Hello,
I recently bought a 2011 Lexus Rx350. On the gas cap it says premium fuel required. In thr manual it says the same. Doesn’t use the words recommended, it says required. The Toyota Highlander uses the same engine and transmission but is fine with regular. The highlander has 5 less HP. Is it ok if I use regular gas? Premium gas is .30 cents higher per litre in Canada. Ive put regular in Twice and no knocking.
I recently bought a 2011 Lexus Rx350. On the gas cap it says premium fuel required. In thr manual it says the same.
No, not on the 2011 Lexus RX350.
Later year models are able to handle lower octanes and premium fuel is "recommended"
First, I was wrong and I apologize.
Secondly, your gas cap may say "Premium Fuel Required" but that's also incorrect. From the 2011 Lexus RX350 handbook page 606:
"Your vehicle must use only unleaded gasoline. Premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher required for optimum engine performance. If 91 octane cannot be obtained, you may use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating as low as 87 (Research Octane Number 91). Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than 91 may result in engine knocking. Persistent knocking can lead to engine damage and should be corrected by refueling with higher octane unleaded gasoline."
Ive put regular in Twice and no knocking.
Save your money - use regular gas.
It is best to use the fuel that the vehicle requires. The engine in the Highlander, while basically the same, is likely detuned to run on regular gas.
thanks for the response. Another thing is the following year in 2012, they allowed for regular gas… different ppl will say the computer will just change the timing and accommodate the gas but who knows
different ppl will say the computer will just change the timing and accommodate the gas
No, not on the 2011 Lexus RX350.
Later year models are able to handle lower octanes and premium fuel is "recommended"
thanks for the response. Another thing is the following year in 2012, they allowed for regular gas… different ppl will say the computer will just change the timing and accommodate the gas but who knows
Modern cars typically adjust to the gas you use, but unless you know for certain that regular is OK it is safest to stick with the "required" octane level. Harmful pre-ignition is not always audible. That additional fuel cost is much cheaper than internal engine damage would be.
, it says required.
Don't just focus on individual words. What is the entire paragraph?
It usually says something like "premium fuel required to achieve maximum performance. In other words, you lose a couple of horsepower with regular gasoline.
Your Lexus will be fine. All modern N.American cars with naturally aspirated engines have ignition retard lookup tables in the computer for various octane levels that it can switch to.
If your engine has forced induction then you can pay attention to fuel.
Scotty says the same over and over and he's been a mechanic a long time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD6y2PtIu8Y
@imperator I agree with the premise that modern ECUs can adapt to various octane ratings without harming an engine, I simply disagree that the age and condition of the vehicle shouldn't be considered.
I figured the engine could probably adapt however without knowing absolutely for certain I would not want to advise someone to go against the manufacturer's advice.
@hixster generally speaking engines LOSE compression over time, not gain it.
Carbon deposits from a poorly maintained engine can cause pre-ignition, in which case they should be removed, but this condition affects all engines.