TLX’s rear differential fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles to keep your car running smoothly. With the right equipment and a bottle of the correct rear differential fluid, you’ll be able to do this car maintenance at home.

Keeping up with car maintenance can feel like a never-ending job. One part of upkeep you simply can’t skip is changing your rear differential fluid, and it’s important that you get the correct fluid for your Acura TLX and learn how to put it in your car.

Thankfully, we’ve got answers.

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The best Acura TLX rear differential fluid

For your Acura TLX, you’ll want to use

Acura All-Wheel Drive Fluid

(also known as AWD Differential Fluid, Acura DPSF 0820-9007A). This is a rear differential fluid made by the Acura brand to keep your Acura TLX running at top capacity.

Plus, Acura keeps this fluid affordable, with a bottle costing only $10.49 at retail.

MORE:

A complete guide to Acura safety ratings

What is rear differential fluid—and why does your Acura TLX need it?

Rear differential fluid works similarly to motor oil, but for your rear axle—it keeps this part of the car lubricated and running smoothly. This allows your back wheels to operate properly and to spin at different speeds, which is important for turning and off-roading.

Without rear differential fluid, you’ll experience excessive wear and tear. It also will cause your car to operate at less than peak performance.

How often to change Acura TLX rear differential fluid

As per Acura’s recommendation, you’ll want to change your Acura TLX’s rear differential fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. If you frequently go off-roading or regularly with particularly rough terrain, you’ll want to change your fluid closer to the 30,000 mark.

Regardless of how long it has been since your last rear differential fluid change, if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you’ll want to look into new fluids:

A burning smell from the rear gearbox

Whirring, howling, or straining noises

Any unusual vibrations

MORE:

How to check and decode an Acura VIN

How to change your Acura TLX’s differential fluid

If you’re handy and hoping to avoid paying a mechanic, you can change your rear differential fluid at home.

Before you get started, make sure you’ve got the following supplies handy:

Carjack and jack stands

Socket wrench set

Fluid transfer pump

Drain pan

Rear differential fluid

Here’s a step-by-step guide to changing your rear differential fluid.

Step 1: Jack up your car for easy access to the rear differential

Step 2: Remove the rear differential’s fill plug first. If you can’t get it off once the fluid is drained, you won’t be able to drive

Step 3: Remove the drain plug and let the old fluid drain into your drain pan

Step 4: Replace the drain plug

Step 5: Use your fluid transfer pump to pump the fresh fluid into your rear differential

Step 6: Replace the fill plug and lower your vehicle

If you follow those steps, your rear differential fluid is changed and your car is ready to get back on the road.

MORE:

The most common Acura problems

How to find affordable Acura insurance

Car ownership is full of costs and unexpected expenses, like the labor and material costs associated with changing your differential fluid. With that in mind, you should save money wherever you can on car-related costs. One great way to save is by lowering your

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