Black plate (55,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 8/27/12
Driving and Operating 9-55
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is
an important part of the proper
maintenance of this vehicle. To help
keep the engine clean and maintain
optimum vehicle performance, we
recommend the use of gasoline
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline.
Look for the TOP TIER label on the
fuel pump to ensure gasoline meets
enhanced detergency standards
developed by auto companies. A list
of marketers providing TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline can be found at
www.toptiergas.com. TOP TIER
gasoline is only available in the U.S.
and Canada.
Vehicles that have a yellow fuel cap
can use either unleaded gasoline
or ethanol fuel containing up to
85% ethanol (E85). SeeFuel E85
(85% Ethanol) on page 9‑57.
For all other vehicles, use only the
unleaded gasoline described under
Recommended Fuel on page 9‑55.
Recommended Fuel
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.
Gasoline Specifications
At a minimum, gasoline should
meet ASTM specification D 4814.
Some gasolines contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend
against the use of gasolines
containing MMT. See Fuel Additives
on page 9‑56.
Black plate (57,1)Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 8/27/12
Driving and Operating 9-57
Gasolines containing oxygenates,
such as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines might be
available in your area. We
recommend that you use these
gasolines, if they comply with the
specifications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and
other fuels containing more than
15% ethanol must not be used in
vehicles that were not designed for
those fuels.
Notice:This vehicle was not
designed for fuel that contains
methanol. 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 that are
not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant
where you buy gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend
against the use of such gasolines.
Fuels containing MMT can reduce
spark plug life and affect emission
control system performance. The
malfunction indicator lamp might
turn on. If this occurs, return to your
dealer for service.
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
Vehicles that have a yellow fuel cap
can use either unleaded gasoline
or ethanol fuel containing up to
85% ethanol (E85). For all other
vehicles, use only the unleaded
gasoline described under
Recommended Fuel on page 9‑55.
We encourage the use of E85 in
vehicles that are designed to use it.
The ethanol in E85 is a
“renewable”
fuel, meaning it is made from
renewable sources such as corn
and other crops.
Many service stations will not have
an 85% ethanol fuel (E85) pump
available. The U.S. Department of
Energy has an alternative fuels website (www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/
locator/stations/) that can help you
find E85 fuel. Those stations that
do have E85 should have a label
indicating ethanol content. Do not
use the fuel if the ethanol content is
greater than 85%.
At a minimum, E85 should meet
ASTM Specification D 5798 or
CGSB Specification 3.512. Filling
the tank with fuel mixtures that
do not meet ASTM or CGSB
specifications can affect driveability
and could cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to come on. As the
outside temperature approaches
freezing, ethanol fuel distributors
should supply winter grade ethanol,
the same as with unleaded
gasoline.
It is best not to alternate repeatedly
between gasoline and E85. If you
do switch fuels, it is recommended
that you add as much fuel as
possible
—do not add less than
11 L (3 gal) when refueling. You
should drive the vehicle immediately
after refueling for at least 11 km
