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Since October 1, 2019, Dutch petrol stations are obliged to offer E10 petrol. E5 petrol is currently rarely available, so you are almost forced to fill up with E10. Since its inception, E10 gasoline has been both negative and positive in the news. Curious about the problems with E10 gasoline and the solutions?

In this blog we try to explain the following topics clearly and distinctly:

• Difference between E5 and E10 (Euro 95)
• The disadvantages of E10 gasoline
• Can I fill up with E10 petrol in my car?
• Can I fill up with E10 petrol with my scooter or moped?
• Protect the vehicle from E10 petrol
• E10 protection (additive)

Difference between E5 and E10 (Euro 95)

First of all, it is good to know what exactly is the difference between E5 and E10 gasoline. The difference lies in the amount of bioethanol in the fuel. The 5 and 10 indicate the proportion of bioethanol.

So the proportion of bioethanol in fuel is increasing, but why was it introduced? The answer to that is very simple. Using bioethanol can reduce CO2 emissions by around 2%. Ultimately, climate change will benefit from this. At least that’s the idea behind increasing the proportion of bioethanol.

The disadvantages of E10 gasoline

As mentioned, the advantage of E10 petrol is that it consists of a higher proportion of sustainable fuel (bio-ethanol). However, this has some drawbacks. Problems can arise when refueling with E10. Order a Lindemann fuel additive here.

Higher fuel consumption
First, bioethanol contains less energy than traditional fossil fuel. Less energy automatically means that you need more fuel to cover the same mileage. In short, using E10 results in higher fuel consumption. How much that is is difficult to say. However, the English car magazine “What Car” did a test with some test cars back in 2014. This resulted in a shocking difference of 8.4% more fuel consumption!

Rubber and plastic seals are affected
It has actually been known for much longer that pure (100%) bio-ethanol attacks the plasticizers in rubber and plastic. You can think of fuel lines, gaskets, gaskets, and gaskets. Of course, E5 petrol also contains bioethanol, which in this case should also be harmful.

This is the disadvantage that shows up in all news reports. However, we believe this problem isn’t too bad. Because it has been driven with E5 petrol for years without any problems and has also been driven with E10 abroad for years. Many cars can therefore safely run on E10 petrol.

Rusting and corrosion
Rust and corrosion associated with fuel aging is, in our opinion, the biggest problem posed by E10 gasoline. Bioethanol is hygroscopic, which means that it attracts moisture. Moisture in connection with oxygen in turn causes rust and corrosion, which can cause a lot of damage, especially to the injectors. All cars suffer from this, especially the newer ones, because these injection systems are much more sophisticated and more susceptible than those of older vehicles.

Faster fuel aging (prevented with Lindemann Fuel System Cleaner)
In addition, the E10 fuel has a much shorter shelf life than its predecessor. Where E5 had a shelf life of around six months, E10 is only three months. Three months may sound like a long time, but the aging process starts to show in as little as three weeks. This can cause problems, especially with rarely used cars, lawnmowers, motorcycles and boats. The aging of the fuel creates a slushy substance that can clog engine parts. In addition, the quality of the fuel itself deteriorates, which can cause your car to run irregularly.

Can I fill up with E10 petrol in my car?

According to the manufacturer, almost all cars built after 2000 can run on E10 gasoline. At E10check.nl you can check whether your car is suitable for this fuel.

It is good to know, however, that the E10 check only shows whether the materials in your car are suitable for E10 petrol according to the manufacturer. Therefore, only the materials of the pipes, seals, gaskets and other seals are considered here.

The problems related to rust and corrosion, fuel aging and increased fuel consumption basically apply to all cars, scooters and mopeds.