You're supposed to use higher octane because it will prevent premature ignition caused by the engine's high compression. My motorcycle has a compression ratio of 12:1 and runs 87 octane. Does the TL have a compression ratio higher than 12:1 or is there something else?

 

I always run regular, seldom do I run Premium. I have never heard any knocking or pinging. Runs like a top.

 

These engine are designed for premium gas. if you compare millage per tank, premium gives you more millage for the money. There are other mechanical reasons,but I am no expert to advise or talk about those. Someone here can explain in much more details.

 

I've tried to determine a loss of mileage w/ 87 octane and could detect no difference in mileage or timing advance which would presumably be retarded by ECU to prevent detonation w/ lower octane. I've never detected a single ping.

It is possible that same engine may perform differently due to small differences in compression and valve timing.

good luck

 

You're comparing a motorcycle to a car. Thats the first mistake.

Considering the era these engines were designed and their compression ratio, premium is perfectly reasonable. In addition, you'll get more miles per dollar of gas using premium in these cars. Don't go cheap, you'll reduce power, fuel economy and possibly have carbon buildup.

 

With 87 I get 15-17 MPG overall, With premium its 19-22 MPG mostly driving around town.

 

When I run regular I lose around 30-40 miles per tank!

 

I average 22-23mpg on regular; mixed driving. 27mpg strictly hwy.

 

still don't know why you would get better mileage per gallon, but I am going to go ahead and try it. should the mpg on the mid display read me higher numbers?

 

Yes, your MID should display better MPG. Personally, I'd stick to just using the odometer and dividing by the number of gallons your pump in it. The MID can sometimes be off, though in my personal experience with loaners and my '05 TL, its been quite accurate.

The reason why you'll get better gas mileage is because premium is recommended for the motor due the higher compression Acura engines have.

If you run regular, the engine changes the ignition timing to prevent premature detonation. This means your engine is running less efficiently. Less power equals poorer acceleration and poorer gas mileage.

 

I hit 30+ going to SoCal and driving around when I had to go see Platinum Motorsports VIP, aka Platinum VIP, to drop off a car. I used to average 27 mixed highway and city, mostly city.

CA premium sucks!!

~Cheers~

 

noone said that your car needs it... but it is recommended... and the reasons above are why it is recommended... you will not hurt anything by putting in anything lower than premium...

 

^ My gauges say Premium Fuel Only...

~Cheers~

 

Word.

 

Double word. The inside of my gas cap says it, too. That's why I asked.

 

if you wanna use regular use regular.. it will run a little worse possibly but will be cheaper this gas debate is pointless. i use premium because its only like 3 bucks more when i fill up

 

I agree with andrew. If you thng about it premium is only like $3-$4 more than regular (I'm talking about the price difference for full tank). With it only being a little more I doesn't take a major hi on the pocket at the end of he week. Some people find that regular MPG is around the same or close to the premium MPG. I have tried both and I find that prmim gives me the better MPG so experiment with it if you want to see what the difference is.

 

I think my TL gets like 20-21 regularly with mostly highway driving. I guess it is time to change things out on the car.