Bruce Bartlow
Late apex everything
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- Vehicle Model
- I am nowhere near the Ring, otherwise the C8 would be a tempting test drive. Outside the Ring, a CTR checks a lot of boxes
The Owner's Manual that came with your 2012 SI is misleading.
The "2112 Civic Coupe Owners Manual" calls the use of premium fuel a "recommendation" only (Title, "Fuel Recommendation" - page 227) and says that using a "gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage", a statement that can imply that regular or plus grades can also be used, i.e., only fuel "less than 87" is undesirable. For owners of the SI model, however, that entire line of reasoning is misleading and dangerous. But whatever ambiguity the Owner's Manual creates is eliminated in the "Technology Reference Guide" for the "EX, EX-L, and SI" - included with the Owner's Manual.
Page 17 of the Technology Guide clearly states: "For Civic SI models, unleaded gasoline of 91 octane or higher is required".
What is key to remember is that the Owners Manual is a generic guide for the "2012 Civic Coupe" with no specific reference to the SI model. The Technology Guide, on the other hand, is clearly addressing the special requirements of the EX, EX-L, and SI models. And notice, the use of premium fuel is an absolute "requirement", not just a "recommendation".
The Guide goes on to warn about the use of gasoline with MMT, a manganese-based fuel additive. "Prolonged and consistent use of gasoline containing MMT can deteriorate your vehicle's performance, fuel economy, and the emissions control system. Always use MMT-free gasoline if available. Failures caused by use of gasoline containing MMT may not be covered under warranty".
The Guide concluded with a lengthy discussion and recommendation for "TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline", directing readers to www.toptiergas.com.
The "2112 Civic Coupe Owners Manual" calls the use of premium fuel a "recommendation" only (Title, "Fuel Recommendation" - page 227) and says that using a "gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage", a statement that can imply that regular or plus grades can also be used, i.e., only fuel "less than 87" is undesirable. For owners of the SI model, however, that entire line of reasoning is misleading and dangerous. But whatever ambiguity the Owner's Manual creates is eliminated in the "Technology Reference Guide" for the "EX, EX-L, and SI" - included with the Owner's Manual.
Page 17 of the Technology Guide clearly states: "For Civic SI models, unleaded gasoline of 91 octane or higher is required".
What is key to remember is that the Owners Manual is a generic guide for the "2012 Civic Coupe" with no specific reference to the SI model. The Technology Guide, on the other hand, is clearly addressing the special requirements of the EX, EX-L, and SI models. And notice, the use of premium fuel is an absolute "requirement", not just a "recommendation".
The Guide goes on to warn about the use of gasoline with MMT, a manganese-based fuel additive. "Prolonged and consistent use of gasoline containing MMT can deteriorate your vehicle's performance, fuel economy, and the emissions control system. Always use MMT-free gasoline if available. Failures caused by use of gasoline containing MMT may not be covered under warranty".
The Guide concluded with a lengthy discussion and recommendation for "TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline", directing readers to www.toptiergas.com.