Anyone who refuels in Belgium or Germany will encounter the fuel E10 at the pump. What is that exactly? And can you just put that in your tank?
In Belgium, where petrol stations are obliged to offer E10, the fuel is the replacement for Euro 95. In Germany, both fuels are often still available. E10 is also already available in some places in the Netherlands, but is not yet mandatory here, as is the case in Belgium and also in France.
What is E10?
E10 is a mix of 90% regular petrol (Euro 95) and 10% bioethanol. Bioethanol is alcohol produced from the fermentation of sugars, usually from wheat or maize. Bioethanol is produced in a more environmentally friendly way than fossil fuels, and promoting it is part of the EU's additional measures for lower CO2.2emissions.
Is E10 harmful to my car?
Ethanol is more aggressive than regular petrol and can affect components such as the fuel pump, hoses, and seals in some cars. In approximately 90 percent of cars, its use does not cause problems. Prolonged use, particularly in older cars, can lead to issues in the long term. Refuelling with E10 on occasion will not quickly cause problems, even in unsuitable cars.
Tank advice
Our rental cars are generally new cars (with the exception of the Classic carsTherefore, you can safely put E10 in your rental car.
If you own an older car with a petrol engine yourself (manufactured before 2000), you'd best fill up with standard Euro 95 or alternatively Euro 98. On this site you can check whether your car is suitable for E10. If you have no choice but to use E10, then don't fill up more than you need to, and top up the tank at another petrol station with Euro 95.
Another disadvantage of E10 is that bio-ethanol contains less energy than regular petrol. As a result, fuel consumption is 1.5 to 2 percent higher. This quickly adds up to a few tens of pounds a year.
What do you put in your petrol car? Euro 95 or a premium fuel with a higher octane rating? And what's your opinion on E10 fuel? Car hire in Brunssum of the surrounding area at Adrem and you have a question about refuelling? Please feel free to contact us.
