87, 89, or 92 octane, which is best for my 2012 Accord SE 4 cynider sedan
 

I just picked my 2012 Accords sedan SE 4 cylinder and I am really not sure what octane gas I should put in it. I have a 2002 Tacoma Pre-Runner and only use 92 and have 180,000 miles on it and the engine is still strong with a lot of its original engine parts still going strong. I religiously change my oil when required. With Honda vehicles I have heard many horror stories about damaging engines because of higher octane gas and what everyone tells me is to use what the manual says to use (usually 87) but my manual says "87 or higher". I like the cleaner valves you get with higher octane gas but do not want to damage my brand new car. This Accord will be driven 70 miles a day, minimum and any info is really appreciated!

The most important item for a healthy engine is changing the oil at regular intervals. The second most important item, IMO, is to periodically check the oil level and the coolant level. Follow the recommended checks in your owner's manual.

As for the octane for gasoline: When the fuel/air mixture is compressed, it heats up. If the gasoline ignites before the spark plug fires, it causes engine knock, that is bad for the engine. Higher octane gasoline is less likely to ignite (cause engine knock) compared to low octane gasoline.

With that said, high octane gasoline is recommended for high compression engines, like my TSX. Your accord has lower compression, so the 87 gasoline will not cause your engine to knock.

The additives have detergents to remove any deposits in the fuel pump and the injectors.

I would find out what companies use their "good" additives in all three levels of their gasoline (87, 89, and 91 octane). Then I would use the 87 with their "good" additives.

Very helpful thank you

congrats on new car.

with your concern, suggest starting w/ mid-grade 89 and after a couple tanks switch to reg or premium and see if you can tell a difference.

Couple tanks isn't going to hurt anything no matter what. I ran a VW 65,000 miles knocking and pinging all the way and it wasn't hurt at all.

Thank you for the info.