Does the 2010 Acura TSX require premium gas?

The short answer: Yes. Acura's guidance for the 2010 TSX is to use premium unleaded gasoline (octane rating 91 or higher) to maintain optimal performance and efficiency. Regular gasoline can be used only if premium isn’t available, but it may reduce power and fuel economy.

The 2010 TSX uses a high-compression 2.4-liter i4 engine designed to run best on higher-octane fuel. This article outlines what the owner's manual specifies, how octane affects performance, and practical implications for drivers in different situations.

Official fuel guidance for the 2010 TSX

The owner's manual for the 2010 TSX specifies premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. This recommendation aligns with the engine’s compression and performance characteristics, helping ensure the car delivers its rated horsepower and throttle response.

Impact of lower-octane fuel

Using regular (87 octane) gasoline can trigger the engine’s knock-retard safeguard, which can reduce horsepower and performance, particularly under heavy acceleration or hot conditions. In some markets, drivers have reported that the car will operate on regular, but with noticeable declines in performance and efficiency.

Practical guidance for TSX drivers

For drivers who frequently drive aggressively, tow or carry heavy loads, or operate in hot climates or at altitude, premium fuel is particularly advisable. If you do accidentally fill with regular, you can continue to drive, but expect diminished performance and potentially more engine ping under strain.

Before filling up, consider your typical driving conditions and the availability of premium fuel. Sticking with the recommended octane helps preserve the car’s intended performance.

Key considerations to keep in mind:

• Premium unleaded gasoline with octane 91 or higher is the recommended fuel for the 2010 TSX.


• Regular 87-octane fuel is not the recommended choice and may reduce performance.


• If you must use regular due to availability, avoid sustained high-load driving and return to premium as soon as possible.

In practice, using the recommended fuel supports the TSX’s horsepower, throttle response, and long-term reliability.

Regional and availability notes

Fuel availability varies by market. Some regions may label premium differently or offer higher-octane blends that meet the 91-octane threshold. When in doubt, consult your vehicle’s manual or a local Acura dealer for octane guidance specific to your region.

What to do if premium isn’t accessible

If premium fuel isn’t readily available, you can operate on the lowest-octane fuel available, but try to minimize sustained high-load driving and refuel with premium at the next opportunity to restore optimal performance.

Summary

The 2010 Acura TSX is designed to run best on premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. While the car can operate on regular gas in a pinch, doing so can reduce horsepower, throttle response, and fuel efficiency. For peak performance and engine health, rely on the recommended premium fuel and consult your manual or dealer if you have questions about octane in your region.

What happens if I put regular gas instead of premium in Acura?

If you don't use premium gas in an Acura that recommends it, you may experience reduced engine performance, such as less horsepower and acceleration, and decreased fuel efficiency. You may also hear engine knocking or pinging, and consistent use of lower-octane fuel could lead to long-term engine wear and carbon buildup over time. However, most modern Acuras have knock sensors that can prevent immediate damage from using lower-octane fuel in a pinch.
 
Effects of using regular gas in an Acura that recommends premium

• Reduced performance: The engine's performance, including horsepower and acceleration, will be less than its full potential. 
• Engine knocking: You may hear a metallic knocking or pinging sound from the engine, which is a sign of pre-ignition. 
• Lower fuel efficiency: The car may get lower gas mileage because the fuel isn't burning as efficiently. 
• Potential for carbon buildup: Over time, inefficient burning of the lower-octane fuel can lead to carbon buildup in the engine. 

When it's okay to use regular gas

• Check your owner's manual: The manual will specify if premium fuel is a requirement or a recommendation. For many models, using regular gas once in a while is not a problem. 
• If you are forced to: In a rare situation where premium gas is unavailable, your modern Acura can run on regular gas thanks to its knock sensors. 

When you must use premium gas

• If it's a requirement: For certain models like the Acura NSX, premium gas is mandatory, and using lower-octane fuel can cause significant engine damage. 
• If you experience consistent knocking: If you hear the knocking sound frequently, you should use premium gas to avoid potential damage. 

Does the Acura TSX use premium gas?

Yes, an Acura TSX is designed to use premium gasoline, with many models requiring 91 octane or higher for optimal performance and to prevent engine knocking. While the vehicle may run on regular gasoline, using it can lead to reduced performance, lower fuel efficiency, and occasional engine knocking. For long-term engine health and to get the best performance, using the recommended premium fuel is best.
 

• Recommended fuel: Acura recommends using premium unleaded gasoline, typically 91 octane or higher. 
• Performance impact of regular gas: Using regular gasoline can cause the engine to lose some performance and fuel efficiency. It may also lead to occasional engine knocking, though this is usually not an immediate cause for damage. 
• Long-term considerations: Using the recommended premium fuel ensures the engine operates as designed, providing the best performance and potentially increasing longevity. 
• Checking your vehicle: The most accurate information can be found on the inside of your fuel filler door or in your owner's manual, which will specify the required or recommended octane rating. 

Can I put regular gas in my Acura TSX 2010?

While your Acura vehicle will run fine on regular gasoline, using the recommended premium unleaded 91-octane fuel is sure to boost performance, increase longevity, and keep your Acura running as it should, providing you with the peace of mind you've been seeking.

What Acura models do not require premium gas?

The majority of the Acura lineup can safely use regular gasoline in a pinch, but there are good reasons to opt for premium anyway. The only model that requires the upgrade is the Acura NSX. But, premium is recommended for the MDX, RDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX. Find out why with Rallye Acura in Roslyn!