Fuel
FUELUse regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher. It is recommended that the gasoline meet specifications which have been developed by the American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and endorsed by the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association for better vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasoline meeting the AAMA specification could provide improved driveability and emission control system performance compared to other gasoline. In Canada, look for the "Auto Maker's Choice" label on the fuel pump.
Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it is bad enough, it can damage your engine.
If you're using fuel rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But don't worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you're accelerating or driving up a hill. That's normal, and you don't have to buy a higher octane to get rid of pinging. It's the heavy, constant knock that means you have a problem.
If you are towing a trailer, or it is very hot outside, 100°F (38°C) or more, you may get better engine performance by using a higher octane rated fuel.
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission Standards (indicated on the underhood emission control label), it is designed to operate on fuels that meet California specifications. If such fuels are not available in states adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but emission control system performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel may turn on and/or your vehicle may fail a smog-check test. If this occurs, return to your Saturn retailer for diagnosis to determine the cause of failure. In the event it is determined that the cause of the condition is the type of fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.
Some gasoline that are not reformulated for low emissions contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT); ask your service station operator whether or not the fuel contains MMT. Saturn does not recommend the use of such gasoline.
If fuels containing MMT are used, spark plug life may he reduced and your emission control system performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel may turn on. If this occurs, return to your Saturn retailer for service.
To provide cleaner air, all gasoline in the United States are now required to contain additives that will help prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel system, allowing your emission control system to function properly. Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
In addition, gasoline containing oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gasoline may be available in your area to help clean the air. Saturn recommends that you use these gasoline, particularly if they comply with the specifications described earlier in this section.
Properly blended fuel that is no more than 10% ethanol is fine for your vehicle.
NOTICE: Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Don't use it. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn't be covered under your warranty. Also, do not use diesel fuel in your vehicle.
FUEL IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
If you plan on driving in another country outside the United States or Canada. the proper fuel may be hard to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by the use of improper fuel wouldn't he covered by your warranty.
To check on fuel availability ask an auto club, or contact a major oil company that does business in the country where you'll be driving.