The main problems with ethanol in petrol are incompatibility with non-metallic seals such as gaskets and corrosion of metals caused by the tendency for alcohol to turn to acid during storage. While there is no additive which prevents damage to non-metallic materials, for which the only solution is a change in material, e.g. for the gaskets on Autovac tanks, corrosion inhibitors have been tested and are now available for prevention of corrosion to fuel tanks, carburettors etc. FBHVC-Approved products are VSPe Power Plus, VSPe and EPS from Millers Oils (www.milleroils.co.uk), Ethomix from Frost A R T Ltd (www.frost.co.uk) and Ethanolmate from Flexolite (www.flexolite.co.uk). These additives should provide protection for vehicles including those stored for up to 12 months.
