News report from MR Motoring Research-News (By Ethan Jupp)

New colour-coded petrol pumps

Petrol and diesel have got themselves a new identity. You’ll now find petrol labelled E5 and diesel labelled B7 at filling stations.

Fear not, though: it remains obvious exactly which is which, with pumps keeping the ‘unleaded’ and ‘diesel’ labels, too.

What are the new fuel labels?

E5 is petrol and B7 is diesel, but what does it all mean? Well, the E stands for ethanol, while the 5 refers to how much of the ethanol is synthetic. Similarly, in B7 diesel, the B stands for biodiesel and the 7 stands for the percentage of it that’s renewable.

In short, the letter refers the renewable in the fuel, and the number is the percentage of it.

The labels will be in their own distinct shapes, to best-avoid confusion. E5 will be circled, while B7 is in a square. This in addition to the original green and black colours remaining the same.

Why are renewable fuels added?

Aside from eco credentials, the addition of renewable fuels cuts carbon dioxide (CO2) production.

According to government figures, blending renewable fuels reduces CO2 emissions equivalent to taking a million cars off the road.

E10 and ‘no biodiesel’-explained

You may also see E10 fuel, with a higher amount of renewable ethanol. It’s fine for any modern car, but we’d suggest you avoid putting in your classic.

It can be bad for fuel tanks, lines and fuel containment/distribution equipment not originally designed for it.

The government says nearly all cars homologated since 2000 should be okay to fill with E10. Not that it matters much to us, given the UK hasn’t yet joined the USA, Europe and Australia in offering it.

If your car has a sticker saying ‘no biodiesel’ B7 is still fine. B7 is normal diesel. What you mustn’t fill up with are high biodiesel blends or 100 percent biodiesel.

Comment from Thomas Group…

Biofuel and the effects on fuel injection and filtration.

Impacts on fuel injectors, filters and other fuel system components can cause a significant deterioration in engine performance.

Emission aftertreatment systems, including catalysts and particulate filters, can also be negatively affected by biodiesel fuels.

Deposits in the injector pump, injectors and engine valves (varnish, lacquering and gums) affect efficiency and performance.

The most common symptoms are hard starting, decreased power, and misfiring. This can be caused either by biodiesel fuel that has been incompletely transformed, or by biodiesel fuel that has partially oxidized.

Certain O rings and seals deteriorate after sustained contact with biofuel. Sometimes they dissolve, shrink or become brittle.

Filter systems can become prematurely plugged often showing a brown sludge like residue.

Talk to us about our range of additives: 01233 642816 or click here for further information

Visit Diesel Parts Direct here