All About Types of Fuel Chevrolet Malibu Takes, You Need Know!
Chevrolet Malibu is undoubtedly an excellent and luxurious automobile that won hearts. Chevrolet manufactured, marketed, and introduced it in 1964-1983. It is a mid-sized car named after Malibu, a coastal area in California. We will cover all the correct types of fuel Chevrolet Malibu requires to perform efficiently which might be similar to Chevrolet Silverado.
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Let’s jot down a brief outline before we originate going into the details.
Hence, for Chevrolet Malibu, recommended is to use a 93 Octane-graded “premium” Gasoline for the big block Chevrolet (older models of Chevrolet Malibu). The small block (new models) requires a mid-graded 91 Octane-graded gasoline. But rest of the engines use a minimum of 87 octane-graded gasoline (Regular, unleaded) except for a few, which will be enclosed below.
Types of Fuel A Chevy Malibu Takes
Below are detailed answers to all of your queries, from which types of fuel (gasoline or diesel) Chevrolet Malibu requires to the consequences of using the wrong fuel type that is incompatible with your engine type. Stay tuned!
Why is Using Correct Fuel Types for Your Chevy Malibu Crucial?
However the question arises, why is it crucial to consume the correct types of fuel for your Chevy Malibu? The answer to this is as simple; to protect your engine from damage and keep your warranty from being void.
Types of Gasoline Based on Chevy Malibu Engine’s Type
Hence, based on your Chevy Malibu engine, the correct type of fuel is opted for. Below is the elucidation regarding the engines offered by the Chevy Malibu’s all 9 generations. And the compatible fuel/gasoline. However, if talking about its engine types, Chevy Malibu has two types of engines.
But now, new models of the Chevy Malibu have a variety of engines available.
The Chevy Malibu 1st Generation-1964 to 1967
To make sure that the engine runs smoother, cleaner, and with more power, it is suggested that the manual use of gasoline with a mid-graded 91 or premium 93 octane-graded is recommended, considering how old their vehicles are. 3.2 L in-line-6, 3.8 L in-line-6, and 4.1 L in-line-6 are recommended with an unleaded 87 octane-graded or greater regular gas.
Following are the 6 engines that are offered by the 1st generation of Chevy Malibu;
- 3.2 L in-line-6
- 3.8 L in-line-6
- 4.1 L in-line-6
- 4.6 L V-8
- 5.4 L V-8
- 6.5 L V-8 (premium)
The Chevy Malibu – 2nd Generation-1968 to 1972
For all the engines offered by the 2nd generation Chevy Malibu, Gasoline with a mid-graded 91 or premium 93 octane-graded is recommended, considering how old their vehicles are.
Given below are the 6 engines offered by this generation of Chevrolet Malibu;
- 5.0 L V-8 (premium)
- 4.6 L V-8
- 5.7 L V-8 (premium)
- 3.8 L V-8
- 4.1 L V-8
- 6.6 L V-8 (premium)
The Chevy Malibu – 3rd Generation-1973 to 1977
For all the engines offered by the 3rd generation, regular, unleaded gasoline with 87 Octane-rating is recommended. Except for the engine 4.1 L in-line 6, gasoline with a mid-graded 91 or premium 93 octane rating is also good.
Following are the five engines that the 3rd generation of Chevy Malibu;
- 4.1 L in-line 6
- 5.0 L V-8 (small block)
- 5.7 L V-8 (small block)
- 6.6 L V-8 (small block)
- 7.4 L V-8 (big block)
The Chevy Malibu – 4th Generation-1978 to 1983
To meet the government’s environmental standards, owners offer engines with smaller displacements. Use Gasoline with 91 Octane grading or higher for more efficient performance. Only for 4.1 L in-line-6 use an unleaded 87 octane-graded or greater, regular gas.
Following are the five engines that are offered by the 4th generation of Chevy Malibu;
- 3.3 L V-6
- 3.8 L V-6
- 5.0 L V-8
- 4.1 L in-line 6
- 5.7 L V-8
The Chevy Malibu – 5th Generation-1997 to 2003
For the engine offered by the 5th generation of Chevy Malibu, it is suggested to use an unleaded 87 octane-graded or greater, regular gas.
- 3.1 L V-6
The Chevy Malibu – 6th Generation-2004 to 2007
This 6th generation of Chevy Malibu offers 2 engines;
- L in-line-4
- 3.5 L V-6 (last Malibu’s V-6 being offered)
An unleaded 87 octane-graded regular gas or greater is suggested for both engines.
The Chevy Malibu – 7th Generation-2008 to 2012
All the engines offered by the 7th generation, such as in-line 4-s, are smooth and fuel efficient. It is suggested to use an unleaded 87 octane-graded regular gas or greater than this.
