Mobil is now pleased to be able to offer Mobil E10 Unleaded ethanol-blended petrol to motorists at sites in New South Wales and regional Queensland.  Supply of this grade will be rolled out to additional sites in those markets over the coming months.  Refer to our service station locator for sites where Mobil E10 Unleaded is available.

Commonly asked Questions and Answers

What is Ethanol?
Ethanol is a non-fossil fuel that is produced from a variety of agricultural crops such as sugar cane and grains.

How much ethanol will be present in Mobil E10 Unleaded?
Mobil E10 Unleaded will contain up to 10% ethanol blended with unleaded petrol.  The Australian government has limited the amount of ethanol in petrol to 10%, or ‘E10’.

Mobil E10 Unleaded fully complies with Australian Fuels Quality Standards and supports Mobil’s proud history of supplying high-quality fuels that you can trust.

Is Mobil E10 Unleaded suitable for my car?
Most cars built after 1986 are compatible with fuel blended with up to 10% ethanol whereas many pre-1986 vehicles are not. We recommend that you follow your vehicle manufacturer’s advice. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) website www.autoindustries.com.au/ethanol contains a comprehensive list of vehicles capable of operating on ethanol blends up to a maximum of 10% ethanol.   If you are unsure about your particular model, you should consult your vehicle’s handbook or manufacturer.

The FCAI website includes a list of manufacturer contacts. If you own a pre-1986 vehicle and you currently use an antivalve seat recession additive with your petrol, we recommend that you continue to do so with Mobil E10 Unleaded.

Can I switch between Mobil E10 Unleaded and other grades of Mobil petrol?
Yes. If you currently use an anti-valve seat recession additive with your petrol, we recommend that you continue to do so with Mobil E10 Unleaded.

Will using Mobil E10 Unleaded affect the performance of my vehicle?
Ethanol is a high-quality, high-octane fuel component. The octane in Mobil E10 Unleaded is typically above 93 RON whereas regular unleaded petrol is 91 to 92 RON.

The increased octane of Mobil E10 Unleaded may allow some engines to operate more efficiently. Mobil E10 Unleaded also contains a corrosion inhibitor to protect the fuel system and a detergent additive to keep inlet valves and fuel injectors clean.

Are there environmental benefits to using Mobil E10 Unleaded?
The ethanol component means that Mobil E10 Unleaded will help to reduce your exhaust greenhouse gas emissions.

Will Mobil E10 Unleaded reduce my fuel economy?
While ethanol contains less energy than normal petrol, any changes in the fuel economy of your vehicle by using Mobil E10 Unleaded should be small. There are many variables that can affect fuel economy including the season, weather, road condition, tyre pressure, the use of air conditioners, and whether or not the vehicle is properly tuned.

Can I use Mobil E10 Unleaded in my ultralight or aircraft?
No.  Mobil E10 Unleaded is not suitable for any type of aircraft.

Can I use Mobil E10 Unleaded in my marine engine?
Ethanol has a strong affinity for water and Mobil E10 Unleaded is not recommended for use in marine engines.

Can I use Mobil E10 Unleaded in my motorcycle?
Many motorcycle manufacturers do not recommend using ethanol-blended petrol in motor cycles.  Check your owner’s handbook or call your engine’s manufacturer to see if ethanol blended fuels are appropriate for use.  The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) website www.autoindustries.com.au/ethanol also contains a list of motorbikes capable of operating on ethanol blends up to a maximum of 10% ethanol. The FCAI website includes a list of manufacturer contacts.

Can I use Mobil E10 Unleaded in my lawnmower, chainsaw or other small engine?
You should check with the equipment’s manufacturer to see if ethanol-blended fuels are appropriate for use.

When will Mobil E10 Unleaded be available in other States?
Apart from Queensland, NSW and the ACT, there is presently no timeframe for the introduction of E10 in other Australian States.  Each State, and each region within each State, will be assessed on its own merits.  The issues of economic viability, product quality, supply and consumer acceptance are key considerations as we continue our evaluations.  Government ethanol or biofuel mandates will be a determining factor as and where they may arise.

What if ethanol is not recommended for use in my car and I have inadvertently filled it with Mobil E10 Unleaded?
It is unlikely that one tank of Mobil E10 Unleaded will adversely affect the performance of your vehicle.  We recommend that next time you fill your car you revert to using a non-ethanol blended fuel.  If you have any concerns you should contact your vehicle's servicing mechanic or your vehicle manufacturer.

Will there be any change in the range of fuels already available at service stations supplying Mobil E10 Unleaded?
This will vary from site to site.  Many service stations do not have the ability to accommodate an additional fuel product such as E10.  This will mean that those locations will have to discontinue supplying one grade of conventional product.  Mobil's service station locator identifies which grades are available at each site.  In regional locations you may wish to contact your local distributor for more information about product ranges at individual sites.

Will ethanol-blended fuel attract moisture in fuel systems?
Today's automotive fuel systems are generally closed systems and allow little moisture to enter. In fact, ethanol can help absorb small amounts of moisture in a fuel system and prevent fuel line blockage with ice in the winter. 

What if my car’s tank has some water in it right now?
Over time, some water accumulation is normal in vehicle fuel tanks. This occurs through condensation of moisture as temperatures cycle downward during the night.

In the unlikely event that the water level is too high, it can combine with the ethanol, separate and fall to the bottom of the vehicle's fuel tank. If this happens, the vehicle will not operate properly and the fuel will have to be removed (dispose of it properly) and replaced with new fuel.  However, this situation is highly unlikely.