E10 Fuel '' The Safety Issues Must Be Investigated ''
There have been some serious safety concerns leading up to
Irelands change over to E10 Fuel, but first let’s find out exactly what this
new fuel is…
What is E10 Fuel???
E10 fuel is a type of petrol that contains up to 10% ethanol
by volume, hence the name E10. Ethanol is a type of alcohol that can be
produced from crops such as corn, sugarcane, and wheat.
E10 is a renewable fuel source that has been introduced in
many countries such as the UK & Germany, as an alternative to traditional
petrol. It has lower levels of emissions than regular petrol, which makes it a
cleaner-burning fuel. It also helps to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and
supports the agricultural industry by providing a market for crops that can be
used to produce ethanol.
Currently we’re using a fuel mixture of 5% Ethanol in the
majority of petrol stations across Ireland, but that is soon to change with the
official move to E10 taking place on the 1st of July 2023 as part of
several transport measures being implemented by the Irish government to achieve
its 51% reduction of transport emissions climate action plan by 2030. Northern
Ireland have been using this as a standard fuel source since last year.
However, E10 may not be suitable for all vehicles as TD
Carol Nolan said ‘’ The safety issues must be investigated properly before a
change is made, as climate change is not the only consideration. People’s
safety is also important ‘’. Some older
models and engines may require modifications to run properly with E10 fuel. It
is important to check with your vehicle manufacturer or consult with a
qualified mechanic before using E10 fuel in your vehicle. E10 fuel is safe for
most modern car engines that are designed to run on petrol but there may be a
few factors to consider:
- Compatibility: If your car
was manufactured before the mid-2000s, it's a good idea to check your
owner's manual or consult with a mechanic to see if your car can safely
use E10 fuel.
- Fuel efficiency: Ethanol
has a lower energy density than E5 Petrol, which means that E10 fuel may
reduce your car's fuel efficiency slightly. In some cases, the decrease in
fuel efficiency may not be noticeable, but in other cases, it may be more
significant.
- Corrosion: Ethanol can be
corrosive to certain types of materials, including rubber and plastic.
Prolonged exposure to E10 fuel can cause damage to fuel lines, fuel pumps,
and other engine components.
Overall, E10 fuel is generally safe for most modern car
engines, however if you’re worried about the effect it may have on your car and
you were considering upgrading, why not think about moving electric?? At
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Image credits : - Diana.grytsku, James Lee,