- 2.4 L in-line-4
The Chevy Malibu – 8th Generation-2013 to 2016
For all the engines offered by the 8th generation, except for 2.0 L Turbo, it is suggested to use an unleaded 87 octane-graded regular gas. For 2.0 L Turbo, a mid-graded 91 or a premium 93 octane-graded is suggested.
- 2.5 L
- 2.0 L Turbo
The Chevy Malibu – 9th Generation-2016 till Present
For all the engines offered by the 9th generation, except for 2.0 L Turbo, it is suggested to use an unleaded 87 octane-graded regular gas. For 2.0 L Turbo, a premium 93 octane-graded is suggested.
- 1.8 L (hybrid)
- 1.5 L Turbo
- 2.0 L Turbo
Are there Any Other Gas Varieties Available for Chevrolet Malibu?
Today, we have a variety of fuel options for our automobiles. But does Chevrolet recommend any of these for its Chevy Malibu ranges and generations? Let’s clear out the confusion, shall we?
Chevy Malibu Recommended Fuel
Utilize a Top-tier detergent gasoline, and a 93 Octane-graded “premium” Gasoline for the big block Chevrolet (older models of Chevrolet Malibu). In contrast, the small block (new models) requires a mid-graded 91 Octane-graded gasoline. The rest of the engines use a minimum of 87 octane-graded gasoline (Regular, unleaded) except for a few. There are differences between premium, regular and mid-graded gasoline. They can never be used in the same vehicle at the same time.
NOTE!
Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Equinox may take similar fuel types. Make sure to check our guides before making any buying decision.
Reformulated Gasoline Fuel (RFG)
RFG has a nature-friendly impact. Although there is no information regarding the usage of RFG in the Chevrolet Malibu owner’s manual, you can put it in your tanks. It increases the miles per gas number of your vehicle. It is also best for the area having smog at a higher concentration to decrease air pollution.
E-85 or Gasoline/Oxygenated Blends
Do not use flex-fuels in any engine choices. It has even been categorized as prohibited fuel by the Chevrolet Malibu. Fuel with a percentage of ethanol higher than 15% is not allowed. Only those designed in a certain way that can easily handle levels of ethanol can use it.
Gasoline Plus Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl (MMT)
Gasoline has Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl (MMT), which improves fuel’s octane with poor quality. Do not add this one to your tank, for it can damage the system of your vehicle that controls the emissions.
Gas with Added Materials
To keep your engine clean and up to the emission standards, a top-tier, gasoline (Detergent –gas), owners recommend using a Top-tier detergent gasoline. If this one is not present in your area, utilize an ACDelco-Fuel-System-Treatment-Plus as its alternative. Owners recommend putting these additives per oil change or every 9000 Miles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs’)
Can All The Generations of Chevrolet Malibu Consume RFGs As Fuel?
If all 9 generations of Chevrolet Malibu are eligible for Reformulation Gasoline Fuel, the answer to this is YES! consume RFG for all Chevrolet Malibu generations.
What Could Be the Reason for My Engine’s Knocking?
If you use lower octane-rated gasoline in your Chevrolet Malibu, it degrades the performance and economy of the engine.
Gasoline will burn prematurely if you put a lower octane gas in an engine with higher compression, causing an unsmooth burn and engine knock. Hence, using the correct gasoline fuel with the correct octane grading is crucial.
I heard a fainted-knocking sound from the engine. It indicates no danger. But if you hear a loud knocking sound, it is due to lower quality and lower octane-rate gasoline. To diminish the knocking-like noise, fill the tank with premium or mid-rated octane gasoline.
How to Locate a Flex-Fuel Vehicle?
A yellow bezel surrounding the inlet of the fuel tank indicates that your vehicle is flex-fuel. If you cannot find it there, you can check out the door of your fuel tank as well.
If your Chevrolet Malibu has a Flex-Fuel emblem and a yellow gas tank cap, it signifies it is E-85 compliant and safe to utilize E-85 fuel. But do not use flex-fuel gasoline, even if your engine is flex-fuel.
Own a Chevrolet Silverado? Read: Types Of Fuel Chevrolet Silverado Uses
DRIVERS’ REVIEWS! Regular Gasoline or Premium?
After conducting studies from various Chevy Malibu forums, the regular, unleaded gasoline with 87 Octane-rating has proved to work well. Whereas the ones using the premium gasoline with 91 or higher (93) Octane rating has proved to work much better for them. In short, use a premium, 93-octane-graded one for your Chevrolet Malibu.
According to some users, it is okay to use 87 octane-graded occasionally, but it will lower the performance of your engine. Do not use diesel or ethanol blends higher than 15% because it can ruin your engine.
Conclusion:
To conclude, use a 93 Octane-graded “premium” Gasoline for the big block Chevrolet (older models of Chevrolet Malibu). In contrast, the small block (new models) requires a mid-graded 91 Octane-graded gasoline. The rest of the engines use a minimum of 87 octane-graded gasoline (Regular, unleaded).
