What happens if I put 87 in my Acura?
Using 87-octane gasoline in an Acura is fine only if your engine is rated for regular fuel. If your Acura requires premium (91–93 octane), filling with 87 can cause knocking, reduced power, and lower fuel economy because the engine may retard timing to prevent detonation. Always check your owner's manual or the fuel-filler door sticker for the exact octane requirement.
Understanding octane and your Acura
Octane measures a fuel’s resistance to detonation (knock). Engines with high compression or turbocharging often require higher octane to prevent pre-ignition under load. Modern Acura engines use knock sensors and engine management to adjust timing, which can blunt performance if the gas isn’t up to spec. The key is to follow the octane rating recommended for your exact model and year.
What octane does for your engine
The octane rating you should use depends on the engine’s design. A regular 87-octane fuel is sufficient for many naturally aspirated, lower-compression engines, while high-compression or turbocharged engines commonly require premium fuel to maintain peak performance and efficiency. In engines that need higher octane, using 87 can trigger detonation, prompting the computer to adjust timing and throttle response.
To determine the correct grade, rely on the sources your car provides—the owner's manual, the fuel-filler door label, and, if available, in-dash prompts from the vehicle’s computer system. When in doubt, err on the side of the higher-octane fuel recommended by the manufacturer.
What happens if you use 87
If you pour 87 into an Acura that calls for higher-octane fuel, you may notice several effects, especially under load or hot conditions.
- Engine knock or ping under acceleration or uphill climbs as the ECU retards timing to prevent detonation.
- Reduced power and slower throttle response compared with using the recommended octane.
- Less-than-optimal fuel economy due to timing adjustments and suboptimal combustion.
- Potential long-term wear if knocking occurs repeatedly over time, though modern engines are designed to tolerate occasional lower-octane fuel.
- Possible diagnostic or maintenance reminders if the knock sensor detects abnormal detonation patterns.
In practice, the car’s engine-management system will compensate to avoid damage, but performance and efficiency may not be at their best when 87 octane is used in engines designed for higher octane.
What to do if you already filled with 87
If you’ve accidentally filled with 87, here are practical steps to minimize potential effects and restore optimal performance.
- Refill with the correct octane as soon as feasible to restore proper timing and performance.
- Avoid vigorous driving or heavy loads (towing, rapid acceleration) until you’re back on the recommended fuel.
- Listen for pinging or knocking. If you hear unusual metallic sounds, reduce load and refuel with the proper octane.
- If symptoms persist after refueling, have the vehicle inspected by a dealer or qualified mechanic to rule out knock sensor or timing issues.
- If a warning light appears, consult your owner's manual or a technician to clear any codes after addressing the octane issue.
While an occasional use of 87 in a vehicle that requires higher octane is unlikely to cause immediate catastrophic damage, it can degrade performance and efficiency until the correct fuel is used again.
Model-specific notes
Turbocharged and high-compression engines
Many current Acura turbocharged engines (for example, 2.0L turbo models used in the TLX and RDX) typically require premium fuel (91 AKI or higher). Using 87 in these engines can trigger detonation, reduce peak power, and cause the engine to pull timing back. If your model specifies premium, stick to it to preserve performance and protect engine longevity.
Naturally aspirated and older engines
Some non-turbo, older Acura engines may tolerate regular 87 octane or have a lower minimum requirement. However, even in these cases, following the manufacturer’s recommendation remains best for optimal performance and economy. If your manual indicates regular fuel is acceptable, 87 should be fine; otherwise upgrade to the recommended grade.
Summary
The bottom line is to follow your Acura’s octane specification. If your engine is designed for regular fuel, 87 is fine and will perform normally. If premium is required or strongly recommended, using 87 can cause knock, reduced power, and lower efficiency, with the car’s computer actively adjusting timing to prevent damage. Always verify the exact requirement in your owner's manual or on the fuel-filler door label, and switch to the proper octane as soon as possible if you’ve run on the lower grade. Periodic use of the wrong octane is unlikely to cause immediate harm in all engines, but it’s not ideal for performance or longevity.
Is it okay to put regular gas in an Acura?
Your Acura can handle regular gas, but it won't run quite as effectively. So if you want the best performance, premium is the way to go. Additionally, high-performance vehicles have higher needs than your standard economy car.
Can I put 87 in my Acura?
Use Premium Gas for High Octane Performance
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.
What happens if I accidentally put regular gas in my Acura?
While using regular gas in your Acura RDX won't likely cause immediate damage, consistently doing so may lead to reduced performance and potentially higher maintenance costs.
What happens if you put 87 in a premium car?
Using lower octane fuel in a high-compression engine risks engine knocking, which can reduce performance and potentially cause damage over time. That's why high-compression engines often require or recommend premium gas.
