FUEL AND LUBRICANTS IN GUATEMALA
CREDIT CARD USE AND FRAUD
Because of runaway credit card fraud world wide, I must sadly recommend not using a credit card to pay for fuel in Guatemala. As always, the use of an ATM card drawing on a special "vacation VISA ATM account" with online account monitoring and funds transfer is strongly recommended for travel outside the USA. Check with your bank about establishing an ATM account such as this.
GASOLINE AND DIESEL
All automotive gasoline in Guatemala is unleaded. Diesel fuel is low sulfur around 150 – 300 ppm, roughly the same as non-ULSD in the USA. Familiar brands (exp: Shell, Texaco) are common, but don't expect to see four stations at a crossroads, or price wars. Currently the cost of gasoline is about thirty-three percent higher than in the USA. Spot shortages are not uncommon. It's best to keep your tank topped-off in rural areas. Premium grades are most commonly found in cities and large towns. Many RV'ers top off their tanks in Mexico, saving the equivalent of a dollar and a half (US) per gallon.
Contaminated fuel is more common than it is in Mexico, and much of the contamination is water along with rust, scale, (and fungus in diesel). An aftermarket fuel filter such as a Rācor® is the best protection, along with a handful of replacement filter cartridges.
Try to have a good assortment of smaller denomination banknotes to pay for your purchases . I once waited almost an hour for an attendant to go to the town's only bank and break a hundred quetzal note.
It is common to see gas stations guarded by personnel wearing body armor and toting a shotgun or automatic rifle. 24-hour stations are rare, and most are too small to allow overnight parking. The best selection of fuel additives is found in auto parts stores.
ENGINE LUBE OIL AND TRANSMISSION FLUID
Latin Americans seem infatuated with thick grades of engine oil and Guatemalans are no exception. About eighty percent of engine lube oil seems to be 40 weight. Some multi-grades are marked as high as 25W-70. Pennzoil, Quaker State, and Castrol are popular brands for gasoline engines, while Union 76, and Delvac are most popular for diesel engines. Diesel lube oil is commonly sold in 19 liter (5 gallon) plastic buckets. Your best bet in finding lighter grades of engine oil is with synthetic oils like Mobil 1 and Castrol. To avoid a prolonged snipe-hunt you may want to take your oil change and make-up engine lubricant with you.
Automatic transmissions are not as popular as standard transmissions but most grades of fluid can be found. Special application fluids such as for Allison transmissions should be taken along.
New car and cargo truck (Kenworth, Caterpillar, International, Detroit Allison) dealers in Guatemala City sell lubricants.
David