New legislation proposed by House Republicans regarding gasoline may just damage people's cars, as misleading information encourages older cars to use E15 fuel, even if they are not actually compatible.In order to slash already-high gas prices, House Republicans have proposed more widespread use of E15 fuel.Typically, gas stations sell E10 fuel, which contains 10 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline, according to previous Newsweek reports. E15 fuel, while cheaper, is a more diluted version that is not compatible with all cars.AdvertisementAdvertisementOfficially, E10 fuel is approved for all cars built from 2001 onward, but TikTok user and self-described data analyst Brittany Fisher, as brittanyfisherbff, says that this is not actually true.Stock image: A woman filling up a car at a gas station.In her video, Fisher cites the Ford website as an example, which states that Ford vehicles after the model year 2013 are capable of using E15 fuel—12 years after regulation advises. Any Ford model built before 2013 is limited to E10.This development is concerning for auto owners who may have a vehicle made between this 12 year period. While they may assume their car can use E15 fuel, they are actually filling it up with gas that can cause damage.Luckily, Fisher is sharing how drivers can determine what fuel their car can handle.Missing Information?In each individual car's Owner's Manual, a section in the back has summary information, including guidance on what gasoline can be safely used. In some cases, like with Fisher's Honda, information is missing on whether E15 will be accepted.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf needed, drivers can then visit the "fuel recommendation" page of their manual, which should reveal what percentage of ethanol can be used.Reading her own manual, Fisher discovered that she cannot use E15 in her 2009 Honda Accord.In the TikTok comments section, many were upset that they did not know this sooner and that the legislation's advice is so inaccurate."My brand new 2026 vehicle cannot use 15 percent ethanol and using it actually voids my car's warranty. Everyone needs to be looking up this information for their vehicle regardless of vehicle age," one outraged driver responded, sharing that even newer cars may be affected by this change.Others shared that, if someone accidentally uses E15 when they should not, they can be held accountable for any damages.AdvertisementAdvertisement"PLEASE ALSO NOTE: if you put E15 in your car and it cannot take E15, you are held liable for the damage it does to your vehicle. Because gas stations HAVE to label it as E15 and the owner manual HAS to list it," one person warned.Daily DifficultyAs E15 becomes more prominent, drivers will have to seek out gas stations that do not carry it, which can make this everyday task more difficult."Pure-gas.org tells you which gas stations aren't using E15," a helpful commenter advised.For some, though, E15 may become the only option if they want to opt for cheaper gas prices, meaning everyone else will just have to pay more to keep their cars in working order, calling into question the effectiveness of the legislation.AdvertisementAdvertisement"If this is your only gas station, you need to buy gas, it's gonna have to be premium," Fisher laments.Newsweek has reached out to brittanyfisherbff for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.Related ArticlesBoston Dynamics' Robot Dogs Will Be Patrolling the FIFA World Cup 2026 Thanks to HyundaiPolestar 5 Is the New Tesla Model SNVIDIA Tech Speeds Up Widespread Autonomous Car AdoptionStart your unlimited Newsweek trial
