E10 fuel for cars in long term storage ?
Classic E-type Jaguar
We at thecarspace.co.uk, keen to head off any potential issues that could arise with cars in long term storage has investigated.
All regular petrol is now E10
From the 1st September the government have mandated that all regular grade unleaded will contain 10% ethanol. This means fewer emissions, which is better for the environment
The downside of ethanol becomes apparent when a cars fuel system is not designed to cope. This includes most cars built before 2002 (please check with you manufacturer for specifics)
In addition to attacking aluminium, copper and brass, ethanol also attacks plastics and rubber and absorbs water with the resulting problems. Permanent damage is unlikely, however there’s currently no requirement for ethanol, to be present in super unleaded petrol although this could change in the future. The higher-octane pump fuel grades can remain at their current ethanol content of between 5 – 7% where they will be marked as E5.
Following a tip from our friends at Aston Martin, I have been running my Vantage N430 for some time now on Esso Synergy Supreme+ 99 which is actually ethanol free, noting some UK geographical supply exceptions apply ( see Esso UK website) This fuel is also better for long term car storage as it will not absorb water giving you complete peace of mind.
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Colin Young,
Founder of The Car Space.