I “inherited” a 1998 Acura and on the instrument panel it states “use premium gas only”. Is it really necessary to use premium gas? What impact will there be to the engine if I use regular gas?

Premium is just a higher octane rated fuel. There is no harm in running regular 87 octane unlead in your vehicle just like there is no problem running premium in an unleaded vehicle. But gas prices these days i dont know who would be foolish enough to put premium in their unleaded vehicle. But unlea…

Hmmm…premium is unleaded. But you’re right, many cars that in the manual say ‘premium recommended’ run fine on regular. However, if the manual says ‘premium required’, I’d pay the extra $.20-.30/gallon

You only need to use premium if you plan on running the engine. Seriously, the instructions are pretty clear: use premium only. The engine control system is designed for it and probably CANNOT compensate for lower octane fuel. The result will be preignition. Let this go on long enough and you will …

It’s telling you that premium is required, so that’s what you have to use. Use of lower octane fuel will severely impact performance and fuel mileage, enough that anything you might save at the pump disappears in a hurry. The potential for engine damage from pre-ignition is another possible side eff…

You can try regular gas and see how it runs. Pretty much any car made since the early 90s has ‘knock sensors’ that will retard the ignition timing to protect the engine if preignition (spark knock) is detected. If you notice performance dropping or hear spark knock, then I’m afraid you’re stuck wi…

What part of “use premium only” is unclear to you? If that is what the car’s manufacturer specified, then that is what you need to do, unless you want to risk damage to valves and pistons. Additionally, if you do use regular gas, it is likely that your fuel economy (and your performance) will be d…

Let me add that using regular when premium is “required” will result in less power lower mileage and, in time, a damaged engine. Since you will end up paying more anyway due to the lower mileage, why not protect your engine and get better performance and use what is required. NOTE: when the owner’…

To add to what’s been said: While I’ve never designed an automotive engine, I’ve designed enough other things to respect the automotive designers when they say “use premium fuel only”. They are saying it deliberately. They are the ones who ran the engine through many hour of simulation, followe…

I don’t agree. The damage may not show up for some time, regardless of what sounds you do or do not hear.

Premium Gas in Acura - is it really necessary?

Power/Fuel

Caddyman July 27, 2008, 12:50am 10

The difference between 87 octane and 92 octane is not enough to change the course of history or destroy your engine. Try a tank of regular and see what happens…If you can not detect any problems with your ears, there are no problems worth worrying about…

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Premium Gas in Acura - is it really necessary?

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