Can I put 87 in my Acura ILX?
As the owner of Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, I often get asked about fuel requirements for specific vehicles. One common question is whether you can use 87 octane gasoline in an Acura ILX. Let’s dive into the details to ensure your car runs smoothly and efficiently.
Understanding Octane Ratings
Octane ratings measure a fuel's ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion. Higher octane fuels, such as 91 or 93, are designed for engines with higher compression ratios, which are often found in performance-oriented or luxury vehicles. Lower octane fuels, like 87, are typically suitable for standard engines.
What Does Acura Recommend for the ILX?
The Acura ILX is a luxury compact sedan that comes equipped with a high-performance engine. According to Acura’s official recommendations, premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher is required for optimal performance. Using lower-octane fuel, such as 87, can lead to engine knocking, reduced performance, and potentially long-term damage to the engine.
What Happens If You Use 87 Octane?
While the Acura ILX may still run on 87 octane fuel in a pinch, there are several potential downsides:
- Engine Knocking: The lower octane fuel may cause knocking or pinging, which occurs when fuel combusts prematurely in the engine.
- Reduced Performance: The engine’s performance and fuel efficiency may decrease, as it cannot operate at its intended capacity.
- Potential Long-Term Damage: Prolonged use of lower-octane fuel can lead to wear and tear on engine components, potentially resulting in costly repairs.
When Can You Use 87 Octane?
If you find yourself in a situation where only 87 octane fuel is available, it’s generally safe to use it temporarily. Modern engines, including the one in the Acura ILX, are equipped with knock sensors that adjust the engine’s timing to prevent damage. However, this is not a long-term solution, and you should return to using premium fuel as soon as possible.
Tips for Maintaining Your Acura ILX
To keep your Acura ILX running at its best, follow these tips:
- Always use premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher.
- Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections.
- Monitor your car’s performance and address any unusual sounds or behaviors promptly.
- Visit a trusted auto repair shop, like Kevin’s Autos, for professional advice and service.
Conclusion
While you can technically use 87 octane gasoline in your Acura ILX in emergency situations, it’s not recommended for regular use. To ensure optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and engine longevity, stick to premium gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. If you have any questions about your vehicle’s fuel requirements or need expert maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kevin’s Autos for assistance!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put regular gas in an Acura ilx?
Acura ILX: Premium unleaded 91-octane fuel recommended. Acura TLX: Premium unleaded 91-octane fuel recommended. Acura Integra: Premium unleaded 91-octane fuel recommended. Acura RDX: Premium unleaded 91-octane fuel recommended.
Should I use 87 or 89 gas?
The primary consideration is whether your car requires premium gasoline. If it does, you should use 87-octane only in an emergency. Otherwise, you risk hurting your engine. If your vehicle doesn't require premium gasoline, 89-octane will work just fine.
What happens if you accidentally put regular gas instead of premium in an Acura?
An Acura spokesperson referred us to the TLX's owner's manual, which states, “Use of lower-octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the engine and will result in decreased engine performance.”
Why does Acura need premium gas?
No, but many of our models come equipped with turbocharged or supercharged engines, which have a higher compression ratio requiring higher-octane gas for proper ignition. For the most specific information pertaining to your vehicle, reference your owner's manual or contact our Courtesy Acura team today.
Are Acura ILX good on gas?
Just check out the EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings for the 2022 Acura ILX below: 24 MPG city* 33 MPG highway* 27 MPG combined*
Can you put 87 gas in an Acura?
If you want to experience the full performance potential of your new Acura, it's best to opt for premium gas. Your luxury vehicle is still able to run on lower-octane or regular gas, but with this type of fuel, you won't be able to see all that it can do.
Which Acura takes regular gas?
Do All Acuras Require Premium Gas? Like we stated, premium gas is only recommended on the MDX, RDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX Acura models. You'll be safe on our Cherry Hill roads using regular gas in these automobiles. However, the engines in these models are designed for optimal performance when high-octane fuel is used.
What happens if I put 87 octane in my car?
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 if I accidentally put 87 instead of 89?
It shouldn't cause your vehicle any harm. The ECM (Engine Control Module) will compensate for the lower octane fuel. You might notice a drop in engine performance and possibly lower fuel economy; but nothing detrimental.
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.
