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Can I put 87 gas in my Lexus IS?

No, it is not recommended to put 87 octane gasoline in a Lexus IS. The Lexus IS requires a higher octane fuel, typically 91 or 93 octane, as specified by the manufacturer. Using a lower octane fuel can potentially cause engine knocking and damage over time.


Understanding Octane Ratings and Your Lexus IS


Octane rating is a measure of a fuel's resistance to premature ignition, also known as "knocking" or "pinging." Higher-performance engines, like the one in the Lexus IS, are designed to run on higher octane fuels to prevent this knocking. Using a lower octane gas than recommended can lead to increased engine wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and potentially even engine damage over time.


The Lexus IS is engineered to perform optimally with 91 or 93 octane gasoline. This is because the engine's high-compression design requires a fuel that can withstand the increased pressure and temperature without prematurely igniting. Using 87 octane gas, which has a lower resistance to knocking, can cause the fuel to ignite too early, leading to engine knocking and reduced performance.


Consequences of Using 87 Octane in a Lexus IS



  • Engine Knocking: The lower octane fuel is more prone to premature ignition, causing a knocking or pinging sound in the engine. This can lead to accelerated engine wear over time.

  • Reduced Fuel Efficiency: The engine may not be able to operate as efficiently with the lower octane fuel, resulting in decreased fuel economy.

  • Potential Engine Damage: Prolonged use of an incorrect fuel octane can potentially cause more serious engine issues, such as increased wear on engine components or even engine failure.


It's important to always refer to your Lexus IS owner's manual or the fuel information label inside the fuel door to determine the recommended octane rating for your vehicle. Using the correct fuel is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your Lexus IS engine.

Can mixing 87 and 89 mess up your car?


So, is it bad to mix gas? While it won't cause any significant issues, it's not a good idea to mix 87 and 89 gas. If you find yourself in a situation where you must combine the two types of gas, it's not the end of the world. Your car will be fine, but you may notice a decrease in performance.



What to do if I accidentally put 87 instead of 93?


For some car models, higher octane fuel is recommended instead of required. If that's you, the lower stuff should be sufficient enough to not cause problems. But if you hear knocking and pinging noises, or you're not getting the mileage you should, switch to higher octane gas at your next fill up.



Will regular gas damage a premium engine?


This will most often come into play if substituting regular for premium leads to significant engine knock or pinging that causes damage to the pistons or other engine components. Aside from those complications, you could also experience a decrease in fuel efficiency and overall engine performance.



Which Lexus takes 87?


Model YearModel(s)Recommended Minimum Octane Rating
2022NX 350h91 (recommended) or 87 (minimum)
2021GX 460, IS 300, IS 350, LC 500, LC 500C, LC 500h, LS 500, LS 500h, LX 570, NX 300, RC 300, RC 350, RC F, RX 450h91
ES 250, ES 300h, ES 350, NX 300h, RX 350, UX 200, UX 250h87



What happens if I put the wrong gas in my Lexus?


Pumping the wrong fuel into your Lexus car can have serious consequences. Gasoline in a diesel engine can cause damage to the fuel system, engine misfire, and fuel contamination. Diesel in a gasoline engine can cause damage to the fuel system, engine damage, and reduced engine performance.



What happens if I put 87 instead of 91?


If you put lower-octane fuel into your high-octane vehicle, whether by mistake or to save money on gas, you'll probably notice the effects right away: things like poor fuel economy, reduced acceleration, and spark knock, which sounds like a high-pitched pinging or rattling noise.



What happens if you put regular gas in a premium car?


However, remember this: when a premium fuel engine runs on regular fuel, there's a risk of combustion of the fuel mix before the spark plug even lights up. This causes a phenomenon called knocking, which is likely to damage the engine. Although Mazda recommends using premium fuel, they don't require it.



Can Lexus take 89?


You must only use unleaded gasoline in the RX, with an octane rating of 87 or higher. This means the Lexus RX does not require premium gasoline, as the premium octane rating is 91 or higher. Of course, you are free to put premium gas in your Lexus RX, as it can provide better performance, but it is not needed.



What happens if I put 87 in my Lexus?


For one, too low grade gas leads to engine knocking, which can damage your engine in the long run. In addition, using regular gas when you should use premium could void your warranty, which will cost you much more than your small savings at the pump.



Can my Lexus take regular gas?


The answer depends on the specific 2024 Lexus model you own. While some models are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline, several high-performance and luxury models are engineered to get the best performance with premium fuel.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.