Can I use Super Unleaded E10 in my vehicle?

Question

My ride is a '98 Mitsu Galant (Shark) M/T. When I got it from the dealer, he advised me to use Shell Super Premium or its equivalent in other gasoline stations. He further advised me not to even try using unleaded gasoline in it. I blindly followed his suggestions which I think is good. Blindly, because I really don't know the reason why I can't use unleaded. But now with the prices of gasoline skyrocketing, I am trying to look at cheaper types of fuel. I noticed that the Shell Super Unleaded E10 is cheaper but I wonder if my car can handle that type of fuel. I am afraid trying the fuel on my own because I don't want my car to experience *coughing* itself to death.

Answer 1

I don't know where you live but every gas station in American only sells unleaded gasoline.  E10 gasoline is the conventional gasoline that you have been putting into your cars.  All E10 is gasoline with 10% ethanol added.

Stay away from E85 though, thats 85% ethanol, 15% gasoline.  If you put that in your car, you can seriously damage anything that comes into contact with it, including the engine.  

Contrary to what people may tell you, using a gasoline with a higher octane than what the manufacturer recommends can actually do more harm than good since it "burns" slower, wasting fuel in the long run.  Higher octane fuels are normally used in engines where there is higher compression levels or very high fuel pressures.  Use 87 octane and you will be fine.

Answer 2

The E10 stands for 10% ethanol. You can use this in your car. What the dealer was talking about was the octane rating. Shell typically has 91 octane as their Premium. You can use the lower grade 87 or 89 octane, but you may notice less performance and lower milage.