Does E10 gasoline affect car engines?

VTV.vn - E10 is gradually replacing conventional gasoline, but many people are still worried that this fuel will damage engines. Experts affirm that the main risk lies in very old car models.

Amidst a pivotal transition in Vietnam's petroleum market, the nationwide rollout of E10 bioethanol fuel (replacing RON 95 mineral gasoline) has officially been launched. Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, Store Manager of Petrolimex Store No. 3, stated that starting today, May 15th, the store will switch from E10 RON 95-III to E10 RON 95-V. From the beginning of next week, the store will cease selling mineral gasoline and switch exclusively to E10. This new fuel is a blend of 90% traditional mineral gasoline and 10% ethanol (bioethanol). While the green fuel initiative is gaining support, concerns about the compatibility of E10 with engine systems remain the biggest obstacle for consumers.

Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex) announced that its system has been selling E10 gasoline since the end of April 2025, reaching 80% coverage of its stores by May 15th and is expected to complete the conversion by May 20th.

Observations at gas stations reveal that hesitation is a common sentiment among many people. Mr. Nguyen Bao Toan (Gia Lam commune, Hanoi ) frankly shared: "If E10 gasoline is more environmentally friendly, I will definitely use it. However, I am worried about the potential impact of E10 on the engine, as many people have mentioned." Sharing the same sentiment of wanting to observe further, Mr. Tran Van Hung (45 years old, Hanoi) stated that for expensive vehicles like cars, he needs certainty: "After hearing clear explanations and seeing many people using it, I decided to try a little. The important thing is that it runs smoothly and doesn't affect the engine so I can use it long-term."

Addressing these concerns from a mechanical engineering perspective, Associate Professor Dr. Dam Hoang Phuc (Hanoi University of Science and Technology) analyzed that the biggest risk lies not in the quality of biofuel itself, but in users using the wrong fuel standard compared to the vehicle's design. In reality, concerns about biofuel do not stem from the technology itself, but mainly relate to the quality of its implementation in practice. Consumers need to clearly determine whether their vehicle meets Euro 3, Euro 4, or Euro 5 emission standards to make the most appropriate choice, thereby protecting the engine and avoiding repair costs.

Currently, around 60 countries use E10 biofuel. Photo: AI

Mr. Dao Cong Quyet, representative of the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), further affirmed: "Most new cars are well-compatible. However, some older models, usually manufactured before 2005, or cars using older technology may be affected." According to VAMA, the fuel systems on modern cars have been designed by manufacturers with extremely durable alcohol-resistant materials, from the fuel tank and fuel pump to the injectors and seals. Therefore, users of new cars can rest assured.

Looking at the international landscape, the application of E10 gasoline is not new. Currently, about 60 countries use E10 biofuel, with the US considering it the most common fuel standard. In the UK, since September 2021, the government has officially made E10 gasoline the standard unleaded 95 octane fuel at petrol stations. More than five years have passed since its implementation, and the UK has not recorded any widespread breakdowns of motorcycles or cars on the roads.

According to a report from the UK's independent transport policy advisory organization, the RAC Foundation, most petrol cars manufactured from 2011 onwards can safely use E10 petrol. However, the organization notes a few minor exceptions in older models from Audi, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Volkswagen. To ensure absolute safety, consumers are always advised to carefully consult their vehicle's owner's manual. For example, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Altis is implicitly understood to be fully compatible, while the Mitsubishi Xforce clearly states that the maximum amount of E10 petrol used should be to avoid damaging the sensors. For motorcycles, most major manufacturers such as Honda, Yamaha, and Piaggio have designed modern vehicles compatible with ethanol. Overall, when fuel sources meet standards and distribution infrastructure is well controlled, E10 petrol is a completely safe transition for most vehicles today.

Source: https://vtv.vn/xang-e10-co-anh-huong-den-dong-co-xe-10026051510062504.htm