The new E10 fuel is set to be rolled out next month, in a bid to reduce levels of carbon dioxide-based vehicle emissions, although not all cars will be compatible with the petrol.
Currently, petrol in the UK contains up to five percent renewable ethanol, but the new fuel contains up to 10 percent.
"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," the government website explains.
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However, while the majority of cars will be compatible with E10 fuel, it's worth checking for sure as there are a number of vehicles built before 2011 that may be at risk of either damage or void insurance if drivers use the new petrol.
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'.
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.
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"You'll need to know the vehicle manufacturer to use the service," it explains.
"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'.
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"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 an estimate for 2020 by the RAC Foundation, there are 10 manufacturers with the highest number of E10 incompatible cars on the road.
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
Malcolm McKay, spokesperson for the Historic and Classic Vehicle Association, said the E5 fuel would likely be available 'for a while' due to the popularity for higher octane fuels.
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He said: "It certainly hasn't had as much publicity as the change from leaded to unleaded fuel.
"It's another of those things, I think that the classic car movement to an extent have been scared to make too much of a fuss.
"We've just got to find a way around it.
"E5 is still going to be available for a while but it's more a case of the Government has said it can be available.
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"It's then up to the oil companies and the suppliers to decide whether there is enough demand.
"But as it's the higher octane fuel and there's quite a lot of younger cars that run a lot better and more efficiently on the higher octane fuel I think we will see it around for quite a long time."
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