1996 Buick Regal Owner's Manual - Page 225

Fuel Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at87 octane or higher. D4814 At a minimum, it should meet specifications ASTM in the United States and CGSB 3.5-M93 in Canada. Improved gasoline specifications have been developed by the American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) for better vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasolines meeting the AAMA specification could provide improved driveability and emission control system protection compared to other gasolines. 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's bad enough, it can damage your engine. If you're using fuel rated at 87 octane or higherand you still hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But don't worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you're accelerating or drivingup a hill. That's normal, and you don't have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of pinging. It's the heavy, constant knock that means you have a problem. If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission Standards (indicated on the underhood tune-up 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 pexformance may be affected.The malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel may turn on and/or your vehicle mayfail a smog-check test. If this occurs, returnto your authorized Buick dealer 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. In Canada, some gasolinescontain an octane enhancing additive called MMT. If you use such fuels, your emission control system performance may deteriorate and the malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel may turn on. If this happens, return to your authorized Buick dealer for service. 6-3