Does the 2016 Acura Ilx require premium gas?
No, premium gasoline is not required for the 2016 Acura ILX. The car can run on regular 87-octane fuel, but Acura recommends using premium (91 octane or higher) for the best performance and refinement, especially on models equipped with the larger 2.4-liter engine.
In 2016 the ILX offered two gasoline engines and corresponding fuel guidance that can vary by market. This article explains the octane guidance, what the owner's manual says, and practical fueling tips for drivers.
Engine options and octane guidance
Before listing the specifics, note that the ILX's two available engines have different fueling considerations.
- 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline-4 (higher-performance option): Premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) is recommended to achieve peak power and smooth operation; regular can be used but may reduce performance under heavy acceleration or hot conditions.
- 2.0-liter i-VTEC inline-4 (base): Regular unleaded (87 octane) is acceptable for normal driving; premium is optional if you want enhanced performance or more immediate throttle response.
Conclusion: The ILX does not require premium fuel for everyday driving, but premium can be advantageous for certain engines and driving conditions.
What the owner’s manual specifies
Guidance from the manufacturer is the final authority. The 2016 ILX owner's manual typically notes that:
- Regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 can be used for regular operation.
- Premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher) is recommended to achieve optimum performance and engine efficiency, particularly with the 2.4L variant.
Note: Always check your specific trim, market, and the fuel door label for exact octane requirements, as they can vary by region and model year.
Practical fueling tips
These guidelines help drivers decide when to choose regular vs. premium based on use case and budget.
- For typical daily driving, regular 87 octane is usually sufficient and cost-effective.
- If you drive aggressively, frequently haul heavy loads, or hear knocking/pinging, consider premium gasoline and consult the manual or dealer for guidance.
- Some drivers may notice modest improvements in throttle response and perceived performance with premium on the 2.4L engine, though results vary by conditions and driving style.
Conclusion: Regular gas covers most daily needs, while premium gas is a tool for maximizing performance when desired or required by conditions. Always follow the octane guidance in your owner’s manual and on the fuel-door label.
Regional and vehicle-specific notes
Octane requirements can differ by market and VIN. If you’re evaluating a used 2016 ILX or a vehicle from a different country, verify the exact octane guidance for your specific car with the manual or a dealer.
Summary
In summary, the 2016 Acura ILX does not strictly require premium gas. Regular 87-octane fuel will operate the car normally, but premium (91 octane or higher) is recommended to maximize performance and engine efficiency, particularly for the 2.4-liter variant. Always refer to the owner’s manual and the fuel-filler-door label for the precise octane requirements for your trim and region. A mindful fueling choice can balance performance, longevity, and cost over the vehicle’s life.
What kind of gas does a 2016 Acura Ilx take?
The recommended gas type for a 2016 Acura ILX is premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher). While the car can run on regular 87 octane, using premium is recommended by the manufacturer to achieve optimal performance and fuel economy, as the engine is designed with high-octane performance in mind.
- Recommended: Premium unleaded (91 octane)
- Why it's recommended: The engine is designed to run optimally with premium fuel, which can help maintain horsepower, torque, and fuel economy. Using regular fuel is unlikely to cause damage, but performance may be slightly reduced.
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.
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.
