Does the 2014 Acura Ilx require premium gas?
The short answer depends on which engine you have. The 2014 ILX base model with a 2.0-liter engine can run on regular 87-octane gasoline, while the available 2.4-liter engine is designed to perform best on premium gasoline (91 octane or higher).
In this article, we break down the fuel recommendations for the two engines offered in the 2014 ILX, explain why octane matters for high-compression motors, and offer practical guidance for fueling your car. This information is based on manufacturer guidelines and typical owner’s manuals for the model year.
Fuel requirements by engine
Engine-specific octane guidelines for the 2014 ILX are outlined below. Use the table as a quick reference to identify the octane you should use based on your engine type.
- 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine (base): Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is acceptable and is not required to use premium for normal operation. Premium may be used, but it’s not a minimum requirement for this engine.
- 2.4-liter engine (available): Premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher) is recommended for optimal performance and efficiency. Regular gasoline (87 octane) may be used in a pinch, but it can lead to reduced power and efficiency and is not advised for routine use.
Concluding: The ILX’s fuel requirement is engine-specific. If you own the base 2.0L model, you can rely on regular gasoline, but if you have the 2.4L variant, premium is the recommended choice to maintain stated performance.
Practical fueling guidelines
Before you fuel, consider octane needs, ethanol content, and regional fuel variations to ensure you’re using appropriate gasoline for your engine.
- Verify your engine type to know which octane requirement applies to your car. The VIN or window sticker can confirm whether you have the 2.0L or the 2.4L engine.
- Most 2014 ILX models are compatible with E10 (gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol). If you’re in an area that offers higher ethanol blends, do not use them unless your manual explicitly allows it for your engine.
- For the 2.0L engine, using 87 octane is typically sufficient for everyday driving; for the 2.4L engine, sticking with premium (91 octane or higher) is advised to preserve performance and prevent knocking.
Concluding: The decision to use regular versus premium in the ILX hinges on the engine. In daily driving, regular for the 2.0L is generally fine, while the 2.4L benefits more from premium and may be more sensitive to lower-octane fuels.
Why octane matters in high-compression engines
Octane rating measures a fuel's resistance to pre-ignition (knock) under load. Higher-compression engines, like the 2.4-liter version in some ILX models, can run more efficiently and deliver higher performance when fueled with premium. Running regular gasoline in such engines can trigger knocking under certain conditions, leading to reduced performance or potential long-term wear. Always follow the octane guidance for your specific engine to balance performance, efficiency, and cost.
Summary
For the 2014 Acura ILX, fuel requirements are engine-dependent. The base 2.0-liter model does not require premium and can operate on regular 87-octane gasoline. The 2.4-liter engine, however, is designed to perform best with premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) and may experience reduced performance on regular fuel. Always confirm your specific engine type via the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s identification details, and adhere to the recommended octane to maintain optimal performance and reliability.
What gas does a 2014 Acura ILX take?
The 2014 Acura ILX runs on premium unleaded gasoline, which is recommended by the manufacturer. While regular gasoline will work, using the recommended premium fuel will result in better performance, responsiveness, and fuel efficiency.
- Recommended fuel: Premium unleaded, which is at least 91-octane.
- Using regular gas: The vehicle will run, but you may experience reduced performance and fuel economy.
- For best results: To ensure your ILX operates as intended for longevity and optimal performance, it is best to stick with the recommended premium fuel.
Can you put regular gas in an Acura ILX?
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.
What year to stay away from Acura ILX?
However, some years are best avoided due to reliability concerns, and they are:
- 2013 Acura ILX.
- 2014 Acura ILX.
- 2016 Acura ILX.
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.
