Major car brand opens up about what 3-letter symbol on your fuel cap means
Brits are being encouraged to check their car's fuel cap for a three-letter symbol that shows whether their motor is ready to use a type of diesel that not only protects your car - but also the planet
UK motorists are only just discovering what a common three-letter symbol on your car's fuel cap actually means.
The next time you go to fill up your vehicle, check for a capitalised abbreviation found near the fuel cap, which will show whether your motor is ready to use a type of diesel that not only protects your car, but also the planet. This initialism, which is steadily becoming more common on vehicles, means they are compatible with a much more eco-friendly energy source called paraffinic diesel — clean, synthetic fuel characterised by its high purity, near-zero sulphur and very low aromatic content.
Across Europe, compatibility with such fuels is signified by the letters "XTL". Demand for renewable diesel — also known as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and R99 — has been increasing in recent years, with major investments in the renewable diesel supply chain enabling broader access for businesses.
Among the manufacturers leading the charge with this greener tech is Škoda — many of the company's diesel models use HVO, which can reduce CO₂ emissions across the fuel and vehicle lifecycle by up to 90 per cent. Tests have shown HVO can be used without any issues in most Škoda diesel cars manufactured from 2015 onwards.
Martin Řepka from the Škoda Auto Technical Development team said: "The key is how the fuel is made. HVO diesel is mostly produced from used cooking oils and waste vegetable oils. These plants absorbed CO₂ from the atmosphere by photosynthesis while growing, and that same CO₂ is released again when the fuel is burned."
Cars that can use HVO have a label inside the fuel tank cover or around the filler neck itself. It will say both B7 (standard diesel) and XTL. If you see XTL, you're good to go — you can fill up with HVO without worry. XTL stands for X-to-Liquid — a synthetic diesel that meets the EN15940 standard for paraffinic fuels.
These can be made in several ways: BTL (biomass-to-liquid) from biomass, GTL (gas-to-liquid) from natural gas or biogas, and PTL (power-to-liquid) from CO₂ and water using renewable electricity. Emphasising the fuel's trouble-free nature, Martin from Škoda said: 'Technical difficulties, such as degradation of rubber seals or fuel system components do not occur when using HVO, unlike ethanol-based fuels.'
He added: "According to tests, HVO can last in the tank for more than 10 years without degrading and does not damage the fuel system in any way." This makes HVO an excellent choice for long-term storage.
Its high cetane number means more efficient combustion.
Reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 90 per cent.
Produces fewer harmful emissions, especially particles which then reduces the frequency of particulate filter regeneration.
Reduces engine buildup and deposits.
Can be stored in the tank for up to 10 years without any signs of degradation.
Doesn't absorb moisture from the air.
So if your vehicle has the XTL label, you can most probably use renewable diesel. However, it is always advisable to check your manufacturer's guidelines to ensure it's compatible with all equipment and warranties.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Major car brand opens up about what 3-letter symbol on your fuel cap means
Brits are being encouraged to check their car's fuel cap for a three-letter symbol that shows whether their motor is ready to use a type of diesel that not only protects your car - but also the planet UK motorists are only just discovering what a common three-letter symbol on your car's fuel cap actually means. The next time you go to fill up your vehicle, check for a capitalised abbreviation found near the fuel cap, which will show whether your motor is ready to use a type of diesel that not only protects your car, but also the planet. This initialism, which is steadily becoming more common on vehicles, means they are compatible with a much more eco-friendly energy source called paraffinic diesel — clean, synthetic fuel characterised by its high purity, near-zero sulphur and very low aromatic content. Across Europe, compatibility with such fuels is signified by the letters "XTL". Demand for renewable diesel — also known as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and R99 — has been increasing in recent years, with major investments in the renewable diesel supply chain enabling broader access for businesses. Among the manufacturers leading the charge with this greener tech is Škoda — many of the company's diesel models use HVO, which can reduce CO₂ emissions across the fuel and vehicle lifecycle by up to 90 per cent. Tests have shown HVO can be used without any issues in most Škoda diesel cars manufactured from 2015 onwards. Martin Řepka from the Škoda Auto Technical Development team said: "The key is how the fuel is made. HVO