On this blog, we do a lot of research regarding specific questions about different cars. To find the answer, we’ve gone through the owner’s manuals of the Acura TL that were produced from 2013 onwards. Today we’ll look at the Acura TL and answer what kind of gas this car requires. Here’s a quick answer:
Acura TLs built between 1996-2014 with a 3.5L V6 engine are designed to use premium unleaded gasoline with an octane of 91 or higher. They can also use unleaded gasoline with an octane of 87, but the TL can only use this for a short period of time. 2000-2003 models with a 3.2L V6 engine also use premium unleaded gasoline with the same octane of 91 or higher.
However, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we go into more detail about the kind of gas or diesel you should use for your specific type of Acura TL. We’ll also discuss if different types of gas are better or worse for the durability of your engine and its performance. Finally, we answer some other questions about the fuel requirements for the Acura TL. Read on!
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Does The Acura TL Require Premium Gasoline?
The Acura TL has had four generations. Below, we’ve outlined the engines that were used and the types of fuel that are recommended for these engines and unlike many other Toyota vehicles, many of these engines are designed for premium fuel.
2009-2014
The 2009-2014 Acura TL includes two types of engines. One with a 3.5L V6 engine and the other with a 3.7L V6 engine. These engines are designed to use premium unleaded gasoline of 91 or higher octane rating. It can also use regular ‘high quality’ unleaded gasoline with an 87-octane rating.
2004-2009
The 2004-2009 TL has three types of engines. One with a 3.5L V6 engine, the second with a 3.2L V6 MT engine, and the third with a 3.2L V6 AT engine. Each engine is designed to intake the same premium unleaded gasoline of 91 or higher octane rating. It can also use regular ‘high quality’ unleaded gasoline with an 87-octane rating.
1999-2004
The 1999-2003 models with a 3.2L V6 engine are designed to use premium unleaded gasoline of 91 or higher octane rating.
1996-1999
The models between 1996-1999 have 2.5L engines. These are designed to only take regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Anything less than 87 is not recommended.
If you’re interested in the different gasoline requirements for all Acuras, please read the article we just linked.
What Types Of Gasoline Can And Can’t Be Used?
Besides regular/premium gasoline, a large variety of different types of gasoline are available on the market. We will discuss whether these gases can be used in the Acura TL.
Reformulated Gasoline
Reformulated gasoline is a newer type of gasoline that is designed to burn more cleanly than conventional gasoline. This means it reduces smog-forming and has fewer toxic pollutants. RFG is specifically used in areas of the United States where air quality is a problem.
Reformulated gasoline is perfectly suitable for use with the Acura RDX, and Acura actually recommends it over conventional gasoline.
Gasoline/Oxygenated Blends Or E-85
Oxygenated blends of gasoline are gasoline that has been blended with a certain amount of ethanol or methanol. These chemicals are mainly helpful during winter when temperatures drop lower and lower. This provides a more difficult starting point for the engine. Ethanol and methanol help the engine start more quickly.
However, you can’t get just ethanol or methanol whenever you please. These chemicals are pretty dangerous for the engine and the fuel system, and using them should be done by following these rules:
- Acura TL can only take gasoline with a maximum of 10% ethanol.
- Methanol shouldn’t be used at all.
Gasoline With Added Materials
Some types of gasoline have additives to help improve the fuel’s usefulness. These additives can help the car’s engine from getting corrosion or improve performance. Acura recommends against the use of fuel additives. Instead, it’s recommended you get gasoline from a TOP TIER gasoline supplier.
TOP TIER gasoline already has all the right additives mixed into the gasoline and should keep your engine in optimum condition. Using other additives may void the warranty of your vehicle.
Gasoline With MMT
Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) is an octane-boosting additive. The use of this gasoline is merely controversial, particularly in modern vehicles. This is because there is a downside to using fuels with MMT in some cars. The continuous use of this gasoline can cause the build-up of Mn-deposits in the engine.
As for the Acura TL, gasoline with MMT is not advised as it’s known to cause premature wear of the spark plugs and affect emissions. This fuel is only used in racing fuels, completely meant for the track and not for normal use. Any damage that occurs to the engine by the use of MMT will not be covered under warranty.
What If I Hear A Knocking Noise From The Engine After Refilling
The owner’s manual has some information about this problem. It is completely normal if it’s a light knocking noise. But if it is a loud knocking noise, it’s a problem you need to worry about. Most of the time, the reason for this is the use of incorrect fuel.
Fuels having less than the required octane rating can cause engine damage, and if used for a prolonged period, loud knocking will be heard. Engine damage due to low-quality fuel will not be covered under warranty. Damage caused by prohibited additives like MMT will not be covered under warranty.
Does the Acura TL Have Good Gas Mileage?
The Acura TL does have good gas mileage, although it’s not considered the best out there. The last TL generation, which ended in 2014, has the best overall gas mileage compared to its predecessors.
2009-2014
| Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 3.5L V6 | 20 | 29 |
| 3.7L V6 | 18 | 26 |
| 3.7L manual | 18 | 24 |
2004-2009
| Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 3.7L 4WD | 17 | 25 |
| 3.5L 2WD | 18 | 26 |
1999-2004
| Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 3.2L automatic | 18 | 26 |
| 3.2L manual | 18 | 28 |
1996-1999
| Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 3.2L | 17 | 25 |
What’s The Gas Tank Size Of An Acura TL?
All the generations of this car have different tank sizes, varying from 17.0 gallons to 18.5 gallons. The first generation (1996-1999) has a tank size of 17.2 gallons or 65 liters. The second generation (1999-2004) has a tank size of 17.0 gallons or 64.7 liters. The third generation (2004-2009) has a tank size of 18.5 gallons or 70 liters. The fourth generation (2009-2014) also has a tank size of 18.5 gallons or 70 liters.
Sources
- Fueleconomy.gov Acura TL 1999
- Fueleconomy.gov Acura TL 2004
- Fueleconomy.gov Acura TL 2009
- Fueleconomy.gov Acura TL 2014
- Fueleconomy.gov Acura TLX 2016
- Fueleconomy.gov Acura TLX 2018
- Owner’s manual Acura TL 1999
- Owner’s manual Acura TL 2004
- Owner’s manual Acura TL 2009
- Owner’s manual Acura TL 2014
- Owner’s manual Acura TLX 2021
- Fueleconomy.gov
- Gas prices. aaa
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
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