As the world moves towards more eco-friendly fuel options, E10 petrol has become more common at fuel stations across the country. However, when it comes to the maintenance and longevity of your garden machinery, not all fuels are created equal. 

At Griffiths Hire Shops, we're committed to helping our customers make the best choices for their equipment. Here's why E10 might not be the right choice for your garden tools and why E5, or better yet, specialised fuel solutions like Stihl motomix and Stihl moto4mix, should be your go-to options.

The drawbacks of E10 petrol

E10 petrol contains up to 10% ethanol, which is higher than the 5% found in E5 petrol. While ethanol can help reduce emissions, it comes with several drawbacks when used in garden machinery:

• Ethanol's absorbent nature: Ethanol absorbs water from the air, which can lead to water contamination in your fuel. This can cause starting problems or even damage the engine internals over time.
• Corrosion: Ethanol can be corrosive to metals and rubber components found in fuel systems, leading to premature wear and potential failure of parts.
• Fuel stability: E10 fuel degrades quicker than E5, often within months, which can be problematic for machinery that isn't used regularly. This degradation can lead to gum and varnish deposits that clog fuel systems and hinder performance.

Why E5 is a better option

E5 petrol, the old super-unleaded, contains only 5% ethanol, mitigating many of the issues associated with E10. The lower ethanol content means less water absorption, reduced risk of corrosion, and better fuel stability. For garden machinery, this translates to easier starting, smoother operation, and a longer lifespan for your equipment.

The superior choice: Stihl Motomix and Stihl Moto4mix

For the ultimate in performance and protection, Griffiths Hire Shops recommends Stihl motomix (for 2-stroke engines) and Stihl moto4mix (for 4-stroke engines). These specialised fuel mixes come with stabilisers added, offering several key advantages:

• Ready to use: Pre-mixed for convenience, ensuring the correct fuel-to-oil ratio every time.
• Long shelf life: Did you know that STIHL MotoMix fuel can stand the test of time? You’ll need to keep it in a dry and dark place at an average temperature of 20°C, but when you do that it can last for up to 5 years! This means you won’t have to buy a new batch of fuel if you aren’t using your STIHL tools every day, which makes MotoMix a great economical choice. 
• Added stabilisers: Protects against gum and varnish deposits, ensuring your machinery starts easily and runs smoothly.
• Ethanol-free: Eliminates the risks associated with ethanol, including water absorption and corrosion.

We sell these in all of our Griffiths Hire shops. BUY STILH MOTOMIX & MOTO4PLUS FUELS AND GET EXTRA WARRANTY:

• 1 litre Motomix - £5.25
• 5 litre Motomix - £20.83
• 1 litre Moto4plus - £4.79
• 5 litre Moto4plus - £20.00

Prices are subject to VAT

Choosing the right fuel for your garden machinery is crucial for its performance and longevity. While E10 might be readily available, its higher ethanol content could be detrimental to your equipment. Opting for E5 petrol, or better yet, Stihl motomix and Stihl moto4mix from Griffiths Hire Shops, ensures your garden tools are protected and perform at their best. Invest in the right fuel, and your machinery will thank you with years of reliable service.

If you’d like further advice, we’d be happy to help. Come and chat to us at one of our stores and we can help find the right petrol for your equipment.