E10 fuel: The impact on classic cars
09/14/2021
As part of the government’s push to reach its stated target of net zero on carbon emissions by 2050, a new E10 fuel is being introduced. However, this comes with challenges, particularly so for those individuals who own classic cars. So, what are the concerns for classic car owners?
From September 2021, the UK Government agreed to the introduction of E10 petrol at filling facilities and petrol stations. As the term implies, ‘E10’ petrol contains up to 10 per cent ethanol, twice the proportion of the E5 grade which has been the standard variant over the last ten years.
The Government says the introduction of E10 petrol will help reduce transport-related CO2 emissions. However, the Department of Transport estimated that as many as 600,000 vehicles will be unable to use the new fuel, including some relatively contemporary cars from popular brands.
Despite the clear environmental benefits, the E10 grade has some classic car enthusiasts worried about its effects on historic vehicles and their treasured classics.
There are two significant issues with ethanol fuels and older cars:
The first issue is that ethanol can have a corrosive effect on rubber, metal, and plastic parts in the fuel system. Therefore, there is the potential for increased maintenance costs associated with prolonged use of the E10 petrol. The issues can range from bothersome problems, such as sticking carburettor floats, to the alarming, when fuel lines disintegrate. When a fuel line perishes, the petrol no longer flows properly into the engine. As a result, petrol overflows and goes back into the fuel tank. In such an event, fuel could leak and come into contact with the engine, which is an ignition source, and cause smoke. Worst still, there is a risk of the vehicle catching fire.
The second issue with E10 fuel and something which is more of a critical problem for classics than everyday modern vehicles is that the ethanol is hygroscopic, which means it tends to absorb moisture. After all, a classic is a set of wheels which is driven only occasionally, rather than a car which is regularly used as a primary vehicle for everyday trips. And as classics are inevitably left static for longer periods of time, the bigger the problem becomes in terms of the absorption of moisture.
Thankfully, not all classic vehicles will have problems. For example, E10 fuel is compatible with all Volkswagen petrol cars with only a few exceptions that use the first generation of fuel stratified injection (FSI) engines, while BMW states that all its cars can use E10. More modern future classics also mitigate the dangers, as all new motor cars have been able to use E10 fuel since 2011.
How can historic car owners find out if E10 affects them?
We would advise owners of petrol driven classics to check if they can use E10 fuel via the Government’s online checker tool - it is powered by information supplied by car manufacturers, as to the suitability of the fuel system. Additionally, it is worth noting that E5 fuel will remain available at some fuel stations, so it is important to select the appropriate fuel when filling up in the future.
