1. What is E10 unleaded fuel?

E10 is a biofuel develop with 90% regular unleaded and 10% ethanol. E10 fuel increases the share of renewable energies.

2. Why introduce E10 unleaded fuel?

A greener fuel could reduce CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year, the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road.

3. What are the problems related to E10 fuel in the fuel system?

You can see the effects of E10 unleaded fuel in three key areas:
– the ability of the engine to operate and perform well
– Compatibility of fuel system components
– The effects of corrosion, lacquers, varnishes and gums that contaminate fuel system components.

4. Can all gasoline cars run on E10 unleaded fuel?

No :

  • Vehicles registered before 2002 are generally not compatible. The recommendation is to use higher octane E5 premium fuel.
  • Some gasoline vehicles up to 2011 are compatible, but the recommendation is to use higher octane E5 premium fuel, as compatibility is specific to each car.
  • Vehicles after 2011 are mainly compatible with E10 unleaded fuel. However, we recommend that you always check before use. Some manufacturers state that although the system is compatible, using E10 unleaded fuel is not recommended. Although the circuit is compatible, using E10 fuel may cause drivability problems such as poor cold starting, poor performance, misfires or engine imbalance.

5. Why are fuel system components not compatible with E10 fuel?

Over time, depending on driving style, miles traveled, and driving habits, E10 fuel degrades more and more. Fuel containing 10% ethanol absorbs more moisture than low ethanol fuels. As fuel degrades, it can become corrosive to certain metals, rubber hoses, gaskets and fuel system components.

6. For engines not compatible to E10, is there a product that makes it  compatible?

No, you can only treat a vehicle to protect it from the effects of E10 unleaded fuel.

7. What types of vehicles are affected by corrosion?

  • Vehicles that are not compatible with E10 unleaded fuel may be more affected
  • Low mileage vehicles that have not been regularly refueled with fresh fuel.
  • Vehicles stored for long periods.

8. Can engines compatible with E10 fuel still have problems?

Yes, the natural fuel degradationleads to getting the components rusty, and the formation of lacquers, gums and varnishes.

9. How long does it take for E10 fuel to affect components?

The natural fuel degradation can begin to occur within 4-6 weeks.

10. What can accelerate natural degradation?

  • The amount of fuel in the tank for long periods of time
  • How often you refuel
  • Vehicle mileage/use
  • The tank cap gasket

11. Does the use of E10 unleaded fuel affect fuel consumption?

Yes, the driver could see a reduction form 1 to 3% in the number of km traveled per liter. A clean fuel and oil system is essential for fuel and engine efficiency.

12. How do I know if the vehicle is suffering from the effects of E10 fuel?

  • Malfunction and poor performance
  • Difficult or poor start
  • P0300: multiple and random misfires – a possible cause of injector clogging
  • P0420: Catalyst Below Efficiency – This can occur when the management circuit has made all possible adjustments to maintain emissions, but they are still outside parameters.
  • Leakage of a component

13. What can you do to reduce the effects of it?

  • Fill the fuel tank regularly
  • The more fuel in the tank, the less room for moisture.
  • Treat the vehicle at each service to remove lacquers, varnishes and gums and condition the fuel to reduce corrosion.

14. How to treat E10 unleaded fuel symptoms?

We recommend using Wynn’s Total Action Treatment Petrol or Wynn’s Petrol Power 7 to reduce the effects of E10 fuel, maintain vehicle performance, efficiency and responsiveness, and reduce component failure, while maintaining the environmental benefits this type of fuel.

15. Is water the real problem with E10 fuel?

A study created by the UK Department of Energy on Phase separation (when water separates from the petrol and falls to the bottom of the tank) shows that fuels based on Ethanol are more efficient than unleaded fuels. This study show that ethanol-based fuels retain more water in suspension.
It takes E10 gasoline three months or longer than non-ethanol (E0) gasoline to absorb enough moisture for phase separation.

When phase separation occurs in E10 gasoline, the fuel is already stale, and engines may become difficult or impossible to start. Increased lacquer formation contaminates fuel system components and could lead to improper operation, misfires and emissions-related error codes.

The ability of ethanol fuel to absorb and retain water means that it can become more corrosive and could damage fuel system components.

Many factors influence the amount of moisture that can enter the fuel tank: weather conditions, hot and cold days, amount of fuel in the tank, frequency of fill-ups, etc.

16. Does E10 fuel affect fuel economy?

Ethanol fuel (E10) is less energy dense than standard unleaded fuel. Fuel consumption may be affected. According to the RAC and the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the energy content of ethanol is approximately 33% lower than standard unleaded. The effect on fuel consumption is a reduction of 1 to 3%, with some motorists reporting a higher reduction in their fuel consumption.

During a consultation, one in four individuals said they were concerned about fuel economy. Ultimately, fuel consumption depended on the drivers style, suppliers’ improvements to fuel blends, and the cleanliness of the vehicle’s fuel system.

Since E10 fuel is less energy dense, the driver should not feel a difference in power as the ECU, the car’s computer, will change the air-fuel balance to compensate for the loss.

The engine management light may illuminate, and a P0420 (catalyst efficiency below threshold) error code may get stored in the engine management circuit. This action occurs when the engine management circuit has made the maximum possible adjustments.
This issue may affect all vehicles using E10 fuel, not just those registered before 2011.