Should I put premium gas in my Acura?

Premium gasoline is generally required or strongly recommended for most Acura turbocharged or high‑compression engines. If your model isn’t turbocharged, regular gasoline is typically acceptable, but premium may improve performance and efficiency. The best source is your owner’s manual and the fuel-filler sticker on your car.

Understanding your vehicle’s octane needs

To decide confidently, start with the official guidance from Acura for your exact model and year.

Key factors to check

• Engine type: turbocharged or high‑compression engines typically require premium (91+ AKI in the U.S.).


• Explicit fuel rating: look for statements like “Premium gasoline recommended” or “Premium gasoline required” in the owner’s manual or on the fuel door/filler cap.


• Regional octane definitions: octane numbers vary by country (AKI in the U.S.; RON in many other markets). Use the octane rating your manual specifies.


• Direct‑injection considerations: some Acura engines with direct injection are more sensitive to knocking without premium fuel.


• Consequences of using regular in a premium‑rated engine: reduced performance, slower acceleration, and, if knocking occurs, potential long‑term damage or warranty implications per policy.

Concluding: The official guidance from Acura for your model will be the final word; turbo and high‑compression engines almost always demand premium, while some naturally aspirated engines allow regular with some performance trade‑offs.

Practical guidance for everyday driving

Here are consumer‑level considerations to apply on a day‑to‑day basis.

• Follow the manual: if it says premium is required or recommended, use premium to ensure consistent performance and efficiency.


• If you don’t hear knocking on regular fuel and you drive a non‑turbo engine, regular may be acceptable; test and compare performance and feel.


• Premium fuel tends to offer more consistent performance in hot climates or during aggressive driving; if you frequently drive sport mode or tow or carry heavy loads, premium is advantageous.


• Expect a higher per‑tank cost with premium; calculate the incremental cost against potential gains in power and responsiveness.


• If you notice pinging or reduced power on regular, switch to premium and observe the improvement.

Concluding: In most cases, use premium when your manual requires it or when you seek peak performance; otherwise, regular can be adequate for everyday driving if allowed by the manufacturer’s guidance.

Bottom line guidance

For most Acura owners, premium gas is the prudent choice when the manual or fuel label calls for it. If your Acura is a non‑turbo model with a standard compression engine and the manual says regular is acceptable, you can use regular, but monitor performance. When in doubt, err on the side of premium to protect performance and avoid knocking.

Summary

In short, check your specific model’s owner’s manual and the fuel door badge. Turbocharged and many high‑compression Acura engines are designed for premium gasoline (91+ AKI). Non‑turbo engines may work on regular, but premium can improve power and efficiency. If you hear knocking on regular gas, switch to premium. Always prioritize the official guidance for your exact vehicle year and trim to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

What happens if you accidentally put regular gas instead of premium in an 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. 

Does it really matter if I put premium gas in my car?

In most cases, the difference in performance is small and something you may not notice during normal driving. If the car is designed for regular gas — or doesn't specifically say that the car requires premium gas — go with regular. There are no benefits to putting premium gas in a car that doesn't need it.

Can you use regular gas in the Acura RDX 2025?

While it's essential to use premium unleaded gasoline in your 2024/2025 Acura RDX, it's important to avoid using lower-octane fuels (such as regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87).

Does an Acura need premium gas?

No, most Acuras don't require premium gas, but it is strongly recommended for optimal performance. The only model that requires premium is the Acura NSX. While regular gas can be used, premium gas is recommended for other models like the TLX, RDX, MDX, and ILX to avoid reduced power and responsiveness due to the engine's high-compression or turbocharged designs. 
Why premium is recommended

• Engine design: Many Acura models are built with high-performance engines, including turbocharged ones, that benefit from the higher octane in premium fuel. 
• Engine knock: Premium fuel has a higher octane rating, which resists pre-ignition, a condition that can cause a knocking sound in the engine. 
• Performance: Using premium fuel allows the engine to operate at its full potential, providing better performance and responsiveness. 
• Fuel economy: According to YouTube, premium fuel can lead to better fuel economy. 

What to do

• Check your gas cap: The easiest way to know for sure is to open your gas cap. It will either state that premium is required or recommended, or that regular is the minimum. 
• Use regular if necessary: If you accidentally use regular gas, your car will be able to run safely, as modern engines have knock sensors that can adjust to prevent damage, though performance may be affected. 
• Consider your driving habits: If you drive mainly for fuel efficiency and less for performance, regular gas may be fine. However, if you want to get the most out of your vehicle's power and responsiveness, using premium is the way to go.