In an effort to be more cost effective in this strained economy, I have switched from 87 fuel to purchasing E10. Before doing so, I did a thorough investigation from credible experts as to the safety of E10 on a 2002 Honda Stream. I was informed that E10 was acceptable and, as such, since the implementation I have been using the E10. Since then, I have found that my once-efficient vehicle gives a feel ing of 'pulling forward' and also a feeling as if the vehicle has difficulty changing gears smoothly.

At first I thought that my vehicle, which only takes me to work and home, needed its regular three-month service and after I did the normal service I realised that the problem still exists.

Since then I have been having dialogue with several owners of various types of vehicles namely: Honda, Corolla, Mitsubishi, Kia and they too have been experiencing the same difficulty with the use of E10 fuel. Question: Was a thorough research conducted before the implementation of E10?

Financial crunch

We are all feeling the financial crunch at this time and the strain of job security is pending. As such, purchasing a new/used vehicle at this time is not viable, especially with the high interest rates being offered by our financial institutions; hence, it is prudent for us to 'clean and care' our essentially needed possession.

I know we have a choice in the type of fuel that is purchased but sometimes our decision to make a change will occur after the damage has already been done and cannot be corrected without significant expense.

I am, etc.,

Andrea Byfield

Andrea_s_harris@yahoo.com

St Andrew