they say it’s less efficient compared to E5.
On the Gov.uk website it states that using E10 petrol can “slightly reduce fuel economy (the number of miles you are able to drive on a gallon of fuel)”.
It continues: “You may see a reduction of around 1%, but it is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday driving.”
Gov.uk goes on to claim that other factors – such as your driving style or driving with under-inflated tyres or a roof rack – would have more of an impact on fuel economy.
E10 - which contains 5% more ethanol than E5 - has already been rolled out across England, Wales and Scotland.
Many forecourts in Northern Ireland have already started making the switch to E10. It will become the standard from November 1.
Rural, remote or very small filling stations will be allowed to carry on selling standard E5 - so you may still see some places selling the old fuel.
If you do accidentally fill up with E10 when you shouldn't have, it shouldn't cause immediate damage to your car straight away.
It is likely to only start causing issues if you repeatedly do this, according to experts.
The change to E10 doesn't affect diesel cars.
Have you had trouble filling up with E10 fuel? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
