is the best of all worlds: an affordable-yet-refined luxury crossover with high marks for performance, safety, and reliability. But to keep this capable SUV in peak form, you’ll need to know its engine oil capacity.

Owning a high-end vehicle can come with added expenses, from pricier insurance to costly maintenance fees. But if you own a 2013 Acura MDX, you can cut your garage costs by changing the oil at home—just be sure to check your owner’s manual first for the correct oil type and capacity for your model.

If you’ve lost the manual, or just want a little extra information on 2013 Acura MDX oil capacity, you’ve come to the right place.

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2013 Acura MDX engine oil capacity

Let’s start with the big question: just how much engine oil does a 2013 Acura MDX need?

The

3.7-liter V6 engine

that powers your 2013 MDX has an oil capacity of 4.5 quarts, or 4.3 liters. Be sure not to get your engine’s displacement—the 3.7-liter volume its cylinders take up—confused with its oil capacity, which refers to the amount of oil required for each oil change. Engine displacement is not the same thing as oil capacity, so never assume the numbers are interchangeable.

What kind of oil does a 2013 Acura MDX need?

Now that we know how much oil your MDX needs, it’s time to talk about oil type. That’s right—not all engine oils are created equal! Instead of buying the first five-quart bottle you see on the shelves, look for premium grade 5W-20 detergent oil. That’s what Acura recommends for the 2013 MDX, and it’s important to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

What does all of that mean? The numbers in the oil grade refer to the oil’s viscosity—i.e. how thick it is—while the “W” stands for winter. The number 5 right before “W” tells us that this oil’s got a low viscosity at 0°F, while the number 20 means that it’s also relatively thin at a blazing hot 212°F.

In other words, you’re looking for an oil with those ratings because it will perform well under cold weather conditions, and because its low viscosity means less wear and tear on your engine. “Detergent oil” just means that the oil has some additives to prevent rust, sludge, and oil deterioration.

What about synthetic motor oil? Acura says that you can use a high-quality synthetic oil blend in your 2013 MDX as long as it meets the same requirements. So if you find premium-grade 5W-20 synthetic oil, you’re good to go!

If you’re not sure where to start, consider these three options:

The genuine article: To follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter, use

Acura Genuine

motor oil

For high-mileage vehicles: If you prefer conventional oil (or if a previous owner used it),

STP Engine Oil

is a great option.

A high-quality synthetic blend: Want to wait longer between oil changes? Try

Castrol GTX High Mileage Engine Oil

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

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How often to change oil on a 2013 Acura MDX

You’re now an expert on 2013 Acura MDX oil capacity and type: it’s time to

change your oil

Or is it? Acura recommends changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if you’re using conventional oil. If you drive a lot, every six months may be an even better benchmark to make sure your oil stays clean and functional.

However, if you’ve chosen to use synthetic oil, you can let a lot more time (and distance) go between oil changes. Experts recommend changing synthetic oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

But those are pretty big ranges. To make sure you’re changing the oil at the right time, check your oil levelon a regular basis (e.g. once a month or every other refuel). Look out for the following signs that your oil needs to be changed:

Unfamiliar noises

coming from the engine

New smells, especially anything that smells like oil, smoke, or burning

Changes in your vehicle’s performance

MORE:

The most common Acura problems

How to change your oil and oil filter

Once you’ve decided that it’s time for an oil change, gather your materials. You’ll need a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench designed to remove the old oil filter. And, of course, don’t forget to buy a replacement filter and five quarts of premium 5W-20 engine oil.

Start things off by running the engine for a while, until it reaches normal operating temperature. In normal weather, this ought to take no more than five minutes. Once you’re there, shut the engine off, open the hood, and follow these steps:

Remove the oil fill cap

Get underneath the engine and remove the oil drain bolt and washer, draining the old oil into the drain pan

Remove the old oil filter and continue to let the oil drain

Install the new filter

Replace the oil drain bolt using a new washer and tighten it to 29 lb-ft

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

Use your dipstick to make sure that you’ve added enough oil to the engine. Once you’re done, run the vehicle for a few minutes and watch for any leaks. If you’ve done everything right, your dashboard’s

oil pressure light

should turn off.

The last step: cleanup. Don’t dump the dirty oil out on the ground or put it in your garbage bin. Instead, place it in a sealed container and bring it to a local recycling center.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

And you’re off! Regular oil changes can keep your 2013 Acura MDX running smoothly for years to come—and by doing it at home, you’re saving both

time

and money!

Another easy way to save time and money on Acura ownership is to download the

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a licensed insurance broker

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