Changes in SP95 petrol in France

[paulandpat]

There is a thread on the AngloInfo Normandie forum which gives a link to the following http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=990 which states that there has been a change in the 'recipe' of SP95 petrol in France and that it will no longer be usable by older vehicles - and lawnmowers for those of us with a lot to mow!

 

[malcolm]

They are adding 10% ethanol to the petrol over there. In the UK it's normal to have about 4% ethanol in petrol, and I've not spotted trouble with my little Renaults or mower.

The major risk is ethanol attacks certain types of rubber, so fuel pipes and fuel pumps can deteriorate on older cars if they aren't made from a resistant rubber. Second problem is it's a bit corrosive and can pit carburettors, and third it absorbs water and could rot the tank a bit if the car is sitting unused.

I'd not worry too much about it.

 

[claude van rouge]

From what I can gather this new fuel (SP95-E10) will be sold in addition to the normal SP95 and SP98 so our Renault 4s can still be used.

Edit: Although that said it looks like some petrol stations have stopped selling the SP95 if the info on this site is correct. Most of the BP stations that sell E10 don't have a price for SP95.