What gas does an Acura RSX take?
The Acura RSX is a popular compact sports coupe known for its reliability, performance, and sleek design. If you own or are considering purchasing an Acura RSX, one of the most important aspects of maintaining its performance is understanding the type of fuel it requires. Using the correct gas ensures optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity.
Recommended Fuel for the Acura RSX
The Acura RSX is designed to run on premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. This recommendation is particularly important for the RSX Type-S model, which features a high-performance engine that benefits from higher-octane fuel. Using premium gas helps prevent engine knocking and ensures the engine operates at its peak efficiency.
Why Premium Gasoline is Important
Premium gasoline is recommended for the Acura RSX for several reasons:
- Prevents Engine Knocking: Higher-octane fuel resists premature combustion, which can cause knocking and damage to the engine.
- Optimizes Performance: The RSX's engine is tuned to take advantage of the cleaner and more efficient combustion provided by premium fuel.
- Maintains Fuel Efficiency: Using the recommended fuel ensures that your car achieves the best possible miles per gallon.
- Protects Engine Longevity: Consistently using the correct fuel helps reduce wear and tear on engine components.
Can You Use Regular Gas in an Acura RSX?
While it is technically possible to use regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) in an Acura RSX, it is not recommended. Regular gas may lead to reduced performance, lower fuel efficiency, and potential long-term damage to the engine. If you accidentally use regular gas, it is unlikely to cause immediate harm, but it is best to return to premium fuel as soon as possible.
Tips for Acura RSX Owners
To keep your Acura RSX running smoothly, follow these tips:
- Always use premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher.
- Check your owner's manual for specific fuel recommendations and maintenance schedules.
- Monitor your car's performance and fuel efficiency to ensure it is running optimally.
- Visit a trusted auto repair shop, like Kevin's Autos, for regular maintenance and inspections.
By using the correct fuel and maintaining your Acura RSX properly, you can enjoy its performance and reliability for years to come. If you have any questions about your vehicle's fuel requirements or need professional maintenance, don't hesitate to contact us at Kevin's Autos!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
How long can RSX last?
Just like any engine it is how you take care of it, anywhere from 60,000 to a good 300,000 miles.
Can I use 87 gas?
Regular gas with an 87 octane level is suitable for most engines, while some high-output engines require premium gas with higher (91-94) octane levels. Engines designed for regular-octane gas gain little to no benefit from using high-octane fuel.
Does a Acura need premium gas?
According to Acura, the Acura NSX requires premium gas. For models like the RDX, MDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX, premium gas is recommended. So, does Acura require premium gas? Only some models, not all — our service department recommends using higher octane gas in Acura for a few reasons.
What is the RSX in real life?
Acura's RSX returns as an all-electric SUV, built on Honda's in-house EV platform. The RSX will be the first model manufactured at Honda's upgraded Ohio EV Hub. Sales of the all-electric model are expected to officially begin in early 2026.
Can you put 87 gas in a Acura?
No — but it's recommended that you use a higher-octane fuel in your Acura for a number of reasons. According to Acura, premium gas is only required for the Acura NSX, but it is recommended for the MDX, RDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX.
Can I put 89 in 87 gas?
If you opt for a higher octane than your manual recommends—say, 89 instead of 87—your car will be perfectly fine. It will not, however, improve your car's mileage or give it any sort of extra performance boost. The only thing it will do is cost you extra money, so don't do this.
Is an Acura RSX rare?
All to say the RSX, which was never all that common to begin with—in its best year Acura sold just 30,117 of them—is only going to become more special as time goes on, and as contrasts are drawn with the new RSX EV. Check out the Hagerty Media homepage so you don't miss a single story, or better yet, bookmark it.
Are 91 and 93 gas the same?
The fuel commonly marketed is 87, 91 and 93 octane gasoline. The main difference between all of them is that the higher the octane rating, the greater the gasoline's capacity to withstand the compression produced inside the cylinders. In this way, combustion is carried out in a much smoother and more efficient way.
What if I accidentally put 87 instead of 91?
In a best-case scenario, your car will be fine, but your engine will run less efficiently and the amount of mileage you get per gallon will suffer. This is why it will not actually save you money to put “cheap” gas in a car that requires a more expensive option.
