Is premium fuel really needed?
#16
Driver School Candidate
I don't know where you got that information but I believe that is incorrect.
In the end when buying the NX I clearly new that premium gas was a requirement. I guess I don't understand this whole thread. I'm sure all of you new this before buying your new NX and if you didn't, shame on you.
You need to use nothing less than 91 octane. Using less than that can potentionaly harm the engine. The operative word is potentionaly. If your willing to use regular, you are taking a chance.
Good luck!
In the end when buying the NX I clearly new that premium gas was a requirement. I guess I don't understand this whole thread. I'm sure all of you new this before buying your new NX and if you didn't, shame on you.
You need to use nothing less than 91 octane. Using less than that can potentionaly harm the engine. The operative word is potentionaly. If your willing to use regular, you are taking a chance.
Good luck!
I tend to believe engineers & mechanics over buddies and self-schooled experts.
Is it really worth it to take a chance with a $40,000 automobile to save a few bucks by putting regular gas in your baby, just because you can't hear or feel a difference? A Turbo charged high compression engine? My vote's with the majority.
#17
After reading all of the posts in this thread, you seem to be the voice of reason. In my opinion, you're just playing with fire if you don't use Hi-Test (Premium). Eventually the knocking WILL damage something in the engine.
I tend to believe engineers & mechanics over buddies and self-schooled experts.
Is it really worth it to take a chance with a $40,000 automobile to save a few bucks by putting regular gas in your baby, just because you can't hear or feel a difference? A Turbo charged high compression engine? My vote's with the majority.
I tend to believe engineers & mechanics over buddies and self-schooled experts.
Is it really worth it to take a chance with a $40,000 automobile to save a few bucks by putting regular gas in your baby, just because you can't hear or feel a difference? A Turbo charged high compression engine? My vote's with the majority.
Some cars I have tested include a 2008 VW R32, requires premium. I dyno tested the car with 87 octane E10, 93 octane E10 and 90 octane gasoline. Found no measurable difference when using each fuel. Same for a 2013 Mercedes Benz C250 1.8L turbo. Engine power was the same with 887 octane and 93 octane. What was interesting is when testing a 2009 Volvo C70 w 2.5L Turbo I5 engine. It requires 87 octane fuel. However while it ran fine with 87 octane, that car made measurable more power with 93 octane fuel. Boost levels held higher into the RPM range with 93 octane instead of dropping off lightly as it did with 87 octane.
I have not dyno tested the NX but I am guessing that using 87 octane fuel may cause the ECU to cut back ignition timing or possible drop boost pressure under hot difficult conditions, such as towing or highway driving with a heavily loaded vehicle (4 people) etc. Damage to the engine is not likely
#18
This issue was discussed extensively about a year ago here. I actually started the thread.
If your interested in reading the thoughts and opinions click on this link,
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/nx-...ular-fuel.html
I ended up using the blended method suggested by Corrado when premium prices were high, but when the prices bottomed out I used premium exclusively. Now that prices are inching back up i will have to consider blending again when they get into the 4 dollar range.
If your interested in reading the thoughts and opinions click on this link,
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/nx-...ular-fuel.html
I ended up using the blended method suggested by Corrado when premium prices were high, but when the prices bottomed out I used premium exclusively. Now that prices are inching back up i will have to consider blending again when they get into the 4 dollar range.
#19
Driver School Candidate
This issue was discussed extensively about a year ago here. I actually started the thread.
If your interested in reading the thoughts and opinions click on this link,
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/nx-...ular-fuel.html
I ended up using the blended method suggested by Corrado when premium prices were high, but when the prices bottomed out I used premium exclusively. Now that prices are inching back up i will have to consider blending again when they get into the 4 dollar range.
If your interested in reading the thoughts and opinions click on this link,
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/nx-...ular-fuel.html
I ended up using the blended method suggested by Corrado when premium prices were high, but when the prices bottomed out I used premium exclusively. Now that prices are inching back up i will have to consider blending again when they get into the 4 dollar range.
Those, and other comments made by thoughtful posters outweigh the possibility that I MIGHT not be causing harm to the engine. The two sides make some good arguments, but to me, it's just not worth the risk.
#20
After reading all of the posts in that other thread, my thoughts go back to our Gas Cap label which states: Premium Unleaded Fuel Only. The chance that I could void my warranty or POSSIBLY harm the car by using lower octane fuel kinda ices it for me.
Those, and other comments made by thoughtful posters outweigh the possibility that I MIGHT not be causing harm to the engine. The two sides make some good arguments, but to me, it's just not worth the risk.
