Drivers have two weeks remaining to check that their cars are compatible with the new E10 petrol, which is due to be introduced as the standard from September.
The fuel is replacing E5 petrol - which contains up to five percent renewable ethanol - across the UK in a bid to reduce carbon emissions, with the government saying: "By blending petrol with up to 10 percent renewable ethanol, less fossil fuel is needed, helping us reduce carbon emissions and meet climate change targets."
But while the majority of cars will be compatible with the new petrol, a number of models built before 2011 are not - and may be at risk of either damage or void insurance if drivers mistakenly use the E10 fuel.
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The government has set up an E10 checker on its website, where motorists can enter the model of their car to see whether or not the new fuel will work with their vehicle.
Cars that may be incompatible include 'classic, cherished and older vehicles', 'some specific models, particularly those from the early 2000s' and 'some mopeds, particularly those with an engine size of 50cc or under'.
"You'll need to know the vehicle manufacturer to use the service," the website explains.
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"You may also need the vehicle model, engine size and year it was manufactured.
"Most petrol vehicles will be able to use E10."
It adds that around 95 percent of petrol-powered vehicles on the road are compatible with E10 petrol, which is a figure that is 'increasing all the time'.
"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," the government says.
According to a 2018 study by the RAC Foundation, there are 10 manufacturers with the highest number of E10 incompatible cars on the road.
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These are:
- Rover - 91,624 vehicles
- MG - 75,827
- VW - 61,398
- Nissan - 55,139
- Mazda - 46,040
- Ford - 37,578
- Toyota - 36,646
- Peugeot - 27,217
- Austin - 26,368
- Triumph - 24,943
According to Money Saving Expert, as may as 600,000 cars aren't compatible with the new E10 fuel.
Those using them, the site says, will have to pay for pricier 'super E5 petrol'.
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Money Saving Expert also explains that those who are able to use the fuel in their vehicles may see a slight increase in how much they spend, saying it could add £18 a year to petrol bills due to 'drivers needing to fill up more frequently'.
Featured Image Credit: PA