What happens if I dont use premium gas in my Acura RDX?
As the owner of Kevin's Autos, I often encounter questions about fuel types and their impact on vehicle performance. One common inquiry is regarding the use of premium gasoline in vehicles like the Acura RDX. This article will explore the implications of using regular gas instead of premium in your RDX, helping you make informed decisions about your vehicle's fuel needs.
Understanding Fuel Grades
Fuel grades are determined by their octane ratings, which measure a fuel's ability to resist knocking during combustion. The Acura RDX is designed to run optimally on premium gasoline, typically rated at 91 octane or higher. However, many drivers wonder what happens if they opt for regular gasoline, which usually has an octane rating of 87.
Potential Consequences of Using Regular Gas
Using regular gas in your Acura RDX can lead to several potential issues:
- Engine Knock: Premium gasoline is formulated to prevent knocking, a condition where fuel combusts prematurely in the engine. Using regular gas may increase the likelihood of knocking, which can lead to engine damage over time.
- Reduced Performance: The RDX is engineered for performance, and using lower octane fuel can result in decreased horsepower and acceleration. You may notice sluggishness during acceleration or a lack of responsiveness.
- Lower Fuel Efficiency: Regular gas may lead to reduced fuel efficiency. The engine may work harder to compensate for the lower octane, resulting in more frequent trips to the gas station.
- Long-Term Damage: Consistently using regular gas can cause long-term damage to the engine components, potentially leading to costly repairs down the line.
What to Do If You've Used Regular Gas
If you've accidentally filled your RDX with regular gasoline, don't panic. Here are some steps you can take:
- Monitor Performance: Pay attention to how your vehicle performs. If you notice any knocking or decreased performance, consider switching back to premium gas as soon as possible.
- Refuel with Premium: Once you can, fill up with premium gasoline to help mitigate any potential issues caused by the lower octane fuel.
- Consult a Professional: If you experience persistent issues, it may be wise to consult a trusted mechanic to assess any potential damage.
Conclusion
While using regular gas in your Acura RDX may not cause immediate harm, it can lead to performance issues and long-term damage if done consistently. To ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently, it's best to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations and use premium gasoline. If you have any further questions about your vehicle's maintenance or fuel needs, feel free to reach out to us at Kevin's Autos!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to switch between premium and regular gas?
Once will not hurt your vehicle. However, using regular unleaded gas in a car that requires premium fuel reduces engine performance and can cause damage over time. It can decrease the value of your car if you ever need to sell the vehicle.
What happens if I accidentally put regular gas in a premium car?
With regular kill your ride. Well the short answer is no so in a pinch you can use regular. But you will likely hear an engine knock. And you might notice a degrade in performance.
Is the Acura RDX fuel efficient?
Acura RDX – 21 city mpg / 27 highway mpg / 23 combined mpg*
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.
Is it okay to use regular gas in an Acura RDX?
For models like the RDX, MDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX, premium gas is recommended.
How can I get better gas mileage in my Acura RDX?
Six Ways to Get Better Gas Mileage
- Avoid Rush Hour. Planning your route can help you avoid rush hour traffic and maximize your fuel efficiency.
- Remove Excess Weight.
- Follow the Speed Limit and Use Cruise Control.
- Don't Let Your Car Idle For Long.
- Use the Correct Grade of Motor Oil.
- Schedule Routine Maintenance.
Can you mix premium and regular 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.
Does an Acura really need premium gas?
Do All Acuras Require Premium Gas? Like we stated, premium gas is only recommended on the MDX, RDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX Acura models. You'll be safe on our Cherry Hill roads using regular gas in these automobiles. However, the engines in these models are designed for optimal performance when high-octane fuel is used.
What happens if you don't run premium gas instead of regular?
If you fill up such a vehicle with regular fuel, you may indeed be voiding a warranty. This will most often come into play if substituting regular for premium leads to significant engine knock or pinging that causes damage to the pistons or other engine components.
What happens if you accidentally put regular gas instead of premium in an Acura?
An Acura spokesperson referred us to the TLX's owner's manual, which states, “Use of lower-octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the engine and will result in decreased engine performance.”
