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

2 min read

E5 or E10 for your lawn mower? I explain 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, I explain 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.

My tip

When there is a choice between RON 95 E10 and RON 98 E5, I generally prefer 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. I can inspect and service your garden machinery in Laarne and the surrounding area.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fuel & Refuelling Lawn Mower OVDV Tip
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.
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