Can I put 87 gas in my Lexus IS?
As a proud owner of a Lexus IS, you may find yourself wondering about the best fuel options for your vehicle. With various fuel grades available, it's essential to understand what is best for your car's performance and longevity. In this article, we will explore whether using 87 octane gas is suitable for your Lexus IS and what factors to consider when making your choice.
Understanding Octane Ratings
Octane ratings indicate a fuel's ability to resist knocking during combustion. Higher octane fuels can withstand greater pressure before igniting, which is particularly important for high-performance engines. The Lexus IS is designed to run optimally on premium fuel, typically rated at 91 octane or higher. However, many drivers wonder if using a lower octane fuel, such as 87, is a viable option.
Can You Use 87 Octane Gas in a Lexus IS?
While it is technically possible to use 87 octane gas in your Lexus IS, it is not recommended. Here are some reasons why:
- Engine Performance: The Lexus IS is engineered for performance, and using lower octane fuel can lead to reduced power and efficiency.
- Knocking: Lower octane fuel may cause knocking or pinging in the engine, which can lead to long-term damage if it occurs frequently.
- Warranty Considerations: Using a fuel grade lower than what is recommended by the manufacturer may void certain warranties or service agreements.
What Happens If You Use 87 Octane Gas?
If you accidentally fill your Lexus IS with 87 octane gas, you may notice some immediate effects:
- Reduced Performance: You might experience sluggish acceleration and overall reduced engine responsiveness.
- Increased Emissions: Lower octane fuel can lead to incomplete combustion, resulting in higher emissions.
- Potential Engine Damage: Prolonged use of lower octane fuel can lead to engine knocking, which may cause serious damage over time.
Conclusion
In summary, while you can technically use 87 octane gas in your Lexus IS, it is not advisable. For optimal performance and to maintain the health of your engine, it is best to stick with the recommended fuel grade of 91 octane or higher. Always consult your owner's manual for specific fuel recommendations and ensure your vehicle runs smoothly for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Which Lexus takes 87?
| Model Year | Model(s) | Recommended Minimum Octane Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | NX 350h | 91 (recommended) or 87 (minimum) |
| 2021 | GX 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 450h | 91 |
| ES 250, ES 300h, ES 350, NX 300h, RX 350, UX 200, UX 250h | 87 |
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
