Chevrolet Spark Owners Manual: Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the proper maintenance of this vehicle. When driving in the U.S. and Canada, to help keep the engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle performance, we recommend using TOP TIER Detergent Gasolines.
See www.toptiergas.com for a list of TOP TIER Detergent Gasolines.
Use regular unleaded gasoline meeting ASTM specification D4814 with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. Do not use gasoline with an octane rating below 87, as it may cause engine damage and will lower fuel economy.
Use of Seasonal Fuels
Use summer and winter fuels in the appropriate season. The fuels industry automatically modifies the fuel for the appropriate season.
If fuel is left in the vehicle tank for long periods of time, driving or starting could be affected. Drive the vehicle until the fuel is at one-half tank or less, then refuel with the current seasonal fuel.
Prohibited Fuels
Gasolines containing oxygenates such as ethers and ethanol, as well as reformulated gasolines, are available in some cities. If these gasolines comply with the previously described specification, then they are acceptable to use.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing more than 15% ethanol must be used only in FlexFuel vehicles.
Caution
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under the vehicle warranty.
Some gasolines, mainly high octane racing gasolines, can contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). Do not use gasolines and/or fuel additives with MMT as they can reduce spark plug life and affect emission control system performance. The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on. If this occurs, see your dealer for service.
- California Fuel Requirements
- Fuels in Foreign Countries
- Fuel Additives
- Filling the Tank
- Filling a Portable Fuel Container
Driver Assistance Systems
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
If equipped, the RVC system can assist the driver when backing up by displaying
a view of the area behind the vehicle.
Warning
The camera(s) do not display children, pede ...
California Fuel Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet California Emissions Standards, it is designed
to operate on fuels that meet California specifications. See the underhood emission
control label. If this fuel i ...
Other materials:
Jump Starting
For more information about the vehicle battery, see Battery on page 10-22.
If the battery has run down, try to use another vehicle and some jumper cables
to start your vehicle.
Be sure to use the following steps to do it safely.
Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessorie ...
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it.
But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer will order you an extender.
When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender
will be long enough for you. To help avoid personal inju ...
If No Steam Is Coming from the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steam can be seen or heard,
the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot
when the vehicle:
Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
Stops after high-speed driving.
Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the ...
