Gasoline Octane; Gasoline Specifications; California Fuel - Chevrolet Malibu 2010 Owner's Manual

If the vehicle has the 2.4L L4 engine (VIN Code 0) or
the 3.5L V6 engine (VIN Code K), you can use either
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel containing up to
85% ethanol (E85). See Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on
page 6 8. In all other engines, use only the unleaded
gasoline described under Gasoline Octane on
page 6 6.

Gasoline Octane

If the vehicle has the 2.4L L4 engine (VIN Code B), the
2.4L L4 engine (VIN Code 0), the 3.5L V6 engine
(VIN Code K), or the 3.5L V6 engine (VIN Code N), use
regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of
87 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 87, an
audible knocking noise, commonly referred to as spark
knock, might be heard when driving. If this occurs, use
a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. If heavy knocking is heard when using
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, the engine needs
service.
If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine (VIN Code 7), use
regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of
87 or higher. For best performance or trailer towing, you
could choose to use middle grade 89 octane unleaded
gasoline. If the octane rating is less than 87, an audible
knocking noise, commonly referred to as spark knock,
might be heard when driving. If this occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
6-6
possible. If heavy knocking is heard when using
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, the engine needs
service.

Gasoline Specifications

At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM
specification D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB 3.5 or 3.511 in Canada. Some gasolines
contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
We recommend against the use of gasolines containing
MMT. See Additives on page 6 7 for additional
information.

California Fuel

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 is not available in states
adopting California emissions standards, the vehicle
will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
might be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp could
turn on and the vehicle might fail a smog check test.
See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 4 34. If this
occurs, return to your authorized dealer/retailer for