Additives and lubricants manufacturer Lucas Oil has warned that most cars can require extra protection from the new E10 petrol which became the forecourt standard at the beginning of September.
"Increasing the level of ethanol by 10% will reduce overall carbon emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year, that's a saving equivalent to the output from 350,000 cars," says Dan Morgan, Sales & Operations Director of Lucas Oil Products UK. "Although the government campaign warns owners of cars built before 2011, to be prepared, it's unclear how well the car manufacturers have prepared their UK offerings to meet the challenge."
When the US made the switch to E10 fuels a few years ago, Lucas Oil Safeguard Ethanol Fuel Conditioner with Stabilizers was readily available. Moreover, it wasn't just car owners who experienced problems:
E10 fuel adversely affected ATV's and other leisure craft such as boats, as well as various pieces of garden machinery,
Questions frequently asked:
Is it only older cars that are at risk?
No. It could adversely affect any car over ten years old. It makes sense to protect them all with a fuel additive like Lucas Oil Ethanol Fuel Conditioner with Stabilizers.
What harm does ethanol do?
Ethanol is a solvent, there will be many cars on UK roads, but particularly older classics, that may become subject to the corrosion of certain plastics and rubbers found in fuel systems. Ethanol is hygroscopic. It 'pulls' water from air, which then builds up inside the fuel system. The negative consequences are corrosion inside exhaust systems. Seals and plastics are likely to be adversely affected. Sulphates and an increased copper content promote gum and carbon deposits on injectors. It also dries-out rubber hoses, that may swell and rupture. Ethanol has also been implicated in higher rates of engine oil sludging.
Will incompatible cars run on E10 fuel?
Yes. The problems are longer term. However, ethanol has no lubrication properties and it's a less stable fuel that inhibits ignition of infrequently driven cars. It can be stabilized with an additive. It's worth knowing that water content builds up more significantly in cars making lots of short trips.
What should I do to protect the car?
Top up tanks with smaller amounts of E10 fuel. Consolidate shorter trips into longer ones where possible.
Change the oil more frequently.
Use additive protection.
As degradation take place from the inside out, it's an invisible threat until problems occur.
Pick up a suitable additive protection from your local A1 Motor Store today.