Fuel (Alcohol and Gasoline) Types

General Motors customers will be potentially exposed to a variety of different fuel types. Besides the conventional gasoline available, new types such as Reformulated Gasoline (RFG), oxygenated gasoline, and starting in 1996, California Phase 2 RFG. Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) is blended to burn more cleanly and not to evaporate as readily. RFG must contain a minimum of 2 percent oxygen, which is usually achieved with ethanol or EPA-approved ethers such as methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE). This type of fuel is required by the Clean Air Act in the nine worst ozone non-attainment areas of the country, and may also be required in other areas designated ozone non-attainment, at the option of the states. RFG is intended to produce approximately 15 percent less pollution than conventional gasoline. Using RFG should reduce the total health risk to the public by reducing exposure to ozone and air toxins. General Motors supports the use of RFG as a cost effective means of providing air quality benefits.

Oxygenated gasolines are prevalent in the wintertime for Carbon Monoxide (CO) non-attainment areas. These fuels contain oxygen components similar to RFG. Approximately 50 percent of the fuel sold in the U.s. in the wintertime contains an oxygenate component.

Vehicle fuel economy may be slightly reduced, if at all, by the use of gasoline containing oxygenates. Fuel economy is most affected by engine and vehicle type, driving habits, weather conditions, and vehicle maintenance.

Properly blended RFG, oxygenated gasoline, and California Phase 2 RFG will have no adverse effect on vehicle performance or to the durability of engine and fuel system components. In fact, the General Motors Owner's Manual fuel statements have consistently permitted the use of properly blended fuels containing up to 10 percent ethanol (since 1980) and up to 15 percent methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) for current and all past model year vehicles. These statements continue to be valid. The use of oxygenate-containing fuels will not invalidate the GM vehicle warranty.