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Can I put 87 in my Acura ILX?

The short answer is no, you should not put 87 octane fuel in your Acura ILX. Acura recommends using premium 91 octane or higher gasoline in this vehicle. Using a lower octane fuel can potentially cause engine damage and negatively impact the vehicle's performance.


Understanding Octane Ratings and Your Acura ILX


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 Acura ILX, are designed to run on higher octane fuels to prevent this uncontrolled ignition. Using a lower octane fuel can lead to engine knocking, which can cause damage over time.


The Acura ILX is equipped with a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine that requires a minimum of 91 octane gasoline, as specified by the manufacturer. This engine is designed to take advantage of the higher octane fuel to deliver optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and engine longevity.


Consequences of Using 87 Octane in an Acura ILX


Using 87 octane fuel in an Acura ILX can have several negative consequences:



  • Engine Knocking: The lower octane fuel is more prone to premature ignition, leading to engine knocking, which can cause damage to the engine over time.

  • Reduced Performance: The engine will not be able to operate at its full potential, resulting in a noticeable decrease in acceleration, power, and overall driving experience.

  • Decreased Fuel Efficiency: The engine may not be able to operate as efficiently, leading to reduced fuel economy and higher fuel consumption.

  • Potential Warranty Issues: Using a fuel type not recommended by the manufacturer could potentially void the vehicle's warranty if engine damage occurs.


To ensure the best performance, fuel efficiency, and long-term engine health, it is crucial to follow Acura's recommended fuel requirements and use premium 91 octane or higher gasoline in your Acura ILX.

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.



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.



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.



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.



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 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 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.”



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.



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.



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*


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.