If you are anything like me, E10 has just been a sticker on a fuel pump. But today I am going to try and help answer some burning questions you may have about E10 fuel.
- What makes E10 fuel different?
- Can E10 save you money?
- Is E10 fuel poor quality?
- Is E10 safe to use on your car?
What makes E10 fuel different?
E10 is a blend of regular unleaded petrol and Ethanol (usually about 9 or 10 percent). Ethanol is a form of alcohol which is more environmentally friendly to both use and produce than regular fuel. It is typically produced through a fermentation process using glucose obtained from sugars, starch or cellulose (forest products) but mainly from sugar cane.
Now that our Science lesson is out of the way, let’s get to the answers you really want to know
Will I save money using E10 fuel?
Although E10 is cheaper at the pump, it will burn quicker than your premium fuels. This is due to the higher octane rating of premium fuel (Unleaded 98) compared to E10 (Unleaded 91/94). So, in simple terms, the higher the number the more efficient the fuel burns. But at anywhere to 30 – 50c a litre price difference, I’ll let you decide if it is worth the extra couple of KMs.
Is E10 fuel poor quality because it’s cheaper?
As long as the manufacturer has stated that your vehicle is suitable to run on E10, you can be confident to fill up your car with E10 fuel because the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 requires all fuel, including E10 meet the same high standards.
Will E10 fuel damage or dirty your engine?
As long as the manufacturer has stated that the vehicle is suitable to run on E10, it will not damage your vehicle. Generally, most modern cars are equipped to run on E10 but if you’re unsure, you can check your car’s owner’s manual or check out these handy government websites.
NSW – https://www.e10fuelforthought.nsw.gov.au/compatibility-check
QLD – https://e10ok.initiatives.qld.gov.au/results/rego-checker-results
Important Information: Information in this article is current as at 26/06/2018 and is subject to change. The information is general in nature, does not take into account the particular objectives or situation of any potential reader and is for information purposes only. Right2Drive.com.au makes every effort to ensure all information provided is correct, however, it does not warrant the accuracy of that information. Right2Drive Pty Ltd ABN 13 159 590 986.
