The 2008 Acura MDX’s powerful V8 engine, impressive safety scores, and smooth handling come together in a family friendly, performance-driven package. But to maintain this midsize SUV’s performance appeal, you’ll need to know its engine oil capacity—which is 4.5 quarts, including the filter.

While this Acura’s resume reads as adaptable and luxurious, any older vehicle model requires regular attention. With the already costly price of fuel and

car insurance

, however, vehicle maintenance costs can be enough to tip you over the edge.

Luckily, vehicle maintenance doesn’t need to break the bank. In fact, you can save a significant amount by performing simple maintenance tasks on your Acura—like changing your oil—at home! In this

car repair

article, we’ll break down the engine oil capacity of the 2008 Acura MDX and the steps to complete an oil change in your own garage.

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2008 Acura MDX engine oil capacity

Before you swap out your engine oil, you’ll need to know how much oil your 2008 Acura MDX actually needs.

The

Acura MDX’s V6 engine

has an oil capacity of 4.5 quarts, or 4.3 liters. Keep in mind that this is not the same as your engine’s displacement—the 3.7-liter volume your engine’s cylinders take up.

Oil capacity, on the other hand, tells us the amount of oil your engine requires each time it has an oil change. Engine displacement and oil capacity do not refer to the same thing, so ensure you’re using the right volume.

What kind of oil does a 2008 Acura MDX need?

Now that you know how much oil you’ll need, let’s go over what type of oil is compatible with your Acura. Different oils will work differently in your vehicle, so it’s important to get the right kind. When you’re scanning the shelves, look for a full synthetic 5W-20 oil, preferably an

Acura Genuine

Why this oil type? A synthetic oil will provide greater protection to your engine, allowing you to drive for longer stretches of time between oil changes. The number “5” in the oil grade (5W-20) tells us that this oil will stay relatively thin at low temperatures (“W” refers to winter or 0 degrees F), while the “20” reflects this oil’s similarly low viscosity at your Acura’s blazing hot operating temperature of 212 degrees F.

In other words, this oil’s low viscosity will protect your engine from premature wear and tear while performing well at a variety of temperatures.

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How often to change oil on a 2008 Acura MDX

You know your Acura’s oil capacity and type and you’re ready to switch out your old oil. So how do you know when it’s time for an

oil change

If you’re using conventional oil, Acura recommends swapping out the oil in a 2008 MDX every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Keep in mind, however, that this is merely a guideline. How often you need to change your oil will depend on the type of oil you’re using, how often you’re driving, and the state of your oil.

If you’re only driving your vehicle a few times a week, you won’t need to swap out your oil as often as someone driving their vehicle multiple times per day. Likewise, a synthetic oil will give you more miles than conventional.

If you’re unsure whether it’s time for an oil change, you can inspect the state of your oil to determine whether it’s clean and functional or ready to be discarded. If your oil appears dark in color or gritty in texture, or if you hear or smell unfamiliar noises or smells coming from your engine, it’s time for an oil change.

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How to change your oil and oil filter

Once you’ve hit the 10,000 mile benchmark or noticed the symptoms of dirty oil, you’re ready to change your oil and oil filter. Let’s get started!

Ensure you have the following materials:

A socket wrench

A drain pan

A filter wrench

A replacement filter

5 quarts of 5W-20 engine oil

Before you pop the hood, let your engine run and heat to its normal operating weather. This should only take a few minutes. Next, open the hood and locate the oil fill reservoir. Follow the steps below to change your oil:

Remove the oil fill cap from the oil fill reservoir

Remove the oil drain bolt and washer and let the old oil drain into the drain pan

As the oil drains, remove the old oil filter

Install the new filter

Replace and tighten the oil drain bolt

Refill the engine with your new oil and replace the fill cap

Close the hood and start your engine to allow the new oil to fill the filter

Use your dipstick to ensure you’ve added the right amount of oil to the engine

Once the oil change is complete, the

oil pressure light

on your dashboard should turn off. As a final step, ensure the old oil is properly discarded in a sealed container and brought to a recycling center.

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Are Acuras expensive to maintain?

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