Can I use 87 gas in an Acura RDX?
As a car owner, you might wonder whether using regular 87-octane gasoline in your Acura RDX is safe and efficient. This is a common question, especially with fluctuating gas prices and the desire to save money at the pump. At Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, we’re here to provide clarity on this topic.
Understanding the Acura RDX's Fuel Requirements
The Acura RDX is a luxury SUV known for its performance and reliability. Like many modern vehicles, it is equipped with a high-performance engine that may have specific fuel requirements. According to Acura, the RDX is designed to run optimally on premium gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. However, the question remains: can you use 87-octane gas in a pinch?
What Happens If You Use 87-Octane Gas?
Using 87-octane gas in an Acura RDX is not ideal but is generally safe for short-term use. Here’s what you need to know:
- Engine Performance: The RDX’s turbocharged engine is calibrated for higher-octane fuel. Using 87-octane gas may result in reduced performance, such as slower acceleration and less power.
- Fuel Efficiency: Lower-octane fuel can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, meaning you might end up spending more on gas in the long run.
- Engine Knocking: Regular gas can cause engine knocking or pinging, especially under heavy loads or during aggressive driving. While modern engines have knock sensors to mitigate damage, prolonged use of 87-octane fuel could lead to wear and tear.
When Is It Okay to Use 87-Octane Gas?
There are situations where using 87-octane gas might be unavoidable, such as when premium fuel is unavailable. In these cases, it’s important to drive gently and avoid high-performance demands on the engine. However, it’s best to return to premium fuel as soon as possible to maintain the health and efficiency of your vehicle.
Tips for Acura RDX Owners
To ensure your Acura RDX runs smoothly and efficiently, follow these tips:
- Always use premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) whenever possible.
- If you must use 87-octane gas, do so sparingly and avoid aggressive driving.
- Monitor your vehicle for any unusual sounds or performance issues after using lower-octane fuel.
- Schedule regular maintenance to keep your engine in top condition.
Conclusion
While you can use 87-octane gas in an Acura RDX in emergencies, it’s not recommended for regular use. Premium gasoline ensures optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and engine longevity. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help with all your car maintenance needs. If you have questions about fuel types or need assistance with your vehicle, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I put regular gas in my Acura?
When you fill your Acura's fuel tank with a lower octane level than is recommended, you'll experience pre-ignition (also known as engine knocking). Pre-ignition negatively affects your fuel economy and can damage your pistons or cylinder walls over time.
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 type of gas for Acura RDX?
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.
Does the 2024 Acura RDX take regular gas?
The Acura MDX, RDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX all run more efficiently on premium gas, but you can use regular gas if you need to.
How bad is it to put regular gas instead of premium?
If you fill up such a vehicle with regular fuel, you may indeed be voiding a warranty. 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.
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.
Does it matter if you use 87 or 89 gas?
No Vehicles Need 89-Octane Fuel
Even then, it's not required, only recommended. Using 87-octane fuel in any of them won't harm the powertrain. At worst, it could cause the engine computer to slow the ignition timing a bit or adjust the fuel injection, potentially lowering fuel economy or performance.
What if I accidentally put 87 instead of 91?
In a best-case scenario, your car will be fine, but your engine will run less efficiently and the amount of mileage you get per gallon will suffer. This is why it will not actually save you money to put “cheap” gas in a car that requires a more expensive option.
What is the best fuel for Acura RDX?
premium gas
For models like the RDX, MDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX, premium gas is recommended. So, does Acura require premium gas? Only some models, not all — our service department recommends using higher octane gas in Acura for a few reasons.
Can you put 87 gas in an Acura RDX?
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.
