Petrol Stations Explained: Everything You Need to Know About Fuel, Forecourts and More

Petrol stations are something most drivers visit regularly, but how much do you actually know about them?

From understanding the difference between E10 and E5 petrol to knowing what the numbers on the pump mean, there is more to a modern petrol station than simply filling up your car and driving away.

Fuel stations have also changed considerably over the years. Today's forecourts can offer much more than fuel, with many providing convenience stores, car care products, air and water facilities, EV charging and other services for motorists.

In fact, Sandicliffe itself began life as a petrol station and workshop in 1948, before growing into one of the East Midlands' leading motor retailers.

So, whether you're a new driver or simply curious about what happens at the forecourt, here's everything you need to know about petrol stations.

What is a petrol station?

A petrol station, also known as a filling station, service station or forecourt, is a facility where motorists can purchase fuel for their vehicles.

Although the name suggests that petrol is the main product, most UK filling stations also sell diesel, while some may provide additional fuels and facilities.

A typical petrol station can include:

• Petrol and diesel pumps

• Different fuel grades

• A payment terminal or pay-at-counter service

• A convenience shop

• Air and water facilities

• Windscreen cleaning equipment

• Engine fluids and car care products

• EV charging facilities at some locations

• Toilets and refreshments at larger forecourts

The exact facilities vary from one forecourt to another.

What types of fuel can you buy at a petrol station?

The fuel available depends on the individual forecourt, but the most common options for UK drivers include petrol and diesel.

E10 petrol

E10 is now the standard 95-octane petrol grade in Great Britain. It contains up to 10% renewable ethanol.

E10 petrol was introduced as the standard grade in Great Britain in September 2021. According to the UK Government, almost all petrol-powered vehicles currently on the road are compatible with E10, while all cars built since 2011 are compatible.

If you're unsure whether your vehicle can use E10, check the vehicle handbook, the fuel label near the filler cap or the manufacturer's guidance.

E5 petrol

E5 petrol contains up to 5% ethanol and is generally available as a higher-octane 'super' petrol at filling stations that offer two grades of petrol.

E5 can be particularly important for owners of some older petrol vehicles and classic cars that aren't compatible with E10. The UK Government recommends checking your vehicle's compatibility rather than assuming that every petrol vehicle can use E10.

Diesel

Diesel is another common fuel available at UK petrol stations. You may also see premium or higher-performance diesel options at some forecourts.

Diesel pumps use a different fuel identification system from petrol, so it's important to check the label carefully before filling up.

What do E5, E10 and B7 actually mean?

The letters and numbers on fuel pumps aren't random.

They tell you about the renewable component contained within the fuel.

For example:

• E5 = petrol containing up to 5% ethanol

• E10 = petrol containing up to 10% ethanol

• B7 = diesel containing up to 7% biodiesel

Standardised labels are designed to make identifying fuel easier, particularly when driving abroad. UK Government guidance states that E5 and E10 labels should be clearly displayed on the relevant petrol dispensers and nozzles.

Why is ethanol added to petrol?

Ethanol is a renewable fuel component that can be blended with petrol. Increasing the proportion of renewable fuel in petrol is part of efforts to reduce the carbon impact associated with road transport.

However, compatibility matters. If you drive an older petrol car, motorcycle or piece of petrol-powered equipment, check whether it is approved for E10 before filling up.

What does the octane number mean?

You may have noticed numbers such as 95, 97 or 98 displayed alongside petrol at a filling station.

These numbers refer to the fuel's octane rating.

In simple terms, octane rating indicates how resistant petrol is to knocking or premature ignition within an engine.

For most modern petrol cars, the manufacturer's recommended fuel is the best choice. Some performance vehicles may benefit from or require a higher-octane fuel.

It's therefore a good idea to check your owner's manual rather than assuming that the most expensive fuel is automatically the best option for your car.

Why are petrol station pumps different colours?

The colours used around fuel pumps can help drivers distinguish between different types of fuel, but you should always read the written fuel label before filling up.

Modern standardised fuel labels such as E5, E10 and B7 provide a clearer way of identifying fuel than relying solely on nozzle or pump colours.

This is particularly important when driving a vehicle you're unfamiliar with or hiring a car abroad.

How do petrol station fuel pumps work?

When you select a fuel and begin filling your car, the pump transfers fuel from an underground storage tank into your vehicle's fuel tank.

Modern pumps are designed with safety systems that monitor the filling process and stop the flow when the tank is full.

You'll normally hear the familiar click when the nozzle automatically stops.

