weight Acura MDX 2015 Owner's Guide

318
uuTowing a Trailer uTowing Preparation
Driving
■Hitches
Read the trailer manufacturer’s instructions, and select the appropriate draw bar for
the height of the trailer you will be towing.■Weight distribution hitches
Your vehicle is designed to tow without the need for a load distributing hitch. If you
wish to use one, please consult your trailer maker for proper installation and set-up.
Improper set-up could degrade the handling, stability, and braking performance of
your vehicle.■Safety chains
Always use safety chains when you tow a trailer. Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do not allow the chains to drag on the ground.■Sway control
This device can be used if your trailer tends to sway. Your trailer maker can tell you
what kind of sway control you need and how to install it. Improper installation could
degrade the handling and stability of your vehicle.■Automatic transmission cooler
Install an additional ATF (automatic transmission fluid) cooler to help prevent the
transmission from overheating, and damaging. You can get the additional ATF
cooler at a dealer.An additional ATF cooler is required to keep the transmission from overheating when
towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg). You can get the additional ATF cooler at a dealer.■Trailer mirrors
Many states, provinces and territories require special exterior mirrors when towing a
trailer. Install special mirrors whenever you cannot clearly see behind you, or if the
trailer creates a blind spot.4WD models

320
uuTowing a Trailer uDriving Safely with a Trailer
Driving
Driving Safely with a Trailer• Have the trailer properly serviced an d keep it in good condition.
• Make sure that all the weights and load in the vehicle and trailer are within limits.
2 Towing Load Limits P. 311
•When towing more than 3,500 lbs (1,590 kg), use of gasoline with a pump
octane number of 91 or higher is recommended.
u Towing performance can be affected by high altitude, high temperature, or
steep uphill.
• Securely attach the hitch, safety chains, and other necessary parts to the trailer.
• Securely store all the items in and on the trailer so that they do not shift while
driving.
• Check if the lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
• Check the pressures of the trailer tires, including the spare.
• Drive slower than normal.
• Obey posted speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
• Use the
(D
position when towing a trailer on level roads.
• Turn more slowly and with a wider turning arc than normal.
• Allow more time and distance for braking.
• Do not brake or turn suddenly.
■
Things You Need To Know Before Towing a Trailer
■
Towing Speeds and Gears
■
Turning and Braking
1Driving Safely with a Trailer
Parking
In addition to the normal precautions, place wheel
chocks at each of the trailer’s tires.1Towing Speeds and Gears
When towing a fixed-sided trailer (e.g., camper), do
not exceed 55 mph (88 km/h).
At higher speeds, the trailer ma y sway or affect
vehicle handling.

389Driving
Fuel EconomyImproving Fuel EconomyFuel economy depends on several conditions, including driving conditions, your
driving habits, the condition of your vehicle, and loading. Depending on these and
other conditions, you may or may not achieve the rated fuel economy of this vehicle.
You can optimize your fuel economy with proper maintenance of your vehicle.
Always maintain your vehicle in accordance with the messages displayed on the
MID.
•Use the recommended viscosity engine oil, displaying the API Certification Seal.
• Maintain the specified tire pressure.
• Do not load the vehicle with excess cargo.
• Keep your vehicle clean. A buildup of snow or mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and increases wind resistance.■
Maintenance and Fuel Economy
1Improving Fuel Economy
Direct calculation is the recommended method to
determine actual fuel consumed while driving.
In Canada, posted fuel economy numbers are
established following a simulated test. For more
information on how this test is performed, please visit
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/
Miles driven Gallons of
fuel Miles per
Gallon
100 LiterKilometers L per 100 km

422
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uTire and Loading Information Label
Maintenance
Tire and Loading Information LabelThe label attached to the driver’s doorjamb provides necessary tire and loading
information.Tire Labeling
The tires that came on your vehicle have a
number of markings. Those you should be
aware of are described below.
Whenever tires are replaced, they should be replaced with tires of the same size.
1 Tire and Loading Information Label
The tire and loading information label attached to the
driver’s doorjamb contains:aThe number of people your vehicle can carry.bThe total weight your vehicle can carry. Do not
exceed this weight.cThe original tire sizes for front, rear, and spare.dThe proper cold tire pressure for front, rear, and
spare.
Label
ExampleExample
Tire Size
Tire
Identification
Number (TIN)
Maximum
Tire Load
Maximum
Tire Pressure
Tire Size■
Tire Sizes
1 Tire Sizes
Following is an example of tire size with an
explanation of what each component means.
P235/60R18 102V
P: Vehicle type (P indicates passenger vehicle).
235: Tire width in millimeters.
60: Aspect ratio (the tire’s section height as a
percentage of its width).
R: Tire construction code (R indicates radial).
18: Rim diameter in inches.
102: Load index (a numerical code associated with
the maximum load the tire can carry).
V: Speed symbol (an alphabetical code indicating the
maximum speed rating).

