Despite Petrojam's assurances, several motorists are distrusting the virtues of the ethanol-based fuel.

"Based on my research, it cannot work with a GDI engine," said Paul Ashman, who drives a 2002 Mitsubishi Galant.

Ashman, 47, said he spent hours surfing the Internet before arriving at his conclusion.

"It holds moisture in the fuel tank, decreases fuel efficiency and engine parts," said Ashman, while referring to his findings.

Automobile mechanic Kirk 'Mandeville Man' Richards said he noticed some differences in cars that used the fuel.

"The gas kills the spark plugs," he said.

confined

The Old Harbour-based mechanic said this was confined to a particular make vehicle.

"These were Honda Civics which used E10 87 gas," he said.

"I recommended a switch to the former unleaded 90 fuel and that took care of the problem," said Richards.

The mechanic, who said he would continue using 90 octane, offered a word of advice: "We'll have keep to our maintenance schedules and just wait and see."

Kent LaCroix, president of the Automobile Dealers' Association, however, sees the fuel as a feasible alternative for most modern-model cars - providing the fuel has been recommended to be used by the maunfactures of the vehicles.

the maximum

"E10 is not in any way a deterrent in the long run to the proper running of a vehicle. Ten is the maximum that most of the cars can use," he said.

"If at any stage the Government decides to go higher than E10, you will have objections. It would just not work," LaCroix said.

The president said motorists should ensure their vehicles are serviced properly as over time, given E10's detergent nature, there will be a build-up of residue in the filters.

Jamaica Used Car Association head, Ian Lyn, concurred with LaCroix and said his organisation had no problem with the fuel.

As of November 1, Petrojam began islandwide roll-out of its 87 and 90 octane E10 blend.

A pilot project to determine compatibility was conducted in 2006 by Petrojam using 70 vehicles ranging in age and make. The project was deemed a success.