Acura owner's manuals typically specify fuel requirements using octane ratings, but there is often confusion about whether these refer to Research Octane Number (RON), Motor Octane Number (MON), or the Anti-Knock Index (AKI) commonly used in North America. This guide clarifies Acura's fuel specifications and explains the octane rating systems referenced in their documentation.
Octane ratings measure fuel's resistance to engine knocking. Different regions use different measurement systems that can cause confusion for vehicle owners.
| Rating System | Description | Region |
|---|---|---|
| RON (Research Octane Number) | Measures fuel performance under mild conditions | Europe, Asia, Australia |
| MON (Motor Octane Number) | Measures fuel performance under severe conditions | Less commonly used alone |
| AKI (Anti-Knock Index) | Average of RON and MON (R+M)/2 | North America |
| PON (Posted Octane Number) | Same as AKI, used on North American pumps | United States, Canada |
Acura specifies fuel requirements based on the market where the vehicle is sold, using the appropriate octane rating system for that region.
IMPORTANT! Using fuel with insufficient octane can cause engine knocking and potential damage.
Research Octane Number is determined under laboratory conditions that simulate mild engine operation.
Acura owner's manuals adapt their fuel recommendations based on regional measurement systems.
North American Manuals: Reference AKI (R+M)/2 values exclusively. Premium fuel requirement is typically 91 AKI.
International Manuals: Reference RON values. Premium fuel requirement is typically 95 RON.
Conversion: 91 AKI ≈ 95 RON, 87 AKI ≈ 91 RON
Using the correct octane fuel ensures optimal engine performance and protects against knocking.
Tip: The fuel door or cap often indicates the minimum octane requirement.
Several misunderstandings exist about octane ratings and their application in Acura vehicles.
| Misconception | Reality |
|---|---|
| Higher octane means more power | Only prevents knocking in engines designed for it |
| All premium fuel is the same | Different regions use different rating systems |
| RON and AKI are interchangeable | They measure different aspects of fuel performance |
| Using higher octane always benefits the engine | Only beneficial if engine is designed for it |
Acura engines are engineered with specific octane requirements based on compression ratios and engine management systems.
Understanding when premium fuel is necessary versus when regular fuel is acceptable.
WARNING! Continuous use of low-octane fuel in high-performance engines can cause permanent damage.
Proper octane selection is crucial for preventing engine knock and maintaining engine health.
What is Engine Knock? Uncontrolled combustion that can damage pistons and valves.
Causes: Low octane fuel, high compression, advanced timing, carbon deposits.
Prevention: Use recommended octane, maintain engine, address carbon buildup.
Acura provides specific fuel recommendations in owner's manuals and technical documentation.
Always refer to your specific vehicle's owner's manual for accurate fuel requirements. Manuals are tailored to the market where the vehicle is sold and use the appropriate octane rating system. For North American vehicles, the number refers to AKI; for international markets, it typically refers to RON.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do Acura manuals use RON or AKI? | North American manuals use AKI, international use RON |
| What happens if I use regular instead of premium? | Reduced performance, potential engine knock, possible damage |
| Can I mix premium and regular fuel? | Yes, but octane will average between the two |
| Does premium fuel clean the engine better? | Some contain more detergents, but octane rating itself doesn't clean |
| How do I convert RON to AKI? | AKI ≈ (RON + MON)/2, typically RON is 4-6 points higher than AKI |
Support: Contact Acura Customer Service at 1-800-382-2238 or visit owners.acura.com