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Can you put 87 gas in an Acura?

No, it is generally not recommended to put 87 octane gasoline in an Acura. Acura vehicles are designed to run on higher octane fuel, typically 91 or 93 octane. Using a lower octane fuel can potentially cause engine damage and reduce performance in an Acura.


Understanding Octane Ratings and Acura Fuel Requirements


Octane rating is a measure of a fuel's resistance to premature ignition, also known as "knocking" or "pinging." Higher octane fuels can withstand higher compression ratios and temperatures before igniting, making them better suited for high-performance engines like those found in Acura vehicles.


Acura recommends using 91 octane or higher fuel in most of its models. Some high-performance Acura models may even require 93 octane fuel. Using a lower octane fuel can cause the engine to knock, which can lead to damage over time. The engine control system in an Acura is calibrated to work optimally with the recommended higher octane fuel.


Potential Consequences of Using 87 Octane in an Acura



  • Reduced engine performance and power output

  • Increased risk of engine knocking or pinging, which can cause long-term damage

  • Decreased fuel efficiency and higher fuel consumption

  • Potential triggering of the engine's knock sensor, leading to reduced ignition timing and further performance loss


While it may be tempting to save money by using a lower octane fuel, the potential risks to your Acura's engine make it advisable to always use the recommended 91 octane or higher fuel. Consult your Acura's owner's manual for the specific fuel requirements for your model.

What happens if you put 87 instead of 91?


The car will be fine. Every car manufacturer that requires 91 octane fuel knows that there will still be people who put 87 octane in the tank, so they don't factory tune the engine to self destruct on 87 octane. At most, the vehicle will pull timing and you'll be down a bit on power.



Is it okay to use 87 gas?


Using one tank of 87 Octane fuel won't cause any harm. Unless you prefer to have the tank drained, it's fine to use it up quickly and then continue adding 91 Octane fuel to dilute it. You should be okay. You might experience some spark knock during longer drives, but it's unlikely with short trips around town.



What happens if I put regular gas in my Acura?


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.



Does Acura take 87 gas?


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.


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.