What is the difference between E5 and E10 petrol?

E10 contains up to 10% ethanol and is the UK standard 95 RON petrol. E5 contains up to 5% ethanol and is usually sold as the higher-octane super unleaded grade.

Do tuned cars need higher RON fuel?

Some tuned, high-compression or performance cars require or recommend higher RON fuel. Check the tuner guidance and the vehicle handbook.

E5 vs E10 petrol

E5 vs E10 petrol: price, ethanol and RON explained

Compare E10 petrol, super unleaded E5 and 97/99 RON labels before choosing the fuel that fits your car and route.

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E10 vs E5

E10 is the standard. E5 is the super grade.

In the UK, standard petrol is E10 and is normally 95 RON. Super unleaded is normally E5 and 97 RON or higher. The important difference is not only price: older or specialist vehicles may need E5, and some performance or tuned cars may need a higher RON fuel.

Route & Fuel helps compare E10 and E5 as separate fuel choices, then the app checks price, detour, fuel range and route position before you choose a stop.

E10 petrol prices Super unleaded E5 prices

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Driver guidance

Check the car first, then compare the price.

For fuel choice, your owner’s manual and fuel flap label matter more than a generic website recommendation. If your car asks for a minimum RON, use that or higher.

Fuel / label	What it usually means in the UK	Who should care
E10 petrol	Standard 95 RON petrol with up to 10% renewable ethanol.	Most modern petrol cars, unless the vehicle is not E10 compatible.
Super unleaded E5	Higher-octane petrol, generally 97 RON or higher, with up to 5% ethanol.	Older E10-incompatible cars, some performance cars, tuned cars and drivers whose handbook asks for higher octane.
97 / 99 RON	RON is the octane rating. Higher RON resists knock better in engines designed or tuned to use it.	Cars that require or recommend high-octane fuel; benefits in ordinary engines are usually limited.

E5 and E10 FAQs

Questions drivers ask

Is E10 safe for every car?

No. Most modern petrol cars can use E10, but some older, classic or specialist vehicles need E5. Check the vehicle manual, fuel flap label or official E10 checker.

Will E5 make every car faster?

Not necessarily. Higher-octane fuel matters most when the engine is designed, tuned or mapped to use it.

Can I mix E5 and E10?

For E10-compatible vehicles, mixing E5 and E10 in the same tank is generally fine. Keep following the car manufacturer’s fuel guidance.