Page 266 of 374

6-4 Gasoline Specifications
It is recommended that gasoline meet specifications
which were developed by the American Automobile
Manufacturers Association and endorsed by the
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association for better
vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasolines
meeting these specifications could provide improved
driveability and emission control system performance
compared to other gasolines.
In Canada, look for
the ªAuto Makers'
Choiceº label on
the pump.
Canada Only
California Fuel
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (see the underhood emission control label), it is
designed to operate on fuels that meet California
specifications. If this fuel is 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 may turn on (see ªMalfunction
Indicator Lampº in the Index) and your vehicle may fail a
smog
-check test. If this occurs, return to your authorized
GM dealer for diagnosis. If it is determined that the
condition is caused by the type of fuel used, repairs may
not be covered by your warranty.
Additives
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane
-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT);
ask the attendant where you buy gasoline whether the fuel
contains MMT. General Motors does not recommend the
use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce
the life of spark plugs and the performance of the emission
control system may be affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp may turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized
GM dealer for service.
Page 269 of 374

6-7
CAUTION:
If you get gasoline on yourself and then
something ignites it, you could be badly burned.
Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the
fuel cap too quickly. This spray can happen if
your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot
weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and wait for
any ªhissº noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap
all the way.
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See ªCleaning the
Outside of Your Vehicleº in the Index.When you put the fuel cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make sure
you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. See ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº in
the Index.
NOTICE:
If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get the
right type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you
get the wrong type, it may not fit properly. This
may cause your malfunction indicator lamp to
light and may damage your fuel tank and
emissions system. See ªMalfunction Indicator
Lampº in the Index.
Page 312 of 374

6-50 Inflation -- Tire Pressure
The Tire-Loading Information label, which is on the
inside of the trunk lid, shows the correct inflation
pressures for your tires when they're cold. ªColdº
means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three
hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
NOTICE:
Don't let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right. It's not. If your tires
don't have enough air (underinflation), you can
get the following:
Too much flexing
Too much heat
Tire overloading
Bad wear
Bad handling
Bad fuel economy
NOTICE: (Continued)
NOTICE: (Continued)
If your tires have too much air (overinflation),
you can get the following:
Unusual wear
Bad handling
Rough ride
Needless damage from road hazards
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Don't forget your compact spare tire. It should be
at 60 psi (420 kPa).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket
-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can't tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they're underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt
and moisture.