The oil capacity of an Acura TSX depends on the model year and engine type of your car. For all first-generation TSX models, the full capacity is 4.4 quarts, but for model years 2009 and later, the capacity ranges from 4.2 to 4.5 quarts based on engine size.

The oil capacity for an Acura TSX ranges from 4.2 to 4.5 quarts depending on model year and engine size.
Honda/Acura recommends premium-grade conventional detergent oil for most model years.
Changing your TSX’s oil is fairly simple, but it does require a few
essential car tools and supplies
.

Acura TSX engine oil capacity

The oil capacity of your Acura TSX depends on the model year and engine type:

All models before 2009

: 4.4 quarts

4-cylinder engines from 2009 and later

: 4.2 quarts

6-cylinder engines from 2009 and later

: 4.5 quarts

Your engine’s oil capacity remains the same whether your TSX has a manual transmission or an automatic transmission.

Acura TSX engine oil type

For most TSX models, it’s best to use premium-grade conventional detergent oil in the exact viscosity recommended by the owner’s manual.

The recommended viscosity grade depends on the model year:

2004-2008

: 5W-30

2009-2010

: 5W-20

2011-2014

: 0W-20

If you drive a 2006, 2007, or 2008 Acura TSX, you can also use 10W-30 engine oil if you live in an area where temperatures never drop below 20° F.

For any Acura TSX, you can use synthetic engine oil instead of conventional as long as it conforms to the viscosity requirements of the manufacturer. For older models, aim for a synthetic oil designed for high-mileage vehicles, like:

Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil

Castrol GTX 5W-30 High Mileage Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil

Acura TSX oil change intervals

Just like your oil capacity and recommended type, you can look up the manufacturer’s recommended

oil change

interval in your owner’s manual. However, the recommended interval tends to be the same for most vehicles depending on the type of oil you use:

Conventional oil

: Schedule a change every six months or 3,000 to 5,000 miles—whichever comes first

Synthetic oil

: Change the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles

Of course, how often you need to change your oil depends partly on how often you drive the car and your driving conditions.

If your TSX spends most of its time in the garage, you may be able to go a long time between changes—just be sure to check the oil on a regular basis in case it’s getting low or picking up sludge.

On the other hand, if you’ve got a long commute or take frequent road trips, you might find that your oil needs to be changed more frequently.

Keep an eye out for:

Unfamiliar

engine noises

Odors of smoke or oil

Changes in your vehicle’s performance.

Take a minute every other time you fill up the tank to check your TSX’s oil levels, and be ready to make the change as soon as possible.

How to change the oil in your Acura TSX

For a DIY Acura TSX oil and oil filter change, you’ll need:

A filter wrench

A socket

A drain pan

5 quarts of oil in the viscosity recommended for your TSX model year and engine type

A new oil filter

Car jack and jack stands

Here’s how to change your oil:

Begin by jacking up the front of the car and locating the splash shield underneath the engine.

Remove the splash shield and drain plug and let the old oil drain into the pan you prepared. Wipe down the plug and put it back once the oil has drained.

Use the filter wrench to remove the old filter and put a new one in its place. Don’t use the wrench to tighten the replacement filter—just use your hand to avoid over-tightening.

Finally, fill the engine with oil from the top. A funnel is your best friend here.

Use the dipstick to check that the oil level is right. Be prepared to add a little more or drain some off if necessary—but remember that too much is better than too little.

And you’re done! With the average cost of an Acura oil change hovering between $112 and $124, you’ve just saved money—and ensured that your car will run smoothly from here till your next oil change!

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