Toyota Vehicles and Biofuels - FAQ's
1. Why are Biofuels being introduced?
2. What is biofuel?
3. What blends of biofuel are possible?
4. How can I distinguish between the various biofuel blends?
5. Where can I fill up on biofuel?
6. Will my vehicle run on biofuel?
7. Can I use a higher blend than that recommended in the chart above?
8. Does the use of corrosion inhibitor in Gull Petroleum’s E10 fuel mean I can use it in my Used Import Toyota?
9. How can I tell whether my vehicle is “New” or “Used Import”?
10. Can I upgrade/modify my vehicle to accept ethanol fuel?
11. Will biofuel affect my fuel consumption?
12. Will using biofuel affect my warranty?
13. Should I use biofuel or regular fuel?
14. Can I switch between regular fuel and biofuel each time I fill up?
15. Should I do anything to my vehicle prior to using biofuel?
16. Should I service my vehicle differently if I use biofuel?
1. Why are Biofuels being introduced?
In the interests of sustainability of natural resources and lowering carbon emissions, oil companies are looking to progressively introduce biofuels derived from renewable resources.
2. What is biofuel?
Biofuels will generally be either an ethanol blend with petrol for use in petrol engine vehicles or a vegetable oil/animal fat blend with diesel for use in diesel engine vehicles.
3. What blends of biofuel are possible?
Ethanol and petrol are generally blended together in the following proportions:
• E3 – 3% ethanol / 97% petrol
• E5 – 5% ethanol / 95% petrol
• E10 – 10% ethanol / 90% petrol
Biodiesel and diesel are generally blended together in the following proportions:
• B5 – 5% biodiesel / 95% diesel
• B20 – 20% biodiesel / 80% diesel
• B100 – 100% biodiesel
4. How can I distinguish between the various biofuel blends?
We expect each fuel company will select just one blend of each biofuel to offer at their service stations and it is important that the biofuel pumps clearly display the blend being provided. (E3, E5, E10 for ethanol or B5, B20 or B100 for biodiesel). If you are in any doubt, please ask the service station attendant to confirm the blend and its suitability for your vehicle.
5. Where can I fill up on biofuel?
Currently in New Zealand the supply of biofuels is limited. Please refer to the fuel company websites for information to locate the nearest service station offering biofuels.
6. Will my vehicle run on biofuel?
Ethanol:
Toyota New Zealand supports many petrol engine models, both new and used. Not all of these engines are suitable to run on ethanol fuels because of incompatibility with the fuel system materials. Performance drivability of the vehicle may also be affected. Please refer to the following as a guide only.
| Bio Ethanol |
E3 |
E5 |
E10 |
| Toyota - New (First Registered in NZ – Post 1991) |
 |
|
|
| Toyota - Used Import. (First Registered Overseas – Pre September 2005) |
|
‡ |
 |
| Toyota – Used Import. (First Registered Overseas – Post September 2005) |
|
|
|
| Daihatsu - Excludes current models |
|
|
|
| Daihatsu - Current models |
|
|
|
‡Provided the fuel pipes and aluminium components of the fuel delivery system are replaced at 10 yrs or 100,000km (whichever occurs first).
Biodiesel:
Toyota New Zealand supports many diesel engine models, both new and used capable of running on a blend of B5 (5% biodiesel blend), provided the biodiesel meets the requirements of the NZ fuel specifications.
7. Can I use a higher blend than that recommended in the chart above?
We strongly advise that you only use the blend recommended as above.
8. Does the use of corrosion inhibitor in Gull Petroleum’s E10 fuel mean I can use it in my Used Import Toyota?
While we understand that Gull Petroleum’s E10 fuel does contain corrosion inhibitor; its suitability has not been tested on our vehicles. Therefore our recommendation remains that E10 fuel is not suitable for use in used imported vehicles – refer to the above chart.
9. How can I tell whether my vehicle is “New” or “Used Import”?
The VIN (17 alpha/numeric Vehicle Identification Number) which is recorded on your registration documents and is typically located either in the engine bay or the front passenger door opening of your vehicle will enable you to identify if your vehicle is New Zealand New or a Used Import as follows.
New Zealand New – Vehicles sold new and registered for the first time in New Zealand.
Toyota models start with JT..., 6T..., SB..., MR..., 7A4....
Daihatsu models start with JDA...
Used Imports – Vehicles first registered in Japan.
Toyota Imports start with 7A8H6...
Daihatsu Imports start with 7A847...
Note: Some used imports from countries other than Japan may have a VIN similar to a NZ new vehicle. If you are unsure, please contact your nearest Toyota dealer for assistance.
10. Can I upgrade/modify my vehicle to accept ethanol fuel?
It may be possible to convert the fuel lines in a vehicle, provided the parts for that particular vehicle are available in New Zealand. We recommend you contact your nearest Authorised Toyota Dealer who is in the best position to discuss this further.
11. Will biofuel affect my fuel consumption?
Biofuels produces less energy than regular fuels which means that fuel consumption will marginally increase.
12. Will using biofuel affect my warranty?
The use of biofuel fuel in your vehicle may void your vehicle warranty if the failure is directly attributable to its use or the fuel does not meet approved specifications.
What else do I need to know?
13. Should I use biofuel or regular fuel?
Provided your vehicle meets the criteria set out in the table above it is your choice as to which of these fuels you use as appropriate to your engine type.
14. Can I switch between regular fuel and biofuel each time I fill up?
Yes. Mixing between regular fuel and biofuel does not pose any problems provided there is no water present in the fuels.
15. Should I do anything to my vehicle prior to using biofuel?
If you decide to start using biofuel, please ensure that the first fill is a “full tank” to avoid possible contamination from the fuel already in the tank.
16. Should I service my vehicle differently if I use biofuel?
It important to ensure that routine servicing maintenance continues. This should be in accordance with Toyotas recommendations using only genuine parts and approved fluids.
Any queries on this subject or other matters concerning your Toyota, please contact the Customer Dialogue Centre or your nearest Toyota Dealer.