Does the 2013 Acura TSX require premium gas?
When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, understanding the type of fuel your car requires is essential for optimal performance and longevity. If you own a 2013 Acura TSX, you might be wondering whether premium gas is necessary or if regular unleaded will suffice. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.
What Does Acura Recommend?
The 2013 Acura TSX is equipped with a high-performance engine that benefits from higher-octane fuel. According to Acura’s official recommendations, premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher is required for the TSX. This is particularly important for the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and the 3.5-liter V6 engines, as they are designed to operate efficiently with premium fuel.
Why Premium Gas Matters for the TSX
Using premium gas in the 2013 Acura TSX is not just a suggestion—it’s a requirement for several reasons:
- Engine Performance: The TSX’s engine is tuned to take advantage of the higher octane levels in premium gas, which helps prevent knocking and ensures smooth operation.
- Fuel Efficiency: Premium gas allows the engine to run more efficiently, which can lead to better fuel economy over time.
- Longevity: Consistently using the recommended fuel helps maintain the health of the engine, reducing wear and tear caused by improper combustion.
What Happens If You Use Regular Gas?
If you use regular unleaded gasoline (with an octane rating of 87) in your 2013 Acura TSX, you may notice a decline in performance. The engine may experience knocking or pinging, which occurs when fuel combusts prematurely in the cylinders. Over time, this can lead to engine damage and costly repairs. While the car’s engine control unit (ECU) may adjust to lower-octane fuel to prevent severe damage, this adjustment often comes at the expense of power and efficiency.
Conclusion
To keep your 2013 Acura TSX running at its best, it’s crucial to follow Acura’s recommendation and use premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. While it may cost a bit more at the pump, the benefits in terms of performance, efficiency, and engine longevity make it a worthwhile investment. If you have any further questions about fuel requirements or car maintenance, feel free to reach out to us at Kevin’s Autos—we’re here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you mix 87 and 91 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.
What happens if I don't use premium 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.
Is it OK to 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.
Do Acura TSX require premium gas?
The short answer, no. However, to get the most out of your vehicle, it is highly recommended. Learn more about your Acura vehicle with Weir Canyon Acura below. For more information, feel free to contact us anytime!
What happens if I accidentally put regular gas in my Acura?
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.
Which Acura models require premium 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.
Which Acura does not require premium gas?
Only one Acura model explicitly requires premium gas–the Acura NSX supercar–but there are other models that recommend you use premium gas over regular. 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.
Which Acura cars take regular gas?
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.
Can I put 87 gas in my Acura?
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.
What kind of gas does a 2013 Acura TSX take?
With the 4 cylinder TSX, you have the option to use Regular or Premium fuel. According to the manual and to the gas cap, Premium is "recommended", but NOT required.
