New ethanol blend could damage vehicles and void warranties, AAA warns

[douglas92000]

The AAA says the Environmental Protection Agency and gasoline retailers should halt the sale of E15, a new ethanol blend that could damage millions of vehicles and void car warranties.


AAA, which issued its warning today, says just 12 million of more than 240 million cars, trucks and SUVs now in use have manufacturers' approval for E15. Flex-fuel vehicles, 2012 and newer General Motors vehicles, 2013 Fords and 2001 and later model Porsches are the exceptions, according to AAA, the nation's largest motorist group, with 53.5 million members.

"It is clear that millions of Americans are unfamiliar with E15, which means there is a strong possibility that many may improperly fill up using this gasoline and damage their vehicle," AAA President and CEO Robert Darbelnet tells USA TODAY. "Bringing E15 to the market without adequate safeguards does not responsibly meet the needs of consumers."

BMW, Chrysler, Nissan, Toyota and VW said their warranties will not cover fuel-related claims caused by E15. Ford, Honda, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo said E15 use will void warranties, says Darbelnet, citing potential corrosive damage to fuel lines, gaskets and other engine components.

Gasoline blended with 10% ethanol has become standard at most of the nation's 160,000 gas stations, spurred by federal laws and standards designed to use more renewable energy sources and lessen the nation's dependence on foreign oil. Pushed by ethanol producers, the EPA approved the use of E15 -- a 15% ethanol-gasoline blend -- in June over objections from automakers and the oil industry. It's been available at a handful of outlets in Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska since July.

http://www.freep.com/article/2012113...text|FRONTPAGE

[nutcrunch]

I also saw some crap about a 4 gallon minimum purchase.

http://blog.heritage.org/2012/09/19/...l-requirement/

[cp-the-nerd]

You don't really have to worry about E15 unless you drive a car that's around 20 years old or more. Any car that's new enough to be under a manufacturer warranty will run fine. Older engines weren't built with the same machining tolerances as new ones, and that's where the problems come in.

[Len McRiddle]

I believe the problems lie in the fuel delivery system components, that's what is the buzz where I am employed.

[tradosaurus]

Not only will your engines be in danger but your MPG will suffer.

This is all about buying votes in the Iowa caucus.

http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyl...221_927461.htm

http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyl...514_058678.htm

[nutcrunch]

Originally Posted by cp-the-nerd

You don't really have to worry about E15 unless you drive a car that's around 20 years old or more. Any car that's new enough to be under a manufacturer warranty will run fine. Older engines weren't built with the same machining tolerances as new ones, and that's where the problems come in.

Any car more than 5 years old is probably not going to be under warranty.
I have an old 97 Cougar and I seriously doubt it would run fine with E15. I know my 07 Harley won't.

[DrivenDaily]

The types of materials used in fuel systems not made for Ethanol are damaged by it since it is more corrosive than the materials can withstand.

[douglas92000]

Originally Posted by cp-the-nerd

You don't really have to worry about E15 unless you drive a car that's around 20 years old or more. Any car that's new enough to be under a manufacturer warranty will run fine. Older engines weren't built with the same machining tolerances as new ones, and that's where the problems come in.

Guess these companies have a different opinion: (from the link)

BMW, Chrysler, Nissan, Toyota and VW said their warranties will not cover fuel-related claims caused by E15. Ford, Honda, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo said E15 use will void warranties, says Darbelnet, citing potential corrosive damage to fuel lines, gaskets and other engine components.