Changes to petrol over the summer

This summer, motorists across the country will start to see the the standard petrol grade switch from E5 to E10. The current blend of fuel contains up to 5% bioethanol (known as E5) - E10 petrol will see the amount of bioethanol increase to 10%.

You should start to notice the E10 petrol label across station forecourts over the summer.

Most cars and motorcycles will run on E10 petrol

All petrol vehicles manufactured after 2011, as well as most modern motorcycles, are already E10 compatible. However, some petrol vehicles made before 2011 (around 5% of all petrol vehicles on the road), will need to continue to use E5 fuel which will remain available as the super grade petrol option at the pumps.

Refuelling an incompatible vehicle with E10 will not cause immediate harm but continued use could damage engine parts.

If in doubt about compatibility of a vehicle, you and your pupils can use the GOV.UK online E10 vehicle compatibility checker or seek further advice from a vehicle manufacturer or garage.

It’s important that all drivers and riders, including those who are learning, are aware of the change and where to go for more information.

Please can you make your pupils aware of the change and share the GOV.UK online E10 vehicle compatibility checker with them.

Helping to reduce emissions

The introduction of this greener type of petrol will help reduce transport CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year - the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road.

E10 is one simple step to help motorists reduce the environmental impact of every journey they take.

You can visit the E10 fuel explained guidance on GOV.UK to get more information.