diesel is mostly produced from used cooking oils and waste vegetable oils. These plants absorbed CO₂ from the atmosphere by photosynthesis while growing, and that same CO₂ is released again when the fuel is burned." Cars that can use HVO have a label inside the fuel tank cover or around the filler neck itself. It will say both B7 (standard diesel) and XTL. If you see XTL, you're good to go — you can fill up with HVO without worry. XTL stands for X-to-Liquid — a synthetic diesel that meets the EN15940 standard for paraffinic fuels. These can be made in several ways: BTL (biomass-to-liquid) from biomass, GTL (gas-to-liquid) from natural gas or biogas, and PTL (power-to-liquid) from CO₂ and water using renewable electricity. Emphasising the fuel's trouble-free nature, Martin from Škoda said: 'Technical difficulties, such as degradation of rubber seals or fuel system components do not occur when using HVO, unlike ethanol-based fuels.' He added: "According to tests, HVO can last in the tank for more than 10 years without degrading and does not damage the fuel system in any way." This makes HVO an excellent choice for long-term storage. Its high cetane number means more efficient combustion. Reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 90 per cent. Produces fewer harmful emissions, especially particles which then reduces the frequency of particulate filter regeneration. Reduces engine buildup and deposits. Can be stored in the tank for up to 10 years without any signs of degradation. Doesn't absorb moisture from the air. So if your vehicle has the XTL label, you can most probably use renewable diesel. However, it is always advisable to check your manufacturer's guidelines to ensure it's compatible with all equipment and warranties.
Daily Mirror
17 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
5 fans to beat the heat from Amazon, Shark, Dyson and more
As the UK sizzles in the first heatwave of 2025, we've found a selection of fans to keep Brits cool throughout the summer The UK is experiencing its first heatwave of 2025, with temperatures set to exceed 30C for the second consecutive day on Friday (June 20). Some parts of the country are expected to reach 32C, with the warm weather continuing well into next week. With this in mind, we've been scouring the web to find a selection of fans ideal for beating the heat this summer and beyond. There's deals and devices from Amazon, Shark, Dyson and more, with prices to suit a range of budgets. There's a choice of bladeless, standing and desktop fans, as well as one model allowing shoppers to keep comfortable both indoors and outdoors. So read on for a selection of our favourite cooling fans to help beat the heat. Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist – £219 (was £249.99) Amazon has just reduced the Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist to its cheapest price ever, beating Shark 's own £219.99 price tag. Serving as a standing or desk fan, this model has five fan speeds and two SmartBreeze modes said to simulate natural wind patterns. But what sets it apart from its rival is the MistPro feature, which uses chilled water to spray a light, cool mist outdoors that Shark says can lower temperatures by up to 6°C. Of the FlexBreeze, one five-star review says: 'A good, powerful fan providing a lovely breeze to keep things cool in the conservatory when the sun is out. 'The water mist is strictly for outdoors as the spray does generate quite a lot of large droplets that gather on the base plate and will also moisten any items nearby. The mist is perfect for those summer barbecues, keeping the chef nice and cool.' However, the same buyer added: 'Only drawbacks would have been nice to have more angle on the oscillation and the ability to adjust the height and not just the angle of the fan.' Amazon has also reduced the price of the Shark FlexBreeze TableMate (£99) and the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo (£99.99). JYMIPA Standing Fan – £109.99 The JYMIPA Standing Fan from Amazon has yet to receive a single mixed or negative review, with its lowest rating being four stars. It's said to be 'whisper quiet' and can deliver 'powerful' wind speeds of 21 ft/s that can reach up to 29 feet, enabling it to cool even larger spaces with its 90° horizontal oscillation and 80° vertical tilt. One user says: 'Just right for keeping the bedroom comfy without noise getting in the way. It's quiet even on higher speeds so it won't disturb sleep or focus. The airflow reaches nicely across the room, which feels surprisingly refreshing. A solid fan that stays cool and calm.' The fan's only four-star review says: 'Wish the height adjustment was telescopic instead of the cheap plastic pipes that have to be unscrewed. The mains lead could do with being longer.' Dyson Cool AM07 Tower Fan – £269.99 (was £349.99) Those looking to push the boat out can save £80 on the Dyson Cool AM07 Tower Fan, which is designed to cool larger spaces. It boasts 'powerful', long-range air projection and Dyson's Air Multiplier technology, which combines