Bioethanol
What is bioethanol-blended petrol?
Bioethanol-blended petrol is similar to ordinary petrol but contains bioethanol. Bioethanol is a renewable alcohol fuel made from products containing sugars and starches, through a process of fermentation and distillation.
Bioethanol blends are limited to a maximum of 10% ethanol when retailed, but fuel companies may offer lower percentage blends. E10 means the fuel is a blend of up to 10% bioethanol with ordinary petrol. Similarly with E3, E3 means the fuel is a blend of up to 3% bioethanol with ordinary petrol.
You can switch between using bioethanol-blended petrol and ordinary petrol in your vehicle at any time.
Why should I use it?
Using bioethanol-blended petrol in your vehicle will help reduce overall emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas contributing to global climate change. Bioethanol-blended petrol can also burn more cleanly, and can help reduce pollution and improve air quality.
Using bioethanol in my car
You can be confident about the quality of any bioethanol-blended petrol for sale in New Zealand as it must meet the fuel specifications regulated by the government.
Most new and many older vehicle models can run on bioethanol-blended petrol. To find out if a vehicle has been confirmed by a manufacturer as supporting a bioethanol blend contact the official representative of the vehicle manufacturer in New Zealand. Contact details for representatives can be found in the owner’s handbook or online at the vehicle manufacturers New Zealand website.
You can also visit the Automobile Association’s (AA) website for a list of bioethanol blend supported vehicles.
What else can use bioethanol-blended petrol?
Bioethanol-blended petrol can be used in almost any petrol engine, from lawn mowers to generators. There is one precaution you need to take: don’t leave bioethanol-blended petrol in the tank for periods of longer than two months.
If in doubt, check the handbook or check with the equipment supplier.
When not to use bioethanol-blended petrol.
Bioethanol-blended petrol must not be used in any aviation or marine application, such as microlights, boats or aircraft.
Some simple tips for when first using bioethanol-blended petrol
When first using bioethanol-blended petrol follow these simple tips to get the best out of your car.
Check for water
Older vehicles should be checked for excessive water at the bottom of the fuel tank.. A qualified mechanic or other authorised person can easily check this for you.
The first fill should be a big fill
Make your first fill with bioethanol-blended petrol a big fill to absorb any existing water in your tank.
If you are driving to a very cold place, such as a ski field or any other very cold place then checking for water in your tank is important.
Change your fuel filter
If a fuel filter is already fitted but hasn’t been changed recently, it should be changed after the first few fills of bioethanol-blended petrol. Bioethanol-blended petrol cleans your fuel tank so a new filter will help remove any debris so your car can run as smoothly as possible.