Tip 6: Are You Using the Right Fuel for Your Lawn Mower?

2 min read

E5 or E10 for your lawn mower? Olivier explains the difference, why fresh petrol matters and how fuel storage can affect your garden machinery.

The fuel you use can make a real difference to how reliably your lawn mower starts and runs. In this tip, Olivier explains what the E5 and E10 labels at the petrol station mean and why fuel freshness and storage matter for garden machinery.

E5 or E10 – what is the difference?

E5 petrol contains up to 5% ethanol, while E10 can contain up to 10%. For machines that are used seasonally and may stand unused for longer periods, the ethanol content is worth paying attention to.

Why fuel storage matters

A lawn mower often sits unused for days or weeks, and sometimes for several months over winter. Petrol can lose quality during storage, and old fuel can contribute to deposits in the fuel system. That can make starting harder and affect how smoothly the engine runs.

Olivier’s tip

When there is a choice between RON 95 E10 and RON 98 E5, Olivier generally prefers the lower-ethanol E5 option for petrol garden machinery.

Just as important: use fresh fuel and avoid leaving petrol unnecessarily long in a can or in the machine.

If your lawn mower is difficult to start

If fresh fuel does not solve the problem, the fuel system, carburettor, ignition or other components may need to be checked. OVDV can inspect and service your garden machinery in Laarne and the surrounding area.

Need help with your lawn mower? Contact OVDV for garden machinery maintenance and repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

E10 E5 Fuel Garden machinery Lawn mower Maintenance Tip of the week
Man operating a lawn mower in a grassy area with trees in the background

Portrait | Author

Olivier Vandevijver


I am the owner of OVDV in Laarne/Kalken and have more than 13 years of experience in the garden machinery sector. I advise, install and maintain robotic mowers from brands including Segway Navimow, STIHL and Honda — always based on the real situation of your garden: size, shape, slopes, obstacles and lawn edges. I also offer independent repair and maintenance of garden machines across different brands. And because a robotic mower can't do everything on its own, I also provide professional lawn edge care — so your garden stays not just automatically mowed, but clean and properly finished.
Learn more about him

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between E5 and E10 petrol?

E5 contains up to 5% ethanol, while E10 contains up to 10%. The ethanol content can matter especially for garden machinery that is used seasonally or stored for longer periods.
Why can E5 be a good choice for garden machinery?

E5 contains less ethanol than E10. For machines that are not used every day or may sit unused for longer periods, lower-ethanol fuel can be a sensible option when it matches the engine’s fuel requirements.
How long should I store petrol for my lawn mower?

Petrol loses quality over time. Buy only the amount you are likely to use and avoid leaving fuel in a can or machine for unnecessarily long periods.
Can old petrol cause starting problems?

Yes. Old fuel can contribute to deposits and may cause difficult starting, uneven running or reduced performance.
What should I do if my lawn mower still does not start?

If fresh, suitable fuel does not solve the problem, the carburettor, fuel system, ignition or another component may need a professional check.