Can I put 87 gas in my Acura TL?
Yes—you can generally use regular 87 octane gasoline as a baseline for many Acura TL models, but some years or trims may require or perform best with higher-octane premium fuel. Always verify the exact requirement for your specific vehicle in the owner’s manual or on the fuel-filler door label.
Gasoline octane measures resistance to knocking. Modern Acura TL engines use knock sensors and engine-management software to adapt to different fuels, but using an octane grade that isn’t recommended for your car can reduce performance or trigger timing adjustments. To stay safe and optimize performance, check the official guidance for your model year and engine, and consider premium if you notice pinging, reduced power, or if the manual specifies it.
Know your TL and its octane needs
To be sure you’re using the right fuel, check these sources before you fill up:
- Owner's manual: It lists the exact octane rating required for your specific vehicle and engine code.
- Fuel-filler door sticker: The sticker often shows the minimum octane or notes premium if required.
- Engine knock sensor behavior: If the car pings or timing is being retarded, you may benefit from higher octane.
- Dealer or Acura support: For VIN-specific confirmation, the dealer can verify the requirement.
Conclusion: The exact requirement varies by model year and engine variant. If the manual indicates 87 octane is acceptable, you can use 87; if premium is required, do not rely on 87 except in emergencies.
Octane basics for the TL
Understanding octane helps explain why the recommendation matters. Higher-octane fuel resists premature ignition under high compression, which can matter for engines with higher compression or more aggressive timing. If your TL’s engine is designed for regular octane, using higher-octane fuel won’t typically add horsepower but can offer better protection against knock under demanding driving. Conversely, using too-low octane in a high-compression engine can trigger knocking and protective timing adjustments, reducing performance.
What 87 octane means for your TL
87 octane is considered regular gasoline in the US. If your TL’s manual designates regular 87 as the minimum, you can fill with 87 without harming the engine under normal driving. If premium is recommended or required, you may notice improved throttle response and smoother operation when using at least mid-grade or premium fuel.
Symptoms of using too-low octane
Possible signs include audible knocking or pinging under load (such as climbing hills or towing), or the engine temporarily retarding timing to protect itself. If you notice persistent pinging, switching to a higher-octane fuel can help restore performance.
Practical guidance by situation
Before choosing a fuel grade, consider your usual driving pattern and local fuel options. The following guidelines help you decide when to stick with 87 or upgrade to higher octane:
- Daily commuting and normal driving: If the manual allows 87, regular gasoline is typically fine.
- High-load driving or hot climates: Higher octane (89–93) can help prevent knock and maintain performance.
- Engine ping or reduced performance: Switch to premium and monitor for improvement.
- Cost and availability: If premium isn’t readily available, you can use 87 as long as the car does not ping; expect a potential minor drop in performance or efficiency.
Conclusion: The right octane depends on your model, engine, and driving conditions. When in doubt, follow the manual’s guidance and consider higher octane if you encounter knocking or performance concerns, especially under load or in hot weather.
What to do if you accidentally fill with 87 on a premium-required TL
If you accidentally fill with 87 in a TL that requires premium, you likely won’t cause immediate damage, but you may experience reduced performance or occasional pinging. Drive normally and refuel with the proper octane at your next fill. Avoid aggressive acceleration until you’re back on the recommended fuel grade.
Summary
The key takeaway is to verify your exact TL’s octane requirement from the owner’s manual or the fuel-filler door label. 87 octane is commonly acceptable as a baseline for many TL models, but some years or trims require premium (91–93 octane) for optimal performance. When in doubt, opting for the higher octane can protect performance, particularly under heavy load, hot conditions, or spirited driving, while always following the manufacturer’s guidance keeps your TL running smoothly.
What happens if you put regular gas in an Acura TL?
Acura cars and SUVs are designed to get the best performance possible. With many now incorporating turbochargers, higher compression, and variable timing, regular-grade gas can cause pinging. Pinging, or spark knock, happens when fuel detonates before the spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder.
What gas goes in an Acura TL?
The required gas type for an Acura TL is premium unleaded fuel, typically 91 octane. Using a lower octane fuel may lead to reduced performance and efficiency, and in some cases, can cause engine knock or other issues over time, though the engine's computer can adjust for minor variations.
- Recommended fuel: Premium unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is required for most Acura TL models.
- Why it's needed: The high-compression engines in the TL require this higher octane to prevent pre-ignition (engine knock) and to run optimally.
- Impact of lower-octane fuel:
- Performance: You may experience a decrease in power and responsiveness.
- Fuel economy: The engine may be less efficient, resulting in lower MPG.
- Engine health: While the engine's computer can adjust for some variation, consistently using lower-octane fuel can lead to engine damage in the long run.
What happens if I accidentally put regular gas in my Acura?
Accidentally using regular gas in an Acura designed for premium won't cause damage but may reduce performance.
What happens if I put 87 in my Acura?
Possible Engine Knocking: Lower-octane fuel can cause engine knocking (a knocking sound), which can be damaging over time. Lower Fuel Efficiency: Regular gas may not burn as efficiently as premium fuel, which can cause lower miles per gallon (MPG).
