Does the Acura TL SH-AWD require premium gas?
As a car owner, understanding the fuel requirements of your vehicle is crucial for maintaining its performance and longevity. If you own or are considering purchasing an Acura TL SH-AWD, you might be wondering whether it requires premium gasoline. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.
What Does Acura Recommend?
The Acura TL SH-AWD, particularly models equipped with the 3.7L V6 engine, is designed to deliver optimal performance when using premium gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Acura explicitly recommends premium gas for these vehicles to ensure the engine operates efficiently and to prevent potential long-term damage.
Why Premium Gasoline Matters
Premium gasoline is not just a marketing gimmick—it has a higher octane rating, which makes it more resistant to knocking or pre-ignition in high-performance engines like the one in the Acura TL SH-AWD. Here’s why it’s important:
- Engine Performance: Premium gas helps the engine achieve its intended horsepower and torque levels.
- Fuel Efficiency: Using the recommended fuel can improve your car’s fuel economy over time.
- Engine Longevity: Regular use of premium gas reduces the risk of engine knocking, which can cause damage to internal components.
What Happens If You Use Regular Gas?
While the Acura TL SH-AWD can technically run on regular gasoline (87 octane), doing so is not ideal. Using regular gas may lead to reduced performance, lower fuel efficiency, and potential engine knocking under certain driving conditions. Over time, this could result in increased wear and tear on the engine, leading to costly repairs.
Is It Worth the Extra Cost?
Premium gasoline typically costs more than regular gas, but the benefits it provides for vehicles like the Acura TL SH-AWD often outweigh the additional expense. By using the recommended fuel, you’re investing in your car’s performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability.
Conclusion
In summary, the Acura TL SH-AWD requires premium gasoline to perform at its best. While it may be tempting to save a few dollars by using regular gas, doing so could compromise your vehicle’s performance and longevity. At Kevin’s Autos, we always recommend following the manufacturer’s guidelines to keep your car running smoothly. If you have any questions about fuel requirements or need assistance with your vehicle, feel free to reach out to us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will regular gas ruin my premium car?
However, remember this: when a premium fuel engine runs on regular fuel, there's a risk of combustion of the fuel mix before the spark plug even lights up. This causes a phenomenon called knocking, which is likely to damage the engine.
Can I put 87 in my Acura?
If you want to experience the full performance potential of your new Acura, it's best to opt for premium gas. Your luxury vehicle is still able to run on lower-octane or regular gas, but with this type of fuel, you won't be able to see all that it can do.
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.
What happens if I put 87 instead of 93?
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.
What gas does a 2011 Acura TL take?
Premium Unleaded
2011 Acura TL - Specifications
| POWERTRAIN | TL SH-AWD® |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.7-liter, SOHC V-6 |
| Alternator | 12 volt – 130 amp |
| Battery | 12 volt – 65Ah/20hr |
| Required Fuel | Premium Unleaded |
Is it OK to put regular gas in a premium car?
If your car requires premium to run smoothly, but you aren't able to find a station with premium gasoline, it won't hurt to top off with regular gasoline. You do want to avoid running on regular gasoline for extended periods of time.
Does my Acura TL really need premium gas?
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 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.
Can I mix regular and premium gas?
There's nothing wrong with mixing premium and regular gas in the same tank. In fact, this is how midgrade gas is formulated at the station. Rather than drawing from a separate storage tank for each octane rating, gas pumps actively mix high-octane fuel with lower-octane fuel to create midgrade gas.
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.
