As we wait for the electric vehicle revolution to really hit its stride, the team at Bannister Honda is still doing the work of helping new and existing customers get the most from their vehicles. Honda platforms are among the most well-regarded in the Canadian automotive industry in terms of reliability and customer satisfaction. One of the reasons these things happen is that our manufacturing partner makes owning and maintaining a Honda car, truck or SUV as affordable as possible – including at the gas pump. So, do Honda SUVs need premium gasoline? The short answer is, no. Let’s take a closer look at some things you might need to know.
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Is Regular Grade Gas OK for Honda Cars?
Most gas stations offer two or three grades of gasoline, each getting more expensive as rises in octane. In Canada, 87 octane gasoline is considered regular grade; 89 is premium, and 94 (and higher) is super premium. Octane is a chemical additive that reduces engine knocking. The higher the number means there is more octane in a particular fuel grade. Engine knocking occurs when the fuel/air mixture ignites (in small volumes) after the engine is turned off.
Honda engine technology is among the most advanced in the automotive industry. Most models built in the last several years are tuned to function as efficiently as possible using regular-grade gasoline.
What Happens if You Use the Wrong Gas?
If your Honda car, hatchback, SUV, etc, calls for regular grade gas and you accidentally put premium or super premium in the tank, the only real consequence is that you spent more money than necessary. However, there won’t be any lasting damage. If anything, the vehicle might perform slightly better and slightly more efficiently. However, it’s unlikely to make enough of a difference to make this a long-term solution.
On the other hand, if you have one of the rare Honda models that may require, or have premium fuel recommended, and you accidentally fill it with regular – the consequences are equally as minor. Using fuel with too little octane will likely result in a rise in noticeable engine knocking, lower performance and reduced fuel economy. However, long-term use of regular gas in a car that requires premium could lead to long term damage to the engine.
At the end of the day it’s more important to fill up your vehicle at a reputable gas station with clean fuel. If you have questions about how to get the most out of your vehicle, make an appointment with the Bannister Honda Service Department, today.