Lexus ES: Fuel information

You must only use unleaded gasoline.

Select unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher required for optimum engine performance and fuel economy. If the octane rating is less than 87, damage to the engine may occur and may void the vehicle warranty.

At minimum, the gasoline you use should meet the specifications of ASTM D4814 in the U.S.A.

■Gasoline quality In very few cases, driveability problems may be caused by the brand of gasoline you are using. If driveability problems persist, try changing the brand of gasoline. If this does not correct the problem, consult your Lexus dealer.

■Gasoline quality standards

• Automotive manufacturers in the U.S.A., Europe and Japan have developed a specification for fuel quality called the World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC), which is expected to be applied worldwide.
• The WWFC improves air quality by lowering emissions in vehicle fleets, and improves customer satisfaction through better performance.

■Recommendation of the use of gasoline containing detergent additives

• Lexus recommends the use of gasoline that contains detergent additives to avoid the build-up of engine deposits.
• All gasoline sold in the U.S.A. contains minimum detergent additives to clean and/or keep clean intake systems, per EPA's lowest additives concentration program
• Lexus strongly recommends the use of Top Tier Detergent Gasoline. For more information on Top Tier Detergent Gasoline and a list of marketers, please go to the official website www.toptiergas.com.

■Recommendation of the use of low emissions gasoline Gasolines containing oxygenates such as ethers and ethanol, as well as reformulated gasolines, are available in some cities.

These fuels are typically acceptable for use, providing they meet other fuel requirements.

Lexus recommends these fuels, since the formulations allow for reduced vehicle emissions.

■Non-recommendation of the use of blended gasoline

• Use only gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol.

  DO NOT use any flex-fuel or gasoline that could contain more than 15% ethanol, including from any pump labeled E30 (30% ethanol [A]), E50 (50% ethanol [B]), E85 (85% ethanol [C]) (which are only some examples of fuel containing more than 15% ethanol).

• If you use gasohol in your vehicle, be sure that it has an octane rating no lower than 87.
• Lexus does not recommend the use of gasoline containing methanol.

■Non-recommendation of the use of gasoline containing MMT Some gasoline contains an octane enhancing additive called MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl).

Lexus does not recommend the use of gasoline that contains MMT. If fuel containing MMT is used, your emission control system may be adversely affected.

The malfunction indicator lamp on the instrument cluster may come on. If this happens, contact your Lexus dealer for service.

■If your engine knocks

• Consult your Lexus dealer.
• You may occasionally notice light knocking for a short time while accelerating or driving uphill. This is normal and there is no need for concern.

NOTICE

■Notice on fuel quality

• Do not use improper fuels. If improper fuels are used, the engine will be damaged.
• Do not use leaded gasoline.

  Leaded gasoline can cause damage to your vehicle's three-way catalytic converters causing the emission control system to malfunction.

• Do not use gasohol other than the type previously stated.

  Other gasohol may cause fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems.

• Using unleaded gasoline with an octane number or rating lower than the level previously stated may cause persistent heavy knocking.

  At worst, this may lead to engine damage and will void the vehicle warranty.

■Fuel-related poor driveability If poor driveability (poor hot starting, vaporization, engine knocking, etc.) is encountered after using a different type of fuel, discontinue the use of that type of fuel.

■When refueling with gasohol Take care not to spill gasohol. It can damage your vehicle's paint.

READ NEXT: