Can I put 93 in my Acura ILX?

Yes. If your Acura ILX calls for premium gasoline, 93 octane is safe to use and won’t harm the engine. It may not provide a noticeable performance or efficiency boost over 91-octane premium, but it is a valid option. Always verify your model year’s exact requirement in the owner’s manual.

Understanding the ILX octane requirement

The octane grade your ILX needs depends on the engine and model year. In the United States, Acura generally specifies premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating around 91 as the minimum for many ILX configurations. Some markets outside the U.S. or certain engine variants may have different minimums. If you see 93 octane listed as an option, you can use it safely, but you should not assume it will automatically deliver additional power unless your engine is experiencing knock issues on lower octane fuel.

Here’s how octane grades typically align with ILX engines and fueling decisions:

• Minimum recommended: premium gasoline around 91 octane (as stated in the owner’s manual for most ILX models).


• 93 octane: safe and compatible; may be chosen for consistency of premium fuel or in hot/high-load conditions, though gains are not guaranteed.


• Lower octane (87–89): generally not recommended if the manual specifies 91+; could cause knocking or reduced performance in higher-compression engines.


• Higher octane beyond 93: acceptable where available, but unlikely to produce meaningful improvements unless the engine is tuned for higher compression or experiences knocking on lower grades.

Bottom line: follow the octane specified by your owner’s manual. 93 octane is safe if premium fuel is required or recommended, but it is not a universal upgrade that will automatically boost power or efficiency.

What to expect when using 93 octane

Engine response, torque, and fuel economy may not noticeably change when using 93 octane unless your ILX specifically benefits from higher-octane fuel due to knock prevention or high-temperature operating conditions. If your engine knocks on 91 octane, upgrading to 93 can restore smooth operation. If there is no knocking on 91, you are unlikely to see a measurable difference with 93.

Here are common considerations to weigh when deciding whether to use 93 octane:

• Safety and compatibility: 93 octane is compatible with engines designed for premium fuel and will not harm the engine.


• Performance gains: most ILX models do not gain meaningful power or efficiency from 93 octane compared to 91 if they already run well on premium fuel.


• Cost vs. benefit: 93 octane typically costs more; any gains would be situational and often minimal.

If you’re unsure, a practical approach is to use the octane grade specified in your owner’s manual and consider 93 octane only if you frequently run into knocking on lower grades or if you drive in conditions that raise the risk of knock (hot climates, high-load driving, or repeated high-RPM use).

What to do if you accidentally fuel with a lower octane than recommended

If you inadvertently fill with a lower-octane fuel than recommended, you can usually continue driving normally, but monitor for knocking or unusual engine noise. Avoid rapid accelerations and heavy loads until you can refuel with the correct premium grade. The engine management system (knock sensors) will adjust timing to prevent damage, but prolonged operation on too-low octane can impact performance and efficiency.

• Refuel at the next opportunity with the recommended premium grade (91 or higher).


• Avoid aggressive driving until you’re back on the proper octane fuel.


• If you hear persistent knocking, have the vehicle inspected by a dealer or qualified technician.

Bottom line: 93 octane is a safe option for most ILX models where premium fuel is advised, but it isn’t a guaranteed upgrade. Always start with the owner’s manual guidance for your exact year and engine variant.

Summary

For the Acura ILX, use the octane grade specified in the owner’s manual. 93 octane is generally safe and acceptable if premium fuel is required or recommended, but it does not automatically deliver extra power or better fuel economy over the standard premium grade (typically around 91 octane). If you notice knocking on lower octane, upgrading to 93 may help. When in doubt, follow the manual and consult a dealer for model-year-specific guidance.

Can Acura Ilx use 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.

Can you put 93 in an Acura?

Acura RDX: Premium unleaded 91-octane fuel recommended. Acura MDX: Premium unleaded 91-octane fuel recommended. Acura NSX: Premium unleaded 91-octane fuel required/Premium unleaded 93-octane recommended.

What if I put regular gas in my Acura?

When it comes to fueling your Acura vehicle, there's often a misconception that premium gas is the only option. However, Acura vehicles are designed to perform efficiently with regular gasoline, providing a cost-effective solution without compromising performance.

Can I use 93 instead of 87?

Yes, you can use 93 octane instead of 87, but check your owner's manual to see if it's recommended or required. If your car is designed for 87, using 93 is a waste of money, though it won't harm the engine. If your car recommends 93, you may see benefits like slightly better performance and fuel economy, and if it requires 93, using 87 can cause engine damage. 
If your car requires 87 octane

• Using 93 is okay: Putting in 93 won't harm your engine, but it's a waste of money since your car can't take advantage of the higher octane. It may even slightly decrease fuel economy, according to Quora users. 

If your car requires 93 octane

• Using 87 is not recommended: Using 87 octane can cause engine knocking or "pinging," reduce performance, and potentially lead to engine damage over time.
• Your car's sensors will adjust: Modern engines have knock sensors that will adjust ignition timing to prevent damage, but this will result in reduced power and efficiency.
• Risk of voiding warranty: In some cases, using the wrong fuel could void your vehicle's warranty. 

If your car has a "recommended" octane rating 

• Using 93 might provide benefits: If your manual says 93 is recommended, your car's computer may be able to take advantage of the higher octane to improve performance, responsiveness, and fuel economy.
• Using 87 is an option but may have drawbacks: If you choose to save money by using 87, you may not notice a significant performance difference, but you might experience lower gas mileage and a less responsive engine.