If you drive a Land Rover, you may have wondered whether it is safe to mix E5 and E10 petrol. Since E10 became the standard unleaded fuel in the UK, it’s a common question, especially if you have topped up with the wrong pump.
- If your vehicle is compatible with E10, it is safe to mix both E5 and E10 or fill up with E5 if E10 petrol is not available.
- If your vehicle is not E10 compatible, adding E10 should not cause immediate problems, but prolonged use may cause harm to the vehicle.
In this blog, we explore the two petrol types and answer common questions Land Rover owners may have.
What is the difference between E5 and E10 petrol?
The main difference between E5 and E10 petrol is the amount of ethanol they contain.
- E5 petrol is made of 95% unleaded petrol and 5% ethanol
- E10 petrol is made of 90% unleaded petrol and 10% ethanol
With less petrol and more ethanol, pollution levels are lower as CO2 emissions are reduced. When E10 was introduced, it was announced that CO2 levels could be lowered by as much as 750,000 tonnes a year. To put that into perspective, that is roughly the same as taking 350,000 cars off the road!
Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from crops such as wheat and sugar beet, and by adding more renewable content to petrol, it becomes more environmentally friendly.
Is E5 petrol better than E10?
This is a common question, as many drivers want optimal performance and are often fearful that change may lead to a different driving experience. Luckily, there is no real change. As long as your vehicle is E10 compatible, it will work in the same way and deliver similar performance as if it were filled with E5.
Some drivers report slight drops in fuel economy, but this is marginal, with perhaps only a 1% reduction noticeable.
The biggest change is likely to be in your wallet. Current fuel prices are obviously a cause for concern, and regardless of how much it costs to fill up, using E10 rather than E5 could lead to long-term savings as it is generally cheaper than E5.
What Land Rovers use E10 petrol?
Most modern Land Rovers will use E10 petrol. In fact, all new cars built since 2011 are E10 compatible, and all Land Rover vehicles with petrol engines from model year 1996 can use E10. This currently means that around 95% of vehicles now on the road use E10. Older vehicles should continue using E5.
Land Rover models compatible with e10 include:
- Discovery Sport
- Range Rover Evoque
- Range Rover Velar
- Range Rover (4th Generation onwards)
- Defender 2020 onwards
- Discovery (5th generation petrol models)
Those needing E5 petrol include:
- Early Discovery models
- Classic Defender V8s
- Range Rover classic
Whilst petrol Land Rovers built from 1996 onwards can use E10 safely, it is always worth checking older V8 models before filling up for complete clarity.
How can I check if my car is compatible with E10?
If you are unsure whether your vehicle can use E10 petrol, there are a few easy ways to check. The Gov.uk website has an easy-to-use checker that allows you to select your make of vehicle to find out what petrol it uses.
You can also consult your user manual or use the Land Rover website by referencing your VIN or engine type.
What happens if I use e10 in a non-compatible Land Rover?
Persistent use of E10 in an incompatible vehicle could lead to a host of problems. Some of which could be costly to repair. These include:
- Issues with fuel lines and seals
- Degradation of gaskets
- Reduced efficiency
- Rough idling or hesitancy
- Corrosion of metal fuel components
Using E10 in an incompatible vehicle once may not present any issues, but repeated use is not recommended. If you do top up with E10:
- Avoid towing or hard driving
- Top up with E5 when you can
- Watch for warning signs such as rough idling, hesitation or unusual fuel smells
- Speak to a Land Rover specialist for extra guidance
In most cases, mixing E5 and E10 petrol is nothing to worry about. If your Land Rover is E10 compatible, both fuels can be used safely. The most important thing is checking compatibility before filling up, especially if you drive an older petrol model.
If you are unsure, speaking to a Land Rover specialist will help you avoid unnecessary repairs and additional expenses. At RCV, our expert team can help. With more than 40 years of experience, we can advise on the best ways to keep your Land Rover running safely, cost-effectively and legally. Contact us today for Land Rover servicing, Land Rover MOTs and all other aspects of Land Rover care.