The 2016 Acura MDX has an engine oil capacity of 5.7 quarts. The MDX is an affordable three-row luxury crossover with good fuel economy and excellent safety ratings. To keep your 2016 Acura in top shape, make sure to keep up with oil changes.

Sticking to your manufacturer's recommended

car maintenance schedule

is key to keeping your MDX running for as long as possible. Doing simple tasks like changing your oil yourself can save you a bit of money, but if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry.

Here’s a guide to the 2016 Acura MDX’s oil capacity, with everything you need to perform a DIY oil change!

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2016 Acura MDX engine oil capacity

First of all, let’s go over the 2016 MDX’s oil capacity. To perform a complete oil change, you’ll need 5.7 quarts or 5.4 liters of the proper oil.

The

Acura MDX’s 3.5-liter V6 engine

needs the right kind and amount of oil to perform at peak efficiency. The 3.5-liter measurement is the engine’s displacement—the volume that the cylinders take up under the hood. This is very different from the engine’s oil capacity.

Engine displacement is not the same thing as oil capacity, so make sure you don’t confuse the two.

What kind of oil does a 2016 Acura MDX need?

Now that we’ve got the amount of oil we need, let’s consider what kind of oil is right for a 2016 Acura MDX.

According to the owner’s manual, you should use premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with an API Certification Seal on the container, preferably an

Acura Genuine

motor oil. You can also use synthetic motor oil, so long as it’s the correct viscosity grade and is labeled with the API Certification Seal.

The viscosity can be a little confusing if you’re not a trained mechanic. Here’s how the numbers and letters break down:

“W” stands for winter

0 means that the oil has a low viscosity at 0°F

20 means that the oil is relatively thin at 212°F

“Detergent” means that the oil has some additives to prevent oil deterioration

So, this oil will still perform well in cold or hot weather conditions. The low viscosity at various temperatures will prevent wear and tear on your engine.

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How often to change the oil on a 2016 Acura MDX

Now that we’ve got the basics down, it’s time to

change your oil

Acura suggests changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if you’re using conventional oil. If your MDX spends most of its time parked in the garage, however, you should check the oil every six months.

Synthetic oil tends to last a little longer, so changing the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles should be sufficient.

To make sure your MDX is running well, it’s recommended that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel. Here are some signs that your oil may need to be changed prematurely:

The oil is dark brown or black (clean oil is more of a light brown or amber color)

The oil feels coarse or gritty

Loud noises

are coming from the engine

Oil, smoke, or burning smells are apparent

Vehicle performance has noticeably dwindled

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How to change your oil and oil filter

First, gather a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench designed to remove the old oil filter. Park your MDX on a flat surface if it’s not already. You’ll also need a replacement filter and 5.7 quarts of premium 0W-20 engine oil.

While in Park, let your car run until it reaches normal operating temperature (around five minutes). Once the engine’s warmed up, shut your car off, open the hood, and follow these steps:

1. Remove the engine oil fill cap.

2. Remove the drain bolt and washer from the bottom of the engine. Drain the oil into a drain pan or sealable plastic container.

3. Remove the oil filter.

4. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to the engine contact surface.

5. Clean away any grime on the contact surface of the oil filter base and install a new oil filter.

6. Apply a light coat of new engine oil to the oil filter rubber seal.

7. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt (tightening torque:

29 lb-ft).

8. Pour the recommended engine oil into the engine.

9. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely.

10. Start the engine and let it run for a couple of minutes.

11. Make sure there are no leaks from the drain bolt or oil filter.

12. Stop the engine, wait for three minutes, and then check the oil level.

If the oil level on the dipstick is correct, you’ve successfully changed your oil!

But don’t forget about cleanup. The dirty oil must be properly disposed of at a recycling center. Do not pour it into your trash can or onto the ground.

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