Those, and other comments made by thoughtful posters outweigh the possibility that I MIGHT not be causing harm to the engine. The two sides make some good arguments, but to me, it's just not worth the risk.
Bottom line, it's up to each owner to make his own decision based on the info at hand.
#21
Intermediate
While everyone has opinion, there is one thing all experts agree: use the grade manufacturer recommends.
We used premium in both RX even tho regular recommended.
I felt it burned cleaner, especially since I had a fuel part replaced under warranty early on. Service said I was using bad fuel. Never had issue again with premium on RX.
We used premium in both RX even tho regular recommended.
I felt it burned cleaner, especially since I had a fuel part replaced under warranty early on. Service said I was using bad fuel. Never had issue again with premium on RX.
#22
The octane rating does not have anything to do wit hate quality or the cleanliness of the fuel. It's just the ratio of heptane to octane molecules. The Octane rating is not a physical measurement of the ratio, but of an equivalent resistance to igniting. In fact most brands of fuel all start off from the same storage tanks and the distributor adds the correct additive package before delivering the fuel to the gas station based on the brand they represent.
#23
While everyone has opinion, there is one thing all experts agree: use the grade manufacturer recommends.
We used premium in both RX even tho regular recommended.
I felt it burned cleaner, especially since I had a fuel part replaced under warranty early on. Service said I was using bad fuel. Never had issue again with premium on RX.
We used premium in both RX even tho regular recommended.
I felt it burned cleaner, especially since I had a fuel part replaced under warranty early on. Service said I was using bad fuel. Never had issue again with premium on RX.
#24
Lexus Champion
I forgot to mention that there was one poster who is very knowledgeable but doesn't know how to communicate in a civil manner dominated the thread. He has since traded in his NX. I thought there was enough good info to link it but as I said I was sorry I asked the question.
Bottom line, it's up to each owner to make his own decision based on the info at hand.
Bottom line, it's up to each owner to make his own decision based on the info at hand.
Best advice right here. The regular vs. premium discussions go on all the time with most brand/models normally with no resolution or agreement.
#25
Lexus Test Driver
While everyone has opinion, there is one thing all experts agree: use the grade manufacturer recommends.
We used premium in both RX even tho regular recommended.
I felt it burned cleaner, especially since I had a fuel part replaced under warranty early on. Service said I was using bad fuel. Never had issue again with premium on RX.
We used premium in both RX even tho regular recommended.
I felt it burned cleaner, especially since I had a fuel part replaced under warranty early on. Service said I was using bad fuel. Never had issue again with premium on RX.
The octane rating does not have anything to do wit hate quality or the cleanliness of the fuel. It's just the ratio of heptane to octane molecules. The Octane rating is not a physical measurement of the ratio, but of an equivalent resistance to igniting. In fact most brands of fuel all start off from the same storage tanks and the distributor adds the correct additive package before delivering the fuel to the gas station based on the brand they represent.
Lexus' official rating in the User manual and SAE filings for the engine calls for RON 91 rated fuel. This is a specific method for measuring octane level in gasoline. There is another method for measuring octane, it's called MON, and that one uses the RON method but adds specific operating characteristics in the measurements.
Then there is the gasoline companies in North America, and they use yet another number to "market' the gasoline and their rating is an average of the RON and MON numbers called AKI.
For US/Canada:
AKI 87 is equivalent to RON 91 (marketed as Regular in NA)
AKI 91 is equivalent to RON 93 (marketed as Premium in NA)
AKI 94 is equivalent to RON 95
Cleaners and detergents have to meet a minimum requirement anyway. Rely on facts and data but ultimately use what you feel comfortable with.
#27
Intermediate
we've been using costco fuel for over 10 years in our Lexus;. Just need to get there when they open at 6am to avoid lines.
As someone else stated, all fuel is from the same 'faucet'. Each brand adds minor additives in order to advertise something special.
Most important is how the fuel tanks are being maintained/tested, which I want to believe Costco does.
As someone else stated, all fuel is from the same 'faucet'. Each brand adds minor additives in order to advertise something special.
Most important is how the fuel tanks are being maintained/tested, which I want to believe Costco does.
#28
See page 599, it refers to the use of Top Tier Gasoline which Lexus recommends. There is a web site listed to go to and you find what gasoline retailers meet the standards. Costco is listed.
Also, on that page,
Lexus says,
octane rating 91 = RON 96
87 = RON 91
#30
Lexus Champion
The only drawback is the long lines...I usually go after 6:30 and the lines are quite short.