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Motoring fans like nothing better than starting up their classic and taking it out for a regular run through the countryside.

After all the pleasurable hours of tinkering, it’s fantastic to really let rip and soak up some admiring glances from other road users. Unfortunately, there’s a potentially damaging threat on the horizon that could create problems for those who live for this simple pleasure.

From next year the government plans to introduce a new grade of unleaded petrol called E10 and some experts have warned this could be damaging for classic cars. Read our guide on whether you can use E10 in your classic and what the results could be.

There are many ways cherished classic cars can become damaged, that’s why the team at Lancaster Insurance specialises in arranging tailored insurance for classic cars to protect your investment.

What is E10 fuel and why is it being introduced?

From 2021, E10 is set to become the standard grade of fuel available on UK garage forecourts. It’s called E10 because it’s made up of 90% regular unleaded petrol and 10% ethanol. Whereas the current standard fuel is E5 and contains up to 5% ethanol.

Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel derived from the fermentation of a range of plants, including sugarcane and grains. Unlike regular unleaded petrol, ethanol is considered to be carbon neutral.

The plants used in its manufacture apparently absorb more carbon dioxide than that released into the atmosphere during ethanol’s production and combustion.

Such so-called biofuels are an important part of the UK government’s target of reaching net zero on carbon emissions by 2050. Indeed, government experts estimate the E10 fuel could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 750,000 tonnes per year. This is the equivalent of taking around 350,000 cars off the road!

Can E10 be used in your classic car?

But while E10 looks like a big step in the right direction for the environment, what about its impact on classic cars?

According to the Department for Transport (DfT) as many as 700,000 petrol cars currently in use on the UK’s roads aren't compatible with E10 fuel. That’s around 3% of the total number of cars. However, they expect this number to be halved as some of these vehicles reach the end of their useful lives and are scrapped.

Obviously the classic vehicles making up the rest of this group are unlikely to ever be scrapped. They are incompatible with E10 either because of a confirmed concern or because the manufacturer can no longer give a definitive view.  Therefore, as a rule, drivers of cars registered prior to 2002 are advised not to use E10 in their vehicle.

Information on compatibility for some vehicles is already available via ACEA, the European Car Manufacturer Trade Association.

While many classic vehicles happily run on the current E5 petrol, the new E10 fuel with its higher ethanol content can cause problems.

A DfT analysis highlighted potential issues including:

• Blocked fuel filters and injectors
• Damaged fuel pumps
• Degradation to flexible fuel hoses and seals
• Corroded carburettors and fuel tanks

Part of the problem is caused by the fact ethanol absorbs water from the air. When this water finds its way into your car it can cause condensation in fuel tanks, fuel lines and carburettors and can cause corrosion of brass, copper, lead, tin and zinc parts.

Because ethanol is a solvent it can also eat through rubber, plastic and fibreglass. So, the higher concentration of ethanol in E10 means hoses and seals are likely to perish more quickly.

What can you use instead?

Fortunately, the government has promised to maintain the supply of E5 petrol when E10 eventually goes on sale. This means classics should still be able to run on E5 petrol.

Unfortunately, there could be an economic impact for classic car owners. E5 will only be sold in the form of Premium or Super unleaded, probably at a higher price. Also, it’s unknown for how long the supply of E5 will be maintained or how readily and widely available it will be in the long term.

So, what else can classic car owners do? Just as with the concerns over the previous withdrawal of lead from petrol, it may be that fuel additives for classic vehicles could be used.

Also, some owners may be able to replace car parts with ethanol compatible ones. However, this may not always be economical, or in certain cases, even possible.

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs includes comprehensive details on materials that could be adversely affected by E10 and approved fuel additives that could prevent corrosion.

What happens if you use E10 in a classic car?

Although the pumps should be clearly labelled, if you accidentally put E10 fuel in your classic motor then there’s no reason to panic. However, the extent of any potential damage will depend on the vehicle, how regularly you drive it, and how much you put in.

The most it will probably cause at the time is some knocking on ignition and perhaps a little rough running and poor cold starting.

Rather than trying to drain the fuel, the best remedy would be to simply top up with the correct fuel when you’ve used around half the tank. However, this only applies if you’re using the car regularly. Never leave E10 fuel in the tank if you’re putting the vehicle into storage.

If you’re taking your classic for a spin on the continent then as well as having classic car insurance to cover the journey, you also need to take care when filling up. Many European countries have already adopted E10 fuel so always double-check at the pump.

Classic car insurance from Lancaster Insurance

From finding the right fuel to the right insurance, Lancaster Insurance is here to help. For 35 years we’ve been working with a carefully selected panel of underwriters to find the best insurance for your needs and budget.

Our customers get access to a range of benefits and discounts, including:

• Car club member discounts up to 25%
• Static show cover
• Historic rally cover
• Salvage retention

Get a quote for classic vehicle insurance today.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.