What Fuel to Use in Canada

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 GMC Sierra, 2010 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2010 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2010 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Canadian fuels are blended for seasonal changes. Diesel Type A fuel is blended for better cold weather starting, when it stays below -18°C (0°F). However, the fuel will produce a power and fuel economy loss. The use of Type A diesel fuel in warmer climates may result in stalling, poor starting. Diesel Type B fuel is blended for temperatures above -18°C (0°F). The emission control system requires the use of diesel fuel with ultra low sulfur, 15 ppm, content. Both low and higher sulfur fuels will be available in Canada. Only ultra low sulfur diesel fuels are available in the United States. Diesel-powered trucks must be refueled with ultra low sulfur fuel only. Use of fuels with higher-sulfur content will affect the function of the emission components and may cause reduced performance, excessive smoke and unpleasant odor.

It is acceptable to use diesel fuel containing up to 5 percent biodiesel (B5), but the final blended fuel must meet the same specification, CAN/CGSB-3.517 (ULS) in Canada, as other fuels used in your vehicle, and the biodiesel used for making this fuel must meet the latest version of ASTM specification D 6751. Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils or animal fat that have been chemically modified to reduce the possibility of damage to the fuel system and engine. Higher concentration (i.e. greater than B5) biodiesel-containing fuels or the use of unmodified bio-oils blended into diesel fuel at any concentration is not recommended and could damage the fuel system and engine. Such damage would not be covered by your warranty. If there are questions about the biodiesel-containing fuels you are using, contact your fuel supplier.