E10 petrol and Audi models
The standard petrol grade in the UK is changing from E5 to E10, which may not be suitable for some older models.
What is E10 petrol?
E10 petrol is unleaded petrol which contains up to 10 per cent bio-ethanol, taken from renewable sources such as sugar beet.
Current regular unleaded petrol contains up to five per cent ethanol but under the plans, this will be re-branded as ‘super unleaded’ and E10 will replace the standard unleaded petrol at the pumps.
Why is E10 petrol being introduced?
The Government claims the introduction of E10 petrol will help reduce transport-related CO2 emissions.
Fuels with higher bio-ethanol content produce less CO2 when burned and the Department for Transport (DfT) says that switching to E10 as standard will reduce a car’s CO2 emissions by around two per cent.
It estimates that changing to E10 will cut the UK’s CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year - equivalent to removing 350,000 cars from the road.
How do I know if a car is E10 compatible?
E10 petrol is cleared for use in all Audi petrol-fuelled vehicles, excluding the following vehicles:
First-generation direct-injection engines:
- Audi A2 1.6 FSI, model years 2003-2005
- Audi A3 1.6 FSI, model year 2004
- Audi A3 2.0 FSI, model year 2004
- Audi A4 2.0 FSI, model years 2003-2004
- Audi A4 Saloon petrol engine models with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parking heater, of model years 2001-2008
- Audi A4 Avant petrol engine models with OEM parking heater of model years 2002-2008
Note: vehicles listed above should continue to use E5 petrol (standard unleaded).
What happens if E10 petrol is put into an incompatible car?
E10 fuel will not cause immediate damage to the car but prolonged use could cause long-term problems.
Increasing the ethanol level in petrol poses two main risks to older cars. The first is that as a solvent, it can cause degradation of rubber and plastic components, such as hoses, seals, fuel lines and filters. It also absorbs water from the atmosphere, potentially leading to condensation and corrosion in fuel tanks, lines and other metal components.