AROUND 600,000 cars could be incompatible as new fuel is introduced across the country's petrol stations from today.

Drivers with cars over the age of ten and classic cars could now be forced to use 'premium' fuel as "greener" E10 petrol begins to replace E5.

The new formula, which does not affect diesel owners, is not compatible with all cars and vehicles as the new fuel contains a higher mix of bioethanol.

Read more: Drivers may have to use 'premium' fuel from today as huge change to petrol begins

So drivers have been urged to use the Government's E10 fuel checker to ensure they can continue using the correct fuel from today.

The checker, which is available by clicking here, asks users to choose their vehicle brand before listing which models are and are not compatible.

The checker also goes into further detail including the year of registration affected, before advising that those unsure to instead use 'premium, which remains E5.

What happens if you don't use the correct fuel

As a result of an increase in ethanol, the formula is not compatible with some cars and continued use of unleaded could cause damage to the vehicle.

According to the Department of Transport, cars using the new fuel when it is not compatible could suffer from major mechanical issues.

Footman James says this could be anything from blocked fuel filters, damaged fuel pumps, degradation to flexible fuel hoses to corroded carburettors.

The Government has said all petrol pumps will be clearly marked during the rollout, meaning drivers will know whether or not they can use unleaded for the time being.

It has since created a 'vehicle checker,' which can be accessed here, which allows drivers to check whether their cars, motorcycles and mopeds can use E10.

It has said the following may not be compatible:

- classic, cherished and older vehicles

- some specific models, particularly those from the early 2000s

- some mopeds, particularly those with an engine size of 50cc or under

It said: "All new cars manufactured since 2011 are compatible with E10 petrol, and most cars and motorcycles manufactured since the late 1990s are also approved by manufacturers to use E10."

What cars are mainly affected

An impact assessment published in January 2020 estimated that around 600,000 cars – such as classic cars or those built in the early 2000s – will soon be incompatible.

An RAC survey of 1,450 UK drivers suggested that 27 percent of motorists are yet to check whether their car is compatible with the new fuel.

Nicholas Lyes of the RAC said: “E10 petrol has already started appearing on forecourts to replace the old E5 blend, and that process will continue at pace in the coming weeks.

“But while the vast majority of drivers of petrol cars aren’t affected, a sizeable minority will be and the only way to be sure is to use the official online checker.”

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