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Acura MDX gas questions

30 messages,  Last post on Mar 01, 2010 at 7:15 PM

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What is this discussion about? Acura MDX, Fuel System, SUV

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#1 of 30 Acura MDX: gas questions by msmassey

Dec 11, 2007 (5:08 am)

I purchased an '07 MDX two months ago and the manufacturer suggests using premium gas. I started out using premium but have switched to mid-grade. I was wondering if it's okay to use mid-grade and if it will affect my vehicle's performance.

#2 of 30 Re: Acura MDX: gas questions [msmassey] by upstatedoc

Dec 11, 2007 (7:03 am)

Replying to: msmassey (Nov 15, 2007 11:45 am)
This is a topic that has been discussed to death and I think the consensus is it won't hurt to put a lesser grade gas in your tank, you just won't get the optimal performance. For example, I can definitely tell the difference between 89 octane and 93 octane in my '04 MDX. As for the '07, I haven't had a chance to try that experiment since my wife stole the keys.

#3 of 30 Re: Acura MDX: gas questions [msmassey] by skinnytony

Dec 11, 2007 (1:03 pm)

Replying to: msmassey (Nov 15, 2007 11:45 am)
I think minimum 91 octane is a "requirement" as opposed to a "suggestion". If I'm right about that I personally wouldn't mess with fuel below 91 octane, particularly on a $40,000+ vehicle. I have read about people who "mix" 93 and 89 octane which is possibly a good savings idea but quite a bit of hassle...

#4 of 30 Re: Acura MDX: gas questions [upstatedoc] by tpulak

Dec 18, 2007 (5:55 pm)

Replying to: upstatedoc (Dec 11, 2007 7:03 am)
The Acura will run on the lower octane(87), but runs best on 91 or above octane. Using the 91 or above is probably a better option because of 2 reasons:
#1: you get the optimum performance . I also noticed smoother operation, and slightly less noise.
#2: you get more miles to the gallon. I own an 04 MDX, and I tried to run it with 87 octane , and it ran just fine, but I got only about 11-13 miles per gallon in the city, and 14-18 miles per gallon in the highway. So on a full tank of gas, I ran only 218 miles!! On the other hand ,using the 93 octane, I got about 16-19 miles per gallon in city, and you won't believe this, but I got about 20-26 miles per gallon in the highway!! So a full tank of gas took me some 326 miles(with some gas to spare).
 
I recommend you to use 93 octance, or at least 91 octane. You shouldn't use the 87 octane because after all, this is a car costing upwards of 40 grand. I mean, this is a tuned V-6. My 1997 camry (V-4) uses the 87 octane, so most of the time, 87 octane is required for small cars/SUVS.

#5 of 30 Re: Acura MDX: gas questions [tpulak] by mecheng1

Dec 19, 2007 (6:45 am)

Replying to: tpulak (Dec 18, 2007 5:55 pm)
Everything else being equal,... higher octane gasoline will not improve your FE.

#6 of 30 Re: Acura MDX: gas questions [msmassey] by kingtroll1

Dec 22, 2007 (10:37 pm)

Replying to: msmassey (Nov 15, 2007 11:45 am)
Stick with the premium gas as recommended. I've read, but don't recall what the issue is with using lower octane gas, but it can cause problems, besides the "ping". The combustion characteristics of the fuel is different for different octane grades.The engine can compensate for some variations.
 
You spent $46k to $50k on the vehicle, why go cheap on the gas? What will happen if you destroy the engine, the warranty might be void? I'd hate to have that bill to replace it, much less the torment from my wife. Yikes.

#7 of 30 Re: Acura MDX: gas questions [mecheng1] by tpulak

Dec 23, 2007 (9:09 am)

Replying to: mecheng1 (Dec 19, 2007 6:45 am)
What's FE?

#8 of 30 Re: Acura MDX: gas questions [tpulak] by tidester

Dec 23, 2007 (10:52 am)

Replying to: tpulak (Dec 23, 2007 9:09 am)
What's FE?
 
FE = Fuel Efficiency
 
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

#9 of 30 MDX premium gas by hbates

Jan 16, 2008 (4:58 pm)

I would have to say that premium gas goes right along with the fact that the 2008 MDX is Ulev 2. Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle. If you use lesser gas, then Ulev 2 will not be what comes out of your tailpipe!

Messages Page 1 of 3

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