tires Acura MDX 2017 Owner's Guide

88 |
DRIVING
Learn about preparation for driving, as well as other features.
Before Driving
Check the following items before you begin driving.
Exterior Checks
•
Make sur
e there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
•
Remov

e any frost, snow, or ice.
•
Make sure

the hood is securely closed.
•
Heat from

the engine and exhaust can ignite flammable materials left under
the hood, causing a fire. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an extended period,
inspect and remove any debris that may have collected, such as dried grass
and leaves that have fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by a small
animal. Also check under the hood for leftover flammable materials after you
or someone else has performed maintenance on your vehicle.
•
Make sure

the tires are in good condition.
•
Make sure

there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
DRIVING
Interior Checks•
Store or secur
e all items on board properly.
•
Do not pile items higher than the seat height

.
•
Do not place anything in the

front seat footwells. Make sure to secure the floor
mats.
•
If you hav

e any animals on board, do not let them move freely in the vehicle.
•
Securely close and lock all

doors and the tailgate.
•
Adjust y

our seating position, mirrors, and steering wheel properly.
•
Make sure items placed

on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under
the seats.
•
Everyone in

the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.
•
Make sure

that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start
the vehicle, and go off soon after.
If the doors are frozen shut, use warm water around the door edges to melt any
ice. Do not try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim around the
doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
NOTICE

90 |
DRIVING
Maximum Load Limit
Carrying too much cargo or improperly storing it can affect your vehicle’s handling,
stability, stopping distance, and tires, and make it unsafe. See the Tire and Loading
Information label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Maximum load for a vehicle with with second-row bench seats: 1,173 lbs (532 kg).
Maximum load for a vehicle with with second-rowcaptain seats: 1,005 lbs (456 kg).
Label Example
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer. Below are the
steps for determining the correct load limit:
1.
Locate the statement “The combined

weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2.
Determine the combined weight of the driv

er and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3.
Subtract the combined weight of the driv

er and passengers from XXX kg
or XXX lbs.
4.
The resulting figur

e equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1,400 - 750 (5 x
150) = 650 lbs.)
5.
Determine the combined weight

of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
6.
If your v

ehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult the Owner’s Manual on the Owner
Information CD or at owners.acura.com to determine how this reduces
the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, accessories,
cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on a
label on the driver’s doorjamb.

| 95
DRIVING
Pre-Tow Checklist
When preparing to tow, and before driving away, be sure to check the following:
•
Avoid

towing a trailer during your vehicle’s first 600 miles (1,000 km).
•
The vehicle and

trailer have been properly serviced and are in good condition.
Lights and brakes work properly, and the tires are properly inflated.
•
All weights and loads are

within limits. Never exceed the gross weight ratings.
•
When towing more

than 3,500 lbs (1,590 kg), use of gasoline with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended.
•
Check if all loads are within limits at a public scale (see page 94). If a pu

blic
scale is not available, add the estimated weight of your cargo load to the
weight of the trailer (as quoted by the manufacturer) and the tongue load.
•
The hitch, safety chains, and any other attachments ar

e secure.
•
All items in or on

the trailer are properly secured and cannot shift while you
drive.
Exceeding any load limit or improperly loading your vehicle and trailer can
cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Check the loading of your vehicle and trailer carefully before starting to
drive.
WARNING

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HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Monitors the tire pressure while you are driving.
If your vehicle’s tire pressure becomes significantly low, the low tire pressure
indicator appears with a message in the multi-information display. Use the right
selector wheel on the steering wheel to scroll to the tire pressure monitor to see
pressure readings for each tire (see page 30).
The specific tire with low
pressure is displayed.
What to Do
Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Adjust the tire pressure to the level specified on
a label on the driver’s doorjamb.
Tire Fill AssistYour vehicle gives you visual and audible alerts to help you adjust the tire
pressure to its appropriate level when the vehicle is on.
While inflating: The system beeps and the exterior lights flash once every 5
seconds.
When the correct pressure is reached: The system beeps and the exterior lights
flash continuously for 5 seconds. Stop filling the tire.
If you overinflate: The system beeps and the exterior lights flash twice every 3
seconds.
Driving on an extremely underinflated tire can cause it to overheat. An overheated
tire can fail. Always inflate your tires to the specified pressure.
NOTICE

124 |
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Required Federal Explanation
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly
when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped
with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that
illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of
your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat
and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct
tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator
to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.

| 135
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Inspecting and Changing Fuses
1.
Turn off the
vehicle, including headlights and all
accessories.
2.
Remov

e the fuse box cover.
3.
Check the large

fuse inside the engine
compartment. If the fuse is blown, use a Phillips-
head screwdriver to remove the screws and
replace the fuse with a new one. Reinstall the
screws.
4.
Inspect the small fuses in

the engine
compartment and the vehicle interior. If there is
a blown fuse, remove it with the fuse puller and
replace it with a new one.
Blown fuse
Combined
fuse Fuse puller
Replacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances
of damaging the electrical system.
NOTICE
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
All models
Flat bed equipment: The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck. This is
the best way to transport your vehicle.
2WD models
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.
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The
bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight.
Improper towing such as towing behind a motorhome or other motor vehicle can
damage the transmission.
NOTICE

