Can I put 87 in my Acura Integra?
As a car owner, understanding the fuel requirements of your vehicle is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. If you own an Acura Integra, you may be wondering whether it's acceptable to use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. In this article, we will explore the implications of using 87 octane fuel in your Acura Integra and provide guidance on the best practices for fueling your vehicle.
Understanding Octane Ratings
Octane ratings measure a fuel's ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion. Higher octane fuels can withstand greater compression before igniting, which is particularly important for high-performance engines. The Acura Integra, depending on the model year and engine type, may have specific fuel requirements that affect its performance.
Can You Use 87 Octane Fuel?
Most Acura Integra models are designed to run on premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher. However, using 87 octane fuel is generally possible, but it may come with some trade-offs:
- Performance: Using 87 octane may lead to reduced engine performance, including lower horsepower and acceleration.
- Fuel Efficiency: You might notice a decrease in fuel efficiency, as the engine may not operate as efficiently on lower octane fuel.
- Engine Knock: While modern engines are equipped with knock sensors that can adjust timing to prevent damage, prolonged use of lower octane fuel can still lead to knocking, which may affect engine longevity.
Recommendations for Acura Integra Owners
If you own an Acura Integra, here are some recommendations regarding fuel usage:
- Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always refer to your owner's manual for the recommended fuel type. This ensures that you are using the best fuel for your specific model.
- Consider Premium Fuel: For optimal performance and efficiency, it is advisable to use premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher.
- Monitor Engine Performance: If you choose to use 87 octane fuel, pay attention to any changes in engine performance or efficiency, and consider switching back to premium if you notice issues.
Conclusion
While it is technically possible to use 87 octane fuel in your Acura Integra, it is not recommended for maintaining the best performance and efficiency. For the longevity of your vehicle and to ensure it runs smoothly, sticking to the manufacturer's fuel recommendations is the best practice. If you have any further questions about your vehicle's maintenance or fuel requirements, feel free to reach out to us at Kevin's Autos for expert advice!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Is it bad to mix 87 and 90 gas?
Yes, drivers can mix the two types of fuel. The combined gas types will result in an octane level somewhere in the middle — something the vehicle “will survive,” according to The Drive.
Will regular gas damage a premium engine?
Should I use regular or premium gas? You should use the type of fuel the vehicle's manufacturer recommends. A vehicle that runs on regular gas will not run any better on premium fuel. Using premium gas in a vehicle designed for premium gas will help the car perform better and avoid damaging the engine with regular gas.
Can an Acura run on regular gas?
According to Acura, premium gas is required for the Acura NSX, and it's recommended for the MDX, RDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX. The answer to the question, “Do all Acuras require premium gas?” is no — but it's recommended that you use a higher-octane fuel in your Acura for several reasons.
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.
What happens if I put 87 in my Acura?
Acuras can operate with regular gas, however, you won't be able to unleash the full potential of your vehicle without a higher octane fuel.
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 mix 87 and 93 gas?
Mixing 93 and 87 gas doesn't have any ill effects. It simply creates a new formula referred to as “midgrade” that's often available in gas stations. Additionally, the difference between premium and regular gas is that the premium ones are of higher quality.
Can you use regular 87 gas?
Regular gas with an 87 octane level is suitable for most engines, while some high-output engines require premium gas with higher (91-94) octane levels. Engines designed for regular-octane gas gain little to no benefit from using high-octane fuel.
What gas does the Acura Integra take?
Premium unleaded 91 octane fuel
If you're the proud owner of a new Acura sedan or SUV, Premium unleaded 91 octane fuel is required to make it run – and recommended for the following Acura models: Acura Integra. Acura TLX. Acura RDX.
