Have I killed my car using E10??

[MattWill]

I’m driving through Europe and have been filling up using E10. Stupidly I had no idea what it was but just assumed it was a new designation for non premium petrol. Just seen on the BBC that it’s 10% ethanol and rots the fuel systems of older cars. Bother!

I‘ve just filled up with the stuff so need to go for a long drive and fill with 98 but after three tanks in a week have I ruined my engine etc! Reassurance would be great but the truth (however painful) is probably necessary!

 

[safrane]

I doubt it is ruined, just get back to the good stuff if you can.

Be aware that the stuff is almost all petrol stations and can even be found in high performance fuels... check carefully and try Esso if you are not north of Birmingham.

 

[Oneball]

No, IMHO you’ll be fine. Far more likely to have had a problem with contaminated fuel due to poor petrol station maintenance and you’ve never worried about that till now!

Ethanol can “eat” components but it happens over time. The other big concern is that it absorbs water but again happens over time.

 

[Felonious Crud]

Go to Germany and get some of the premium stuff. I seem to remember filling up with some 100 RON Shell V-Power there, but that was years ago.

 

[allandwf]

It will be fine.

 

[philw696]

Second that but any high performance or classic is better off running on the 98 E5.

 

[MattWill]

I’ve just found this, which is helpful…

 

[FIFTY]

It will be fine if you are on a road trip as you will rip through the fuel so quickly that it won't have a chance to do any damage.

Get it back on the good stuff towards the end of your trip.

 

[Delmonte]

Ouch. .. I'm sure it will be fine though. But I'm going to Spain in mine in September (finally) will I only be able to find 95 and will it be all E10?

 

[MattWill]

It’s been a great drive through France & Spain. 98 petrol is about 1.55-1.75 € per litre. In Spain it’s about 1.40-1.55.
In France there seem to be a bunch of different petrols on offer - small towns mostly just sell 95 E5 and 2 types of diesel. The supermarkets do the full range - elsewhere the S98 is harder to get (easier in Loire thanks further south). E10 is getting more widespread but we found we had to try a few petrol stations to get what we want. Only just come into Spain so will report more later.

 

[Wanderer]

Was 90c a litre in Luxembourg last Oct!