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Sedans Acura TL Acura TL and Premium vs Regular Gas
78 messages, Last post on Aug 03, 2009 at 5:44 PM
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I'm considering a 2006 TL and, to be honest, one of the biggest reasons I've found for not getting it is the Premium fuel recommendation. It may sound trivial, but I have a hard time swallowing the idea of getting premium gas every time I fill up for the next 5-10 years. However, after a little research, I've learned that this car - as well as many/most modern cars - have a knock sensor which can adjust the spark timing to prevent the knocking that result from lower octane gas. My question probably requires an Acura engineer or very knowledgable mechanic, but here it is: Does the TL use the knock sensor to perform at the very best it can with any given fuel, or does the TL simply revert to some super-safe-mode if it detects any knocking? In other words, if I use regular gas, will it still perform very well (maybe just a couple HP less than documented) or will it have a significant reduction in performance/efficiency? Thanks in advance for any comments. |
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Replying to: xafwodahs (Jun 20, 2006 7:31 pm) We can certainly see what folks would like to add here, but if you go to the general Acura TL discussion, you can find what others have already talked about this issue. There is a Search This Discussion box on the right just above the first post and just below the last that will help you narrow down the subject. We'll see what others would like to contribute here as well. |
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Replying to: xafwodahs (Jun 20, 2006 7:31 pm) Years ago, i believe the used to charge a 20% upcharge when gas was about a $1.00. I'll bet mpg drops more than 6% if you use regular, so besides getting the HP, it may be cheaper to use premium for this car.
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Replying to: buyer777 (Jun 21, 2006 6:25 pm)
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Replying to: wai (Jun 22, 2006 7:00 am) |
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I picked up a loaner car (TL) today; as our new TL is being serviced. I cannot, for the life of me, imagine someone using a loaner paying more than the minimum for gasoline, e.g. 87 octane. Like putting the cheapest gas in a rental. The tank was almost empty, and the gas light was on. I filled up with a few gallons of 87 and the car is running fine after 50+ miles. Now, too early for me to tell what the long term effects are, but I can't be the first to use the lower grade. The car (with 16K miles) runs fine, but I did notice that the acceleration was a bit hindered - but no knocking. Perhaps the reasons for manufacturers to state requirements for 91+ octane (premium fuel,) in to meet their advertised performance claims. I recall BMW recommending 92 octane, but saw no difference 91 or 93. However, did see a big performance difference between mid grade/low grade 89/87 and 91.
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Replying to: awhm (Jun 23, 2006 5:54 am)
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Replying to: igiban (Jun 28, 2006 8:57 pm) |
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Regarding octane, the premium gas is actually harder to ignite therefore tolerating higher compressions and you get more power output. Cheaper gas is actually has a lower flash point under higher compression therefore having spontaneous ignition before top dead center (producing the detrimental knock). Most new cars do have knock sensors that in fact retard the timing to ignite the gas at a lower compression (to protect your engine). This does lower power output and the driver will inevitably push harder on the gas pedal to maintain drivability. This will in turn decrease your MPG. This is a round about way of saying, pay for the correct octane. You will get the satisfaction of having the correct amount of power output, better MPG, fewer fill-ups, safer fuel for your car, and will ultimately spend the same if not less money in the long run. If this aggravates you, go bland and buy an accord. |
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