What Type of Fuel Does the Honda Pilot Use?

Being one of the largest car companies around the globe, Honda aims to spread joy among its customers by delivering them a luxurious and comfortable experience. This goes for its mid-size crossover SUV, Honda Pilot, as well. But you need to be careful with how you treat your vehicle, including the fuel. So, What type of fuel does Honda Pilot use?

Honda recommends using unleaded gasoline that has an octane number of 87 or higher. Moreover, using gasoline containing methanol, MMT (manganese-based fuel additives), or more than 15% ethanol should be avoided as fuel, as suggested by the company itself.

To better understand these recommendations, let us discuss what is meant by octane number and why higher octane number gasoline is recommended.

What is the Octane Number?

The octane number, also known as the octane rating of fuel, is associated with its stability. It measures how well fuel can withstand compression without detonating in an internal combustion engine. Usually higher octane number is associated with higher octane stability. Due to this higher stability of high octane fuel, most companies recommend it for their vehicles.

The octane number of fuel depends upon the percentage of iso-heptane in that particular fuel. Based on this octane number, fuel companies have also graded fuels as unleaded, premium, or super-premium fuels, etc.

Benefits of using the right octane number for your vehicle

1. Prevents knocking

Knocking is the sound produced by the engine when the fuel in it gets burned unevenly.

Your car engine is composed of different cylinders. The fuel is burnt in these cylinders in regulated small amounts when there is a correct balance of air and fuel.

Each small amount or packet of fuel burns in the cylinder producing a small shock that helps to initiate the burning process in the next pocket. The cycle continues, generating enough energy for the car’s engine.

If a fuel with an octane number lesser than the recommended one is used in the car,  the fuel will not be able to withstand the compression and may burn before ignition-thus leading to the knocking effect. So to avoid it, using the right octane number fuel is important.

2. Prevents damage

As discussed earlier, fuel with an octane number lower than recommended can cause a knocking sound.

It should be understood that the knocking generated as a result of lower quality fuel is not only an annoying sound but also physically harmful to the car engine.

 A knocking sound is generated due to the premature burning of the fuel. In other words, ignition occurs before the piston of the engine cylinder gets to reach the top dead center. This leads to a misfired piston that works against the engine’s momentum when it thrusts backward.

 This process not only prevents the smooth running of the car engine but also results in damage to pistons that apply pressure against engine flow. Moreover, cylinder walls and crankshaft bearing may also be damaged when knocking is not stopped. Thus, low-quality fuel can damage the car in several ways.

3. Saves money in the long run

Most car owners do not follow the company’s recommendations regarding the type of fuel to use. High octane-numbered fuel is usually more expensive than low octane fuel. Thus, most car owners compromise over the fuel quality while trying to save money.

It should be noted that while this may seem like a good choice in the short run but leads to more damaging results as time progresses. Low-quality fuel leads to engine damage and reduces the overall performance of the car. This causes additional expenses and headaches for the car owners, costing them much more money than they would have saved while using low-quality fuel.

Hence, it would not be wrong to say using good quality fuel serves economical in the long run for the car owners.

Some other benefits of high octane gasoline

1. Decreased environment pollutants

Greenhouse gas emissions and climate changes are the most prominent threats to humankind and the world today. Using high-quality fuel for your car engines can not only help your car but the environment as well. It reduces the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the environment and improves fuel efficiency.

According to research by the Society of Automotive Engineers, approximately 7% of energy can be saved, and a reduction in 20 million tons of carbon dioxide annually can happen if high-quality fuel is used in cars with petrol engines. This will help us reduce pollutants and help us fight climate change and global warming.

2. Improved torque and performance

High octane fuels help improve the performance of vehicles to a great extent. Combining the latest vehicle technology with high octane fuels can not only increase the vesicles’ peak torque but can also result in inefficient use of fuel and money both for the car owners and the makers.

How to Avoid Fuel Related issues in your Honda Pilot?

With proper maintenance and up-keeping, you can prevent any fuel-related issues in your Honda Pilot. Here are a few ways you can avoid problems:

• Don’t leave old gasoline in the tank for too long. Old gasoline starts to oxidize immediately, leading to starting problems. Furthermore, gasoline can react with ethanol, leading to corrosion and affecting the car’s performance.
• Avoid using gasoline that has more than 10% ethanol
• Ensure that your Honda Pilot’s air filters are clean and free of debris

With just a little care, you can increase the fuel efficiency and the running performance of your car.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that following a car company’s fuel recommendations regarding fuel quality can improve the car’s performance, car mileage, engine lifespan, and fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

However, going the extra mile by using premium or super-premium fuels above the suggested fuel for the car can give you no extra benefit regarding mileage. Every vehicle type has different fuel quality requirements depending upon its type or the type of engine used.

Use the fuel type recommended in your owner’s manual and see your car performing excellently!