Once you've finished filling up, the pump calculates the amount of fuel dispensed and the price based on the forecourt's current price per litre.

The amount you pay is therefore determined by:

Litres purchased × price per litre = total fuel cost

Why do petrol prices change?

Fuel prices can change for a number of reasons.

The price you see on a forecourt reflects more than simply the cost of producing petrol or diesel. Factors can include:

• The wholesale cost of fuel

• Crude oil prices

• Exchange rates

• Taxes and duties

• Distribution and transportation costs

• Competition between local filling stations

• Operating costs

• Market conditions

This means the price displayed at one petrol station can differ from the price at another station nearby.

How can I find cheaper fuel?

The UK's Fuel Finder service is designed to help motorists compare fuel prices. Petrol stations are required to report their prices, and from 2 February 2026 fuel price updates must be submitted within 30 minutes of a price change.

That makes comparing local fuel prices easier than relying solely on the nearest forecourt.

However, it's worth considering the journey as well. Driving several miles out of your way to save a few pence per litre won't necessarily save money once you factor in the additional fuel used.

What else can you find at a petrol station?

Modern forecourts have evolved into much more than places to buy fuel.

Depending on the station, you might find:

Convenience shops

Many petrol stations have shops selling snacks, drinks, groceries, newspapers and other everyday essentials.

Car care products

You can often find screenwash, engine oil, bulbs, cleaning products and other basic motoring essentials.

Air and water

Some forecourts provide facilities for checking and inflating your tyres, as well as topping up water.

Correct tyre pressures are important for safety, handling and fuel efficiency, so checking them regularly is a worthwhile habit.

EV charging

As electric vehicles become increasingly common, some traditional forecourts are adapting by adding EV charging infrastructure.

For drivers considering an electric car, the growing availability of charging facilities is another reason the traditional petrol station is changing.

Are petrol stations becoming less important?

The way we fuel our vehicles is changing.

Electric vehicles don't need petrol or diesel, meaning EV drivers rely on charging points at home, at work, at public charging locations and at destinations.

At the same time, hybrid vehicles continue to combine an internal combustion engine with electric technology.

This doesn't mean petrol stations are disappearing overnight. Millions of petrol and diesel vehicles remain on UK roads, and filling stations continue to play an important role for motorists.

Instead, the traditional forecourt is evolving alongside the changing car market.

For drivers considering their next vehicle, understanding the differences between petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains can help when deciding what type of car best suits their lifestyle.

Petrol station FAQs

Is E10 petrol suitable for every car?

No. Most modern petrol cars can use E10, but some older vehicles and equipment may not be compatible. Check your vehicle handbook, manufacturer's guidance or the official E10 compatibility information before using it.

Is E5 better than E10?

Not necessarily. The correct fuel depends on your vehicle. E5 can be important for vehicles that aren't compatible with E10, while most compatible modern petrol cars can use standard E10.

What happens if I put the wrong fuel in my car?

If you've accidentally put petrol in a diesel car or diesel in a petrol car, don't start the engine. Contact your breakdown provider or a qualified professional for advice.

Does premium fuel make my car faster?

Not automatically. Higher-octane fuel is designed for engines that can benefit from or require it. Always follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.

Why does the price of fuel vary between petrol stations?

Forecourts can have different wholesale costs, operating costs, pricing strategies and levels of local competition. Fuel prices can therefore vary significantly between nearby stations.

How can I save money on fuel?

Regular vehicle maintenance, correct tyre pressures, smoother driving and comparing local fuel prices can all help reduce your motoring costs. The government's Fuel Finder service can also help motorists compare current prices.

The future of the forecourt

The humble petrol station has changed considerably since the early days of motoring.

Today's forecourts aren't simply places to fill up. They're increasingly becoming convenient stopping points for motorists, while the growth of electric vehicles is encouraging operators to introduce new charging facilities and services.

And while the fuels available to drivers may continue to change, one thing remains the same: understanding what you're putting into your vehicle is essential.

Whether you're driving a petrol car, diesel, hybrid or electric vehicle, knowing your vehicle and using the correct energy source can help you drive safely and efficiently.

Looking for your next car?

If you're thinking about changing your vehicle, Sandicliffe can help you explore a wide range of new and used cars, from efficient petrol and hybrid models to fully electric vehicles.

With locations across the East Midlands, including Nottingham, Leicester and Loughborough, our teams can help you compare your options and find a vehicle suited to your needs.

Explore Sandicliffe's latest new and used car range today and find your next car.