Acura MDX 2014 Owner's Manual

420
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuDOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
Maintenance
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety
Requirements. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction,
and temperature performance according to Department of
Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these
gradings.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and maximum section width.
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear
rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.■Uniform Tire Quality Grading■Treadwear
1Uniform Tire Quality GradingFor example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.

421
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuDOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
Maintenance
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement
as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked
C may have poor traction performance.
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which
all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.■Traction■Temperature
1TractionWarning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.1TemperatureWarning: The temperature grade for
this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible
tire failure.

422
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuWear Indicators
Maintenance
Wear Indicators
The groove where the wear indicator is
located is 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) shallower than
elsewhere on the tire. If the tread has worn so
that the indicator is exposed, replace the tire.
Worn out tires have poor traction on wet
roads.
Tire Service LifeThe life of your tires is dependent on many factors, including driving habits, road
conditions, vehicle loading, inflation pressure, maintenance history, speed, and
environmental conditions (even when the tires are not in use).
In addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance, it is
recommended that you have annual inspections performed once the tires reach five
years old. All tires, including the spare, should be removed from service after 10
years from the date of manufacture, regardless of their condition or state of wear.
Example of a Wear
Indicator mark

423
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuTire and Wheel Replacement
Maintenance
Tire and Wheel ReplacementReplace your tires with radials of the same size, load range, speed rating, and
maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Using tires of a
different size or construction can cause the ABS and VSA® (vehicle stability assist)
system to work incorrectly.
It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that isn’t possible, replace the
front or rear tires in pairs.
If you replace a wheel, only use TPMS specified wheels approved for your vehicle.
Make sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the original wheels.
1Tire and Wheel Replacement
3
WARNING
Installing improper tires on your vehicle can
affect handling and stability. This can cause
a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Always use the size and type of tires
recommended in this owner’s manual.

424
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuTire Rotation
Maintenance
Tire RotationRotating tires according to the maintenance messages on the MID helps to distribute
wear more evenly and increase tire life.■Tires without rotation marks
Rotate the tires as shown here.■Tires with rotation marks
Rotate the tires as shown here.
1Tire Rotation
Tires with directional tread patterns should only be
rotated front to back (not from one side to the other).
Directional tires should be mounted with the rotation
indication mark facing forward, as shown below.
Front
Rotation Mark
FrontFront

425
uuChecking and Maintaining TiresuWinter Tires
Maintenance
Winter TiresIf driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked “M+S” tires, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between vehicles
when driving.
Be particularly careful when operating the steering wheel or brakes to prevent
skidding.
Use tire chains, snow tires, or all season tires when necessary or according to the law.
When mounting, refer to the following points.
For winter tires:
•Select the size and load ranges that are the same as the original tires.
•Mount the tires to all four wheels.
For tire chains:
•Install them on the front tires only.
•Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, we strongly recommend using the
chains listed below:
•Follow the chain manufacturer’s instruction when installing. Mount them as
tightly as you can.
•Check that the chains do not touch the brake lines or suspension.
•Drive slowly.
Cable-type: SCC Cable Chain ZT735
1Winter TiresNOTICETraction devices that are the wrong size or improperly
installed can damage your vehicle’s brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are
hitting any part of the vehicle.
When tire chains are mounted, follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions regarding vehicle
operational limits.
If your vehicle is equipped with summer tires, be
aware that these tires are not designed for winter
driving conditions. For more information, contact a
dealer.
3
WARNING
Using the wrong chains, or not properly
installing chains, can damage the brake
lines and cause a crash in which you can be
seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s
manual regarding the selection and use of
tire chains.

426Maintenance
BatteryChecking the BatteryThe battery condition is being monitored by the sensor on the negative terminal.
If there is a problem with the sensor, the warning message on MID will let you know.
Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.
If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead:
•The audio system is disabled.
2Audio System Theft Protection P. 201
•The clock resets.
2Clock P. 114
•The navigation system
* is disabled.
2Refer to navigation system manual
Charging the BatteryDisconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle’s electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.
1BatteryWARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Clean the terminals with a damp towel. Cloth/towel
dry the battery. Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent future corrosion.
When replacing the battery, the replacement must be
of the same specifications.
Please consult a dealer for more information.
3
WARNING
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.
When conducting any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
* Not available on all models

427
Continued
Maintenance
Remote Transmitter CareReplacing the Button BatteryIf the indicator does not come on when the button is pressed, replace the battery.
1.Remove the built-in key.
2.Remove the upper half by carefully prying
on the edge with a coin.
uWrap a coin with a cloth to prevent
scratching the transmitter.
3.Make sure to replace the battery with the
correct polarity.
1Replacing the Button BatteryNOTICEAn improperly disposed of battery can damage the
environment. Always confirm local regulations for
battery disposal.
Replacement batteries are commercially available or
at a dealer.
Models without remote control engine start system
Battery type: CR2032
Battery

uuRemote Transmitter CareuReplacing the Button Battery
428Maintenance
If the indicator does not come on when the button is pressed, replace the battery.
1.Remove the built-in key.
uAs a convenience, lightly place masking
tape over the remote buttons to hold
them in place.
2.Remove the upper half by carefully prying
on the edge with a coin.
uWrap a coin with a cloth to prevent
scratching the transmitter.
3.Press down on the center of the assembly
and remove the battery.
uWhen removing the button battery, be
careful not to touch parts around it.
4.Make sure to replace the battery with the
correct polarity.Models with remote control engine start system
1Replacing the Button BatteryNOTICEThe Remote transmitter is equipped with two
batteries: A standard replaceable CR2032 coin
button battery and an integral non-replaceable
rechargeable battery. To prevent permanent damage
to the rechargeable battery, replace the CR2032
battery every three to four years.Models with remote control engine start system
Battery type: CR2032
Battery

429
Continued
Maintenance
Remote Control and Wireless Headphone Care
*
Replacing the BatteryIf it takes several pushes on the remote control buttons to operate the rear
entertainment system, replace the battery.
1.Remove the cover.
2.Make sure to replace the battery with the
correct polarity.■Remote ControlModels with Rear Entertainment System
1Replacing the BatteryNOTICEAn improperly disposed of battery can damage the
environment. Always confirm local regulations for
battery disposal.
Replacement batteries are commercially available or
at a dealer.
Battery type: BR3032
* Not available on all models