Does the Acura ILX need premium gas?
The short answer is yes, the Acura ILX requires premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) for optimal performance and fuel efficiency. This is a common requirement for many luxury and performance-oriented vehicles.
Acura ILX Fuel Recommendations
According to the Acura owner's manual, the Acura ILX is designed to run on premium unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91. 1 Acura recommends using premium fuel to ensure the engine operates as intended and to prevent potential damage from using a lower-octane fuel.
The ILX's turbocharged 2.4-liter engine is tuned to take advantage of the higher octane rating of premium gas. Using regular 87-octane fuel could result in reduced power, decreased fuel economy, and potentially cause engine knocking or pinging, which can lead to long-term damage.
Why Premium Fuel is Recommended
Premium gasoline has a higher octane rating, typically 91 or 93, compared to regular gasoline which is usually 87 octane. 2 The higher octane rating allows the engine to operate at higher compression ratios and temperatures without experiencing premature detonation or "knocking".
Turbocharged engines like the one in the Acura ILX are particularly sensitive to fuel octane. The turbocharger increases the pressure and temperature in the engine, which can cause regular fuel to detonate prematurely. Premium fuel's higher resistance to premature ignition helps prevent this issue and allows the engine to perform as designed.
Consequences of Using Regular Fuel
- Reduced power and acceleration
- Decreased fuel economy
- Potential engine damage from knocking or pinging
- Voided warranty coverage if engine damage is caused by using improper fuel
While it may cost a bit more at the pump, using the recommended premium fuel is essential for the Acura ILX to operate safely and efficiently. Skimping on fuel quality could lead to long-term issues and expensive repairs down the road.
Can I put 87 gas in my Acura TLX?
According to Acura, the Acura NSX requires premium gas. For models like the RDX, MDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX, premium gas is recommended.
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.
Does an Acura Ilx require premium gas?
Acura ILX: Premium unleaded 91-octane fuel recommended. Acura TLX: Premium unleaded 91-octane fuel recommended. Acura Integra: Premium unleaded 91-octane fuel recommended. Acura RDX: Premium unleaded 91-octane fuel recommended.
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.
