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:
Hands-Free Phone
General Information without Touchscreen
To use the hands-free phone on vehicles
without a touchscreen radio, press ,
select Onstar Hands-Free Calling, then enter the desired number.
General Information with Touchscreen
Vehicles with a Hands-Free Phone system can use a Bluetooth-capable cell p ...
Braking
Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the
brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about three-quarters of a second. In that time,
a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20m (66 ft), which co ...
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the tires and the road, creating
less traction or grip.
Wet ice can occur at about 0°C (32° F) when freezing rain begins to fall, resulting
in even less traction. Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads
can be treated with sal ...
