Acura RDX Oil Change
You should change the oil in an Acura RDX every 5,000 miles using synthetic oil.
Written by Mary Cahill
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
You should change the oil in an Acura RDX every 5,000 miles using synthetic oil. Your owner’s manual will specify what type of oil is best for your RDX engine.
Clean motor oil is key to optimal engine performance. Oil is responsible for maintaining fuel efficiency and it keeps the engine clean and running smoothly. If you don’t change it regularly, you run the risk of damaging your car’s engine.
Changing the engine oil is a multi-step process that must be done correctly, using the right type of oil.
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How often does an Acura RDX need an oil change?
It is recommended that you change the oil on an Acura RDX every 5,000 miles.
Waiting longer than 5,000 miles to change your engine oil could result in a host of engine issues, so it’s important to schedule this maintenance regularly. Timely oil changes are one of the most straightforward ways you can prolong the life of your Acura RDX. You should check your oil regularly and add oil as needed.
What kind of oil does an Acura RDX need?
The type of oil your RDX takes will depend on the year it was made. RDX models from 2007 to 2012 use
5W-30 HTO-06 full synthetic motor oil
. For RDX models made from 2013 to 2022, 0W-20 synthetic oil
is used. How much does an oil change cost for an Acura RDX?
The cost of an oil change for the Acura RDX is determined by whether you take your car to a professional mechanic or change the oil yourself.
Professional cost
A professional oil change for an Acura RDX will cost between $126 and $140. This is because synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional oil. Full synthetic oil lasts much longer—which means fewer oil changes overall.
DIY cost
Changing the oil yourself will save you a lot of money. A quart of
0W-20 synthetic oil
costs about $10. A 5-quart container runs between $20 and $35. MORE: DIY window crack repair guide
How to change the oil in an Acura RDX yourself
Here’s what you’ll need in order to change the oil and the oil filter on your own:
- 5 quarts of synthetic engine oil
- Floor jack and jack stands (optional)
- Engine oil filter
- Oil catch pan
- 17mm wrench or socket
- 3/8" drive ratchet
- Torque wrench
- Oil filter wrench or large pliers (optional)
- Funnel
- Rubber gloves
- Safety goggles
1. Warm up the engine
Drive the car for about five minutes before you start. The oil drains more easily when the engine is warm.
2. Lift up the vehicle
Since the RDX is an SUV, there may be enough clearance for you to get safely under the vehicle without raising it. If you’d prefer to lift it up, you can use jack stands or ramps for ample clearance.
3. Drain the old oil
Putting on safety goggles and rubber gloves is recommended for this step. Loosen the oil cap, and then remove the oil pan drain bolt with a 17mm wrench or socket. Let the oil drain into the catch pan—this will take about 15 minutes.
4. Remove the oil filter
Use a filter wrench to remove the oil filter or unscrew it by hand and allow any leftover oil to drain. Be sure to put some fresh oil on the sealing ring of the new oil filter before hand-tightening it into place—this will ensure a good fit and prevent any oil leaks.
5. Fill engine with new oil
Reinstall the oil pan drain bolt and crush washer, torquing it to 25-29 ft-lbs. Remove the oil cap from the top of the engine and add the oil. A funnel can make pouring the oil easier and less messy.
After filling, run the engine for about five minutes to get the fresh oil circulating through the cylinders, and then turn it off. Check for any leaks underneath the vehicle.
6. Reset oil life monitor
To reset the oil life monitor, follow these simple steps:
- Turn the ignition key or press the start engine button without starting the car.
- Press the SEL/RESET button on the right-hand side of the steering wheel until the oil life readout appears on the dash display screen.
- Hold the SEL/RESET button for about 10 seconds until the OIL LIFE RESET prompt appears
- Highlight the RESET option and press the SEL/RESET button again to reset the oil life monitor.
Once you have done this, allow a few minutes for your engine to cool. Measure the oil level with the dipstick and top off the engine if needed.
What happens if you don't change the oil on an Acura RDX?
If you don’t change your oil or have a habit of being overdue for oil changes, your engine could suffer serious damage. Circulating old oil through your engine cylinders over and over causes the oil to turn into gritty, black sludge. Oil with this consistency is terrible for your engine and can cause the following problems:
- Overheating
- Engine corrosion
- Decreased fuel efficiency
- Complete engine failure
Typically, regular oil changes will cost less than major engine repairs.
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