When To Change Your Oil

If you are using synthetic oil for your Acura RDX, you will want to change your oil after 7,500 - 10,000 miles or once every year. For non-synthetic oil, the oil change interval is shorter, requiring a change after 3,000 - 5,000 miles or again once a year. It is important to change your Acura RDX oil every year even if you don't reach the mileage mark since oil will naturally break down due to time, requiring an oil change.

As a Acura RDX owner, your oil maintenance schedule is very easy. This is thanks to your Acura RDX's Maintenance Minder system, which is standard on all RDX models. The Maintenance Minder system will analyze your driving habits and alert you when your oil is between 5% - 15%. Once alerted, you can plan your next oil change.

Synthetic vs. Non-Synthetic Oil

Above we mentioned synthetic and non-synthetic oil above, but what are their differences? Synthetic oil has a crude oil base, just like non-synthetic oil. Unlike non-synthetic oil though, synthetic oil is chemically engineered to optimize its chemical stability and have high heat resistance. This extra refinement makes synthetic oil less viscous when coming in contact with heat generated by the engines operation, allowing it to last longer without needing to be changed.

Non-synthetic oils still have the same crude oil base as synthetic oil, but without the chemical refinement that gives synthetic oil its unique properties. It is less resistant to heat making it more likely to form sludge faster than synthetic oil does. Once this happens, it's time for an oil change.

Why Get My Oil Changed?

It's easier to answer why your Acura RDX requires its scheduled oil changes if we understand what oil does to keep the engine in top shape. Oil lubricates the engine while in use, keeping your engine system from taking damage. As the engine runs, it has many different parts moving and bumping into each other. This causes friction that can wear down and degrade these parts. Oil keeps these parts lubricated so when they collide as part of their regular function, harmful friction does not wear out the engine.

An additional function of oil is that it prevents dirt and debris from entering you engine. Keeping these harmful particles out of your Acura RDX engine system makes sure your engine runs without interruption. If you don't get your oil changed, it will be unable to do these vital tasks, and your engine will slowly become damaged over time.

Next Steps

It is important when taking care of your Acura RDX to always be keeping up to date with its maintenance, especially if your Acura RDX Maintenance Minder system is alerting you to schedule an oil change. Ignoring your cars general maintenance can lead to major problems later on as damaged parts may then also damage other nearby components, compromising the vehicles ability to drive.

If your Acura RDX oil is running low, or you just haven't brought your car in for maintenance in a while, schedule using the link below and our team of expert technicians will make sure your ride stays safe and smooth.