The Acura MDX engine oil capacity is 5.6 quarts or 5.3 liters. Acura recommends using a synthetic 0W-20 motor oil or a premium grade 0W-20 detergent oil. If you’re using synthetic oil, expect to change your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

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Acura MDX engine oil capacity

The 2022 Acura MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that has an engine oil capacity of 5.6 quarts or 5.3 liters. This is the oil capacity with an oil filter change, which is recommended with every oil change.

If you choose not to replace the filter, expect your engine to take about 0.3 quarts less.

Be sure not to confuse your engine oil capacity with the engine displacement. When you hear “3.5-liter engine” this is referring to the engine displacement—the total volume swept by the engine’s pistons—and is distinct from oil capacity.

What kind of oil does an Acura MDX need?

Acura recommends using either Acura Genuine 0W-20 Motor Oil (or equivalent) or a premium grade 0W-20 detergent oil for your MDX. You’ll want to go with a synthetic oil for optimal performance.

Detergent oil just means that the oil has additives to prevent rust, sludge, and oil deterioration, which will help prolong the health of your engine.

If you aren’t familiar with oil viscosity ratings, you might also be wondering what those numbers mean. The first number (“0W”) tells you the viscosity/how the oil behaves at 0°F. The second number (“20”) tells you the viscosity at normal operating temperatures of 212°F.

A 0W-20 motor oil is relatively low viscosity at both high and low temperatures, meaning you’ll get better performance in a wide range of engine temperatures. Ultimately, what this means is less wear and tear on your engine over time compared to a higher viscosity oil.

If you want a few recommendations to get you started, check out these three options:

To stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation:

Acura Genuine

motor oil.

If you tend to prefer conventional oil:

STP Engine Oil

is a great option.

For a high-quality synthetic option: Try

Castrol GTX High Mileage Engine Oil

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

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How often to change the oil on an Acura MDX

The change interval for your Acura MDX will depend on a number of factors, the most notable being whether you use conventional or synthetic oil.

With conventional oils, a good rule of thumb is to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every six months.

If you use a synthetic oil, you can usually get much more mileage between changes, with an oil change recommended every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

In either case, those are some pretty wide ranges. The best advice we can give is to check your oil regularly (at least once per month) to check for signs that it’s time for an oil change. Look out for these symptoms of dirty oil:

Clean oil should be amber or light brown. Oil that is black or dark brown needs to be changed.

If your oil feels gritty or coarse, that’s a sign of particulate build-up and should signal an oil change.

Unfamiliar sounds or smells (like burning, smoke, or oil) are signs that your oil is getting dirty.

As your oil gets older you might notice changes to your vehicle’s performance like reduced power or fuel efficiency.

MORE:

The most common Acura problems

How to change your oil and oil filter

Of course, you can always take your car into a shop for an oil change. But if you have the tools and want to save around $100, a DIY oil change is pretty straightforward and can be done relatively quickly.

First, gather your tools. You’ll need a socket wrench, a drain pan, a filter wrench, a new oil filter, and 5.6 quarts of fresh 0W-20 motor oil. Before you start draining any oil, bring your car up to normal operating temperatures by letting it run for a few minutes.

Once you’re there, turn off the engine, pop the hood, and follow these steps:

Locate and remove the oil fill cap

Under the engine, locate the oil drain bolt. Position the drain pan and remove the bolt and washer

Remove the old oil filter

Let the oil drain completely

Install the new oil filter

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

Refill the engine with clean oil and double-check the fill level

Replace the oil fill cap

Run your car for a few minutes and check for any leaks

When everything is said and done, don’t throw your old oil in the trash or down the drain. Dispose of it responsibly by taking it to your local recycling center.

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