Continued
447
uuIf a Tire Goes Flat uChanging a Flat Tire
*
Handling the Unexpected
1. Place the jack under the jacking point
closest to the tire to be changed.
2. Turn the end bracket clockwise as shown in
the image until the top of the jack contacts
the jacking point.
u Make sure that the jacking point tab is
resting in the jack notch.
3. Raise the vehicle, using the jack handle bar
and the jack handle, until the tire is off the
ground.
■
How to Set Up the Jack
1How to Set Up the Jack
Do not use the jack with people or luggage in the
vehicle.
Use the jack provided in your vehicle.
Other jacks may not support the weight (“load”) or
may not fit the jacking point.
The following instructions must be followed to use
the jack safely:•Do not use while the engine is running.•Use only where the ground is firm and level.•Use only at the jacking points.•Do not get in the vehicle while using the jack.•Do not put anything on top of or underneath the
jack.
3
WARNING
The vehicle can easily roll off the jack,
seriously injuring anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire
exactly, and never get under the vehicle
when it is suppor ted only by the jack.
Jack Handle BarWheel Nut Wrench as Jack Handle

480Handling the Unexpected
Emergency TowingCall a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.■Flat bed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
This is the best way to transport your vehicle.■Wheel lift equipment
The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires and lift them off
the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to
tow your vehicle.
1 Emergency TowingNOTICETrying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will
cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed
to support the vehicle’s weight.NOTICEImproper towing such as towing behind a
motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the
transmission.
Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain.
It is very dangerous since ropes or chains may shift
from side to side or break.
All models2WD models

484Information
Specifications■Vehicle Specifications*1: 2WD models
*2: AWD modelsModel
Acura MDX
No. of Passengers:
Front 2
Rear 2nd Row 3 3rd Row 2
Total 7
Weights:Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating
U.S.:
5,368 lbs (2,435 kg)
*1
5,677 lbs (2,575 kg)
*2
Canada:
2,575 kg
Gross Axle Weight
Rating (Front)
U.S.:
2,811 lbs (1,275 kg)
*1
2,910 lbs (1,320 kg)
*2
Canada:
1,320 kg
Gross Axle Weight
Rating (Rear)
U.S.:
2,734 lbs (1,240 kg)
*1
2,965 lbs (1,345 kg)
*2
Canada:
1,345 kg
Gross Combined Weight
Rating U.S.: 8,036 lbs (3,645 kg)
*1
9,833 lbs (4,460 kg)
*2
Canada:
4,460 kg
Air Conditioning:Refrigerant Type
HFC-134a (R-134a)
Charge Quantity
23.8 – 25.6 oz (675 – 725 g)
Lubricant Type
RL897PAG
■
Engine Specifications
■ Fuel
■ Washer FluidDisplacement
211.8 cu-in (3,471 cm
3)
Spark Plugs NGK DILZKR7B11G
Type
Unleaded premium gasoline, Pump octane
number of 91 or higher
Fuel Tank Capacity 19.5 US gal (74 ℓ)
Tank Capacity
U.S.: 4 US qt (3.8 ℓ)
Canada: 5.6 US qt (5.3 ℓ)
■ Light Bulbs
■ Brake FluidHeadlights (High/Low Beam)
LED
Front Turn Signal/Side Marker/
Parking Lights 28/8W (Amber)
Daytime Running Lights
LED
Side Turn Signal Lights (on Door
Mirrors) LED
Brake Lights
21W
Rear Side Marker Lights LED
Taillights
LED
Back-Up Lights 21W
Rear Turn Signal Lights
21W
High-Mount Brake Light LED
Rear License Plate Light
LED
LED Puddle Lights LED
Interior Lights
Front, Second Row and Third
Row Lights
LED
Front and Rear Ambient Lights
LED
Vanity Mirror Lights
1.4W
Door Courtesy Lights
3.4W
Door Inner Handle Lights
LED
Console Compartment Light
1.4W
Glove Box Light
1.4W
Foot Lights
5W
Cargo Area Lights
5W
Specified
Acura Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3