principles used in turbochargers and jet engines to amplify airflow up to 15 times. With this, the bladeless fan can project up to 500 litres of air per second, with its remote control offering total control of its 10 airflow settings. One five-star review says: 'Wish we had bought it sooner. Cool air and cool design. Very easy to assemble, three pieces just click together.' But this more mixed review says: 'The fan is very powerful, however, the LED light is too bright. I bought it for my bedroom and it lights the whole room up at night.' Dyson Cool AM07 Tower Fan – BUY HERE Honeywell TurboForce Power Fan – £23.19 (was £32.49) The Honeywell TurboForce Power Fan is currently the best-selling fan on Amazon, with more than 5,000 sold in the past month. With three speed settings and a 90° oscillating head, this compact fan is ideal for use on a table or desk, allowing users to stay comfortable while they work. It's designed to cool small to medium rooms and also comes with a handy wall mount. One five-star review says: 'This fan has been a lifesaver during warmer days and is surprisingly powerful for its size. It gives off a strong, steady breeze and really helps cool down the room quickly. 'I love that it's compact enough to fit on a table or shelf, but still has the power of a much larger fan. It's also not too noisy, which makes it perfect for using in the bedroom or while working.' It may not suit everyone though, as this buyer says: 'It's effective enough if you're one person sitting in one place but there's no oscillation so it's no good if you want to use it with others. Not as quiet as I'd expected either.' Dunelm Floor Fan – £50 This 16' Floor Fan from Dunelm has a 'powerful' 100W motor that makes it ideal for cooling larger spaces. It has three speed settings and an adjustable tilting head, with buyers describing it as 'robust and effective'. There's also a slightly larger 18' model for £65, but of the 16' model, one reviewer said: 'Great fan with plenty of power behind it. Great for keeping us cool on hot days.' Another said: 'Extremely happy with my robust and effective fan, would most definitely buy again.' However, this buyer said: 'It's very powerful even on the lowest setting. It is loud though. Sounds more like an aeroplane than a fan. Wouldn't recommend if it's for the bedroom at night.'
Scottish Sun
21 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Every driver in Britain must make vital car check as temperatures soar and heatwave ‘likely' this weekend
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DRIVERS have been warned to make a vital car check as temperatures across the UK soar. The easy check can save you thousands and makes sure that your car won't overheat in the scorching sunshine. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 One easy check on your car could save you thousands this summer Credit: Getty 3 The check is more important than ever when temperatures are higher Credit: Getty If your coolant levels are too low, then your car could quickly overheat. Vehicles don't actually use more coolant when the weather is hot, but overheat much more easily when the coolant is low. When refilling your coolant, your engine must be off - for your own safety. Then, fill the tank up to the "full" or "max" mark. If your car overheats, the cost to repair it can be astronomical so this one easy check could save you a huge amount of money. In the event that your car does start overheating, you must pull over as soon as you can - when it is safe. Switch on your hazard lights and get all passengers out of the car,. If possible, open your bonnet and take a big step back in case hot steam rushes out. Finally, leave your car for 30 minutes to let the engine cool down. There are several other checks that can keep your car road-ready in the hot weather. Car expert urges drivers to do two maintenance checks before summer heat – 'quarter test' could save on a tow Tyre pressure can be affected by warmer weather, as the heat can cause the air inside the tyres to expand. This can cause your tyre pressure to skyrocket, which comes with a host of issues. Not only does this increase the chance of tyre wear, but it can cause damage to your suspension - which is costly to repair. Some engine oils should also be replaced during periods of hot weather, if their viscosity will be affected by heat. The news comes as the UK braces for a heatwave which has already begun to smash records. Yesterday, Britain saw its hottest day of the year so far with temperatures in the South East climbing to 32.2C. In order to qualify as a heatwave, temperatures must be consistently reach a threshold temperature for at least three consecutive days. In the North and West of England, that temperature is 25C where it is 30C in the South. This weekend, meteorologists expect that the South East could see highs of a sweltering 33C, as the heatwave continues. Today, experts have warned that parts of the country could experience highs of 29C which has led thousands of Brits to flock to beaches across the country.
