Lexus Gas Types: Do I Need to Use Premium Gas?

“Pumping Gas.” By digitonin licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

No matter what kind of vehicle you own, it’s essential to supply it with the appropriate fuel type for optimal performance. Since Lexus is a high-end brand, some vehicles may require premium fuel instead of regular fuel. As a Lexus owner, it’s your responsibility to know what fuel type your vehicle needs. Below, you can learn about the importance of using premium fuel when your vehicle demands it and what happens if you use regular fuel instead.

Can I Put Regular Fuel in My Lexus?

Some Lexus vehicles only need regular fuel, while others require premium fuel. It’s a Lexus owner’s responsibility to determine what kind of fuel their vehicle needs. If you’ve misplaced your manual or prefer to receive guidance from a professional, a staff member at a trusted dealership can advise you on which gas to use for your particular Lexus vehicle.

If you discover that your Lexus vehicle requires premium gas, it means that the manufacturer built the car for its engine to operate with high octane gas. If you use regular gas, the high-compression engine may become more likely to detonate. While one fill-up with regular gas isn’t expected to cause long-term damage, this repeated habit can lead to the need of severe repairs or an entire engine replacement.

While some vehicle owners may try to save money by purchasing regular gas, they may pay for it down the line. Using regular gas when your vehicle requires premium gas can invalidate your warranty. This may result in paying for costly repairs out of your own pocket. Even though premium gas costs several more cents per gallon than regular gas, it’s worth it to your wallet and your vehicle’s condition.

What Happens If I Use Premium Fuel in a Vehicle That Only Requires Regular Fuel?

A vehicle owner may want to put premium fuel in their vehicle that only requires regular fuel. The promise of “premium” fuel may convince them to indulge in a higher-end gasoline product. If you’re tempted to put premium fuel in a Lexus that only asks for regular fuel, we’d encourage you not to bother.

You’re unlikely to reap any actual benefits. The only advantages may be slight increases in fuel economy or acceleration, but they’ll be insignificant over the long term. While putting premium gas in a vehicle that doesn’t need it won’t damage it, you’ll end up paying several more dollars each time you visit the pump for no tangible rewards.

Does Premium Fuel Promote the Cleanliness of My Engine?

Premium fuel doesn’t necessarily make your engine cleaner. Premium fuel only prevents engine knocking and provides optimal engine operation. However, all gasoline grades and brands use cleaning additives in their products. These additives work to clean your engine and prevent the build-up of deposits. This means that both standard fuel and premium fuel are safe for their corresponding engines.

While using premium fuel doesn’t promote the cleanliness of your engine any more than standard fuel does, you can still consider how to maintain your vehicle in other ways. Visit our service center to sign up for a maintenance plan for your car and preserve it for the long term.

What Causes Engine Knocking?

Engine knocking refers to the noise that occurs when fuel doesn’t burn in the correct pattern within your engine’s cylinders. But engine knocking does more than just create unpleasant sounds. This process can damage the cylinder walls and pistons of your engine.

Engine knocking can be the result of carbon deposits or faulty spark plugs, but one of the most common causes is the use of a low-octane fuel, such as the incorrect fuel type for your vehicle. If engine knocking occurs even when you’re using the correct fuel type, there may be a more serious problem that requires the attention of an experienced technician.

What Lexus SUVs Require Premium Gas?

Here are some 2020 Lexus SUVs that require premium gas:

• Lexus NX
• Lexus RX Hybrid
• Lexus GX
• Lexus LX

What Lexus Sedans Require Premium Gas?

These 2020 Lexus sedans require premium gas:

• Lexus IS
• Lexus GS
• Lexus LS
• Lexus LS Hybrid

What Lexus Coupes Require Premium Gas?

These 2020 Lexus coupes require premium gas:

• Lexus RC
• Lexus RC F
• Lexus LC
• Lexus LC Hybrid
• Lexus LC Convertible

How Do I Tell Which Kind of Fuel to Use at the Gas Station?

When you stand at the gas station as a first-time vehicle owner, you may be unsure of what fuel to choose. At each gas pump, you’ll likely find multiple yellow buttons. You can push any one of these buttons to designate what kind of gas you want. The buttons display large black numbers that indicate the gas’s octane rating.

It’s important to note that you may see different numbers depending on where you are in the United States. For example, some states designate the number “90” as the minimum rating for premium gas. Others may label premium gas as “91” or “92,” although “91” is the most common minimum rating.

On the left side of a gas pump, you’ll likely see a button with the number “87.” This is regular gas. In the middle, you may see a button with the number “88,” which has more ethanol than the regular gas. You’ll see the gas button that has the highest rating on the right side. This number might be “91,” “92,” or “93,” but it’s always a premium fuel.

If you don’t see these kinds of labels at a gas pump, you may contact the Federal Trade Commission to issue a complaint. It’s essential for gas stations to supply customers with accurate information so that they can properly fuel their vehicles. Without these labels to guide your fueling decisions, you may cause unintentional damage to your vehicle’s engine.

If you’re in the market for a new Lexus vehicle, you can visit our dealership to browse our vast inventory. We also have a solid lineup of pre-owned vehicles if you’re looking for something reliable at a lower price point. No matter what you end up purchasing, we’ll walk you through your financing options and provide you with maintenance tips, including what kind of fuel to use.