1997 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 224

/r\ CAUTION: Fuel Use regular unleaded gasoline rated 87 octane or at higher. At a minimum, it should meet specifications ASTM D4814 in the United States and CGSB 3.5-M93 in Canada. Improved gasoline specifications have been developed bythe 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 least87. If the octaneis less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it's bad enough, can damage your engine. it You can be injured andyour vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it. 0 Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience, theproper replacement parts and tools before youattempt any vehicle maintenance task. Be sure touse the propernuts, boltsand other fasteners. "English"and "metric" If fasteners can be easily confused. you use the wrong fasteners, parts can later break or fall off. You could behurt. Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle Things you might add the outsideof your vehicle can to affect the airflow around it. This may cause wind noise and affect windshield washer performance. Check with your Chevrolet dealer before adding equipmentthe to outside of your vehicle. If you're using fuel rated at 87 octane or higher and you still hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But don't worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you're acceleratingor driving up a hill. That's normal, and you don't have to buy a higher octane to get rid fuel of pinging. It's the heavy, constant knock that means you have a problem. 6-3