138 |
MAINTENANCE
*if equipped
Maintenance Minder
Service Codes
These codes indicate what services are due on your vehicle.
*1: If the message Maintenance Due Now does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
*2:If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every \
15,000 miles (24,000 km).*3:If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of s\
oot in the air from industry and diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen lter every \
15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
Replace engine oi l*1
BReplace engine oil*1 and oil lter
Inspect front and rear brakesCheck expiration date for TRK bottle*
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Inspect suspension component s
Inspect driveshaft boots
Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)
Inspect all uid levels and condition of uids
Inspect exhaust system#
Inspect fuel lines and connections#
*4:Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher
transmission temperature. This requires transmission uid changes mor\
e frequently than
recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehic\
le under these
conditions, have the transmission uid changed at 30,000 miles (48,0\
00 km).
*5:If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F, 43°\
C), in very low temperatures
(under -20°F, -29°C), replace every 60,000 miles/100,000 km.
*6:Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towin\
g results in higher level
of mechanical (Shear) stress to uid. This requires differential \
uid changes more frequently
than recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your \
vehicle under these
conditions, have the differential uid changed at 7,500 miles (12,00\
0 km), then every 15,000
miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1
Rotate tires
2Replace air cleaner element*2
Replace dust and pollen lter*3
Inspect drive belt
3
Replace transfer-case uid and transmission ui d*4
4Replace spark plugs
Replace timing belt and inspect water pum p*5
Inspect valve clearance
5
Replace engine coolant
6Replace rear differential uid*, *6
*

146 |
MAINTENANCE
Tire Information
To safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be of the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread, and properly inflated.
Inflation Guidelines
•
Properly inflated
tires provide the best combination of handling, tread life, and
comfort. Refer to the driver’s doorjamb label or the specifications (see page
153) for the specified pressure.
•
Underinflated tires

wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy,
and are more likely to fail from overheating.
•
Overinflated tir

es make your vehicle ride harshly, are more prone to road
hazards, and wear unevenly.
•
Every day befor

e you drive, look at each of the tires. If one looks lower than the
others, check the pressure with a tire gauge.
•
Measure the air pr

essure when tires are cold. This means the vehicle has been
parked for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If necessary, add
or release air until the specified pressure is reached. If checked when hot, tire
pressure can be as much as 4-6 psi (30-40 kPa, 0.3-0.5 kgf/cm
2) higher than
checked when cold.
•
At least once a month

or before long trips, use a gauge to measure the pressure
in all tires, including the spare. Even tires in good condition can lose 1-2 psi
(10-20 kPa, 0.1-0.2 kgf/cm
2) per month.
Inspection Guidelines
Every time you inflate the tires, check for the following:
•
Any damage

to tires, including bumps, bulges, cuts, splits, or cracks in the side
or tread. Remove any foreign objects and inspect for air leaks. Replace tires if
you see fabric or cord.
•
Uneven or ex

cessive tread wear. Have a dealer check the wheel alignment.
•
Cracks or other damage around the

valve stems.
Wear IndicatorsThe 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 low that the indicator
is exposed, replace the tire. Worn out tires have
poor traction on wet roads.
Example of a wear indicator mark

| 147
MAINTENANCE
Tire and Loading Information Label
The label attached to the driver’s doorjamb provides necessary tire and
loading information.
Original
tire sizes Number of
people your
vehicle can
carry Proper
cold tire
pressure
Total weight
your vehicle
can carry (do
not exceed)
Tire and Wheel Replacement
Replace 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 certain vehicle systems 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 change or replace a wheel, make sure that the wheel’s specifications match
those of the original wheels. Only use TPMS-specified wheels approved for your
vehicle.
Using tires that are excessively worn or improperly inflated can cause
a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner’s guide regarding tire inflation
and maintenance.
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 the Owner’s Manual.
WARNING

148 |
MAINTENANCE

Tire Service Life
The 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.
Winter Tires
If driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season tires marked “M+S”, snow
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and maintain sufficient distance between
vehicles when driving. For winter tires, select the size and load ranges that are the
same as the original tires, and mount them to all four wheels.
Tire Chains
Install tire chains on the front tires only. Because your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, we strongly recommend using the following chains: Cable type: SCC
Cable Chain ZT735. Mount chains as tightly as you can, and make sure that they
do not touch the brake lines or suspension.
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 guide regarding the selection and use of tire
chains.
WARNING
Traction 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.
NOTICE