Fuel

FUEL USAGE STATEMENT
Your vehicle was designed to meet all emission regulations and provide excellent fuel economy using high quality unleaded gasoline. Only use unleaded gasoline having a minimum posted octane of 87.

If your vehicle develops occasional light spark knock (ping) at low engine speeds, this is not harmful. However, continued heavy knock at high speeds can cause damage and the cause should be repaired immediately. Engine damage as a result of heavy knock operation may not be covered by a vehicle manufacturers warranty.

In addition to using unleaded gasoline with the proper octane rating, those that contain detergents, corrosion and stability additives are recommended. Using gasoline that have these additives will help improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and maintain vehicle performance. Generally, premium unleaded gasoline contain more additive than regular unleaded gasoline.

Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard starting, stalling and stumble. If you experience these problems, use another brand of gasoline before considering service for the vehicle.

GASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDS
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with materials that contain oxygen such as alcohol, MTBE and ETBE. The type and amount of oxygenate used in the blend is important. The following are generally used in gasoline blends:

Ethanol
Ethanol (Ethyl or Grain Alcohol) properly blended, is used as a mixture of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline. Gasoline with ethanol may be used in your vehicle.

Methanol

CAUTION: DO NOT USE GASOLINES CONTAINING METHANOL.

Use of methanol/gasoline blends may result in starting and driveability problems. In addition, damage may be done to critical fuel system components.


Methanol (Methyl or Wood Alcohol) is used in a variety of concentrations blended with unleaded gasoline. You may encounter fuels containing 3 percent or more methanol along with other alcohols called cosolvents.

Problems that are the result of using methanol/gasoline blends may not be covered by the vehicle manufacturers warranty.

MTBE/ETBE
Gasoline and Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) blends are a mixture of unleaded gasoline and up to 15 percent MTBE. Gasoline and ETBE (Ethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) are blends of gasoline and up to 17 percent ETBE. Gasoline blended with MTBE or ETBE may be used in your vehicle.

CLEAN AIR GASOLINE
Many gasoline are now being blended that contribute to cleaner air, especially in those areas of the country where air pollution levels are high. These new blends provide a cleaner burning fuel and some are referred to as Reformulated Gasoline.

In areas of the country where carbon monoxide levels are high, gasoline are being treated with oxygenated materials such as MTBE, ETBE and ethanol.