Chevrolet Captiva Owners Manual: 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 may be heard. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible. If heavy knocking is heard when using gasoline with a higher octane rating, the engine needs service.

Use of Seasonal Fuels

Use summer and winter fuels in the appropriate season. Driving or starting could be affected if the incorrect fuel is used. Drive the vehicle with the engine running until the fuel is a 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 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 that are not reformulated for low emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). Do not use gasolines 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.

Captiva Sport typically recommends using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87. It's important to avoid using fuels with higher octane ratings unless specified, as they may not provide any additional benefits and could potentially harm the engine or emission control system. Additionally, using lower octane fuels than recommended can lead to engine knocking or reduced performance, so it's best to stick to the manufacturer's recommendations.

When it comes to seasonal fuels, such as winter or summer blends, it's generally safe to use them as long as they meet the minimum octane rating specified for the vehicle. These seasonal blends are formulated to perform optimally in different temperature ranges and may contain additives to prevent fuel line freezing in winter or improve fuel efficiency in summer. However, always ensure that the seasonal fuel you're using meets the vehicle's requirements to avoid any issues.

It's crucial to never use prohibited fuels in the 2016-20018 Chevrolet Captiva or any vehicle. Prohibited fuels may include diesel, E85 (85% ethanol blend), or any other fuel not explicitly recommended by the manufacturer. Using these fuels can cause severe damage to the engine, fuel system, and emission control components. If you're unsure about which fuel to use or have any concerns, consult the vehicle's owner's manual or contact a certified Chevrolet dealership for guidance.