Fuel
Use regular unleaded gasoline rated
at
87
octane or
higher. It should meet specifications ASTM D48 14
in
the
U.S.
and CGSB
3.5-92
in Canada. These fuels
should have the proper additives,
so
you should
not
have
to add anything to the fuel.
In the
U.S.
and Canada, it’s easy to be sure
you
get the
right kind of gasoline (unleaded). You’ll see
“UNLEADED’ right on the pump. And only unleaded
nozzles will fit into your vehicle’s filler neck.
Be sure the posted octane
is
at least
87.
If the octane is
less than
87,
you
may get a heavy knocking noise when
you
drive. If it’s bad enough,
it
can damage your engine.
If you’re using
fuel
rated at
87
octane or higher and you
still hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
But don’t worry
if
you
hear a little pinging noise when
you’re accelerating or driving up a
hill.
That’s normal,
and you don’t have to buy a higher octane
fuel
to get rid
of pinging. It’s the heavy, constant knock that means
you have a problem.
What about gasoline with blending materials that
contain oxygen, such as MTBE or alcohol?
MTBE is “methyl tertiary-butyl ether.” Fuel that is
no
more than
15%
MTBE
is
fine for your vehicle.
Ethanol is ethyl or grain alcohol. Properly-blended fuel
that is
no
more than
10%
ethanol is fine for your
vehicle.
Methanol is methyl
or
wood alcohol.
Fuel that
is
more than
5%
methanol
is
bad
for
your vehicle. Don’t use it. It can corrode
I..,
parts in your fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn’t
be covered under your warranty. And even
at
5
or less, there must be “cosolvents” and
corrosion preventers in this fuel to help
avoid
these problems.
Gasolines for Cleaner Air
Your use of gasoline with detergent additives will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine and
fuel
system. That helps keep your engine in tune and your
emission control system working properly.
It’s
good for
your vehicle, and you’ll
be
doing your part for cleaner
air.
Many gasolines are now blended with materials called
oxygenates. General Motors recommends that you
use
231
To Next Page
Loading...
