Does an Acura Require Premium Gas?

It’s standard thinking that luxury vehicles, like new Acura models, require premium gas to run properly. So, does Acura need premium gas? According to Acura, premium gas is recommended or required for the Acura Integra, Acura RDX, Acura TLX, and Acura MDX. So, premium gas is not required for all Acura models, but it’s recommended that you use a higher-octane fuel for several reasons. Learn more about the recommended fuel type for your Acura and how it can keep your engine running optimally on the San Carlos roads with Hopkins Acura.

What’s the Difference Between Premium Gas vs. Regular Gas?

The main difference between regular and premium gas is the octane level. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, each type of gasoline has a specific octane rating:

• Regular: 87 octane rating
• Midrange: 89 to 90 octane rating
• Premium: 91 to 94 octane rating

The higher the octane level is, the lower the risk that combustion will occur at any time other than when it’s designed to. This is known as pre-ignition or an engine knock because this occurrence sounds like knocking. Higher-octane gas is designed to resist knocking as you drive around the Belmont area.

Why Does an Acura Need Premium Gas?

Modern-day vehicles, like the Acura models listed above, are frequently designed with knock sensors included to prevent pre-ignition. While your luxury vehicle can run on lower-octane or regular gas, you won’t be able to experience its full performance potential on the Sunnyvale streets without premium gas.

Acura vehicles, in particular, are created with high performance in mind. Many of these cars and SUVs feature turbocharged or supercharged engines, which use a higher compression ratio. That’s why high-octane—or premium—gas is recommended instead of regular fuel for most Acura models.

Take Advantage of Premium Acura Performance in Redwood City

Some Acura models do not require the use of premium gas, but high-octane fuel provides benefits regardless of the vehicle you choose. Now that you know, you’re ready to take full advantage of your new Acura from Hopkins Acura. Explore our inventory online, and then visit our Redwood City showroom to take a few test drives. Once you’ve chosen your favorite Acura model, be sure to fill it with premium gas.