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Classic car owners advised to avoid new e10 fuel when it launches this September

Historic models built before 2000 and some cars produced in the early 2000s which are not compatible with the new fuel should stick to traditional E5. The old fuel will continue to be sold as the more expensive ‘Super’ grade at forecourts despite the changes.

The FBHVC has sought assurances from the Government over E5 fuel which will likely remain on forecourts until a new alternative becomes available.

To ensure supply levels are maintained, petrol stations which stock at least two grades of petrol and sell more than one million litres of fuel each year will need to supply E5 fuel.

In a statement online, the FBHVC confirmed “almost all towns” will have a filling station that will continue to provide E5 fuel despite the changes.

They said: “The introduction of the 95-octane E10 grade and the maintenance of the Super E5 protection grade will be reviewed by the Government after five years to ensure they remain appropriate to the needs of the market.

“In relation to the E5 protection grade, such a review will examine market developments over the period.

“HM Government have sought to reassure FBHVC members and historic vehicle owners that, without a suitable alternative becoming available, it is highly likely the Super E5 protection grade would continue to be available.

“Filling stations that stock two grades of petrol and supply at least one million litres of fuel in total each year, will need to ensure one product is the Super E5 protection grade.

“While not all filling stations meet these criteria, almost all towns across the UK will have a filling station that supplies the ‘Super’ grade and currently one major retailer, a national supermarket group, has committed to offer the product.

“The main exception to this is in certain parts of the Highlands, north and west coast of Scotland, which will be covered by an exemption process and allowed to continue to market the 95-octane E5 grade.

“The Federation therefore recommends that all vehicles produced before 2000 and some vehicles from the early 2000s that are considered non-compatible with E10 – should use the Super E5 Protection grade where the Ethanol content is limited to a maximum of five percent.”

Experts at Hagerty Insurance have previously warned doubling the amount of ethanol in the fuel can cause chaos for older cars.

The new fuel can absorb more water from the atmosphere which can lead to condensation in the fuel tank.

Department for Transport tests revealed the new fuel could cause degradation to key components, such as the fuel hose and seals, in older cars.

The petrol can also block the fuel filters, damage the fuel pumps and corrode the carburettors.

The RAC warns as many as 600,000 vehicles on UK roads will not be compatible with the new fuel.

Drivers have been urged to contact their manufacturers to check whether their specific vehicle could be affected.

a close up of a motorcycle mirror: classic cars uk historic vehicle

                               © Getty classic cars uk historic vehicle

However, several manufacturers have confirmed the new fuel is compatible with the majority of their vehicles.

The new cleaner fuel will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 750,000 tonnes, the equivalent of removing 350,000 cars from the road.

E10 fuel is currently sold in a range of European countries such as Belgium, France and Germany.

Source: Express.co.uk

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