Acura RDX 2013 Owner's Manual

260
uuBraking uBrake Assist System
Driving
Brake Assist SystemDesigned to assist the driver by generating greater braking force when you depress
the brake pedal hard during emergency braking.■
Brake assist system operation
Press the brake pedal firmly for more powerful braking.
When brake assist operates, the pedal may wiggle slightly and an operating noise
may be heard. This is normal. Keep holding the brake pedal firmly down.

261Driving
Parking Your VehicleWhen Stopped1.Depress the brake pedal firmly with the shift lever in
(D
.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Move the shift lever from
(D
to
(P
.
4. Turn off the engine.
Always set the parking brake firmly, in particular if you are parked on an incline.
1 Parking Your Vehicle
Do not park your vehicle near flammable objects,
such as dry grass, oil, or timber.
Heat from the exhaust can cause a fire.1When Stopped
NOTICEThe following can damage the transmission:•Depressing the accelerator and brake pedals
simultaneously.•Holding the vehicle in place when facing uphill by
depressing the accelerator pedal.•Moving the shift lever into
(P
before the vehicle
stops completely.
Raise the wiper arms when snow is expected.
In extremely cold temperatures, the parking brake
may freeze in the applied position. To prevent this,
use a block or wheel chock to prevent the wheels
from moving.

262Driving
Multi-View Rear CameraAbout Your Multi-View Rear CameraFor models with navigation system, see Navigation System Manual.
The audio/information screen can display your vehicle’s rear view. The display
automatically changes to the rear view when the shift lever is moved to
(R
.
You can view three different camera angles on the rearview display. Press the
selector knob to switch the angle.
If the last used viewing mode is Wide or Normal, the same mode is selected the next
time you shift into
(R
. If Top view was last used, Wide mode is selected.
■
Multi-View Rear Camera Display Area
1 About Your Multi-View Rear Camera
The rear camera view is restricted. You cannot see
the corner ends of the bumper or what is underneath
the bumper. Its unique lens also makes objects
appear closer or farther than they actually are.
Visually confirm that it is safe to drive before backing
up. Certain conditions (such as weather, lighting, and
high temperatures) may also restrict the rear view. Do
not rely on the rearview display which does not give
you all information about conditions at the back of
your vehicle.
If the camera lens is covered with dirt or moisture,
use a soft, moist cloth to keep the lens clean and free
of debris.
Models with navigation systemModels without navigation system
Guidelines
BumperCamera Approx. 20 inches (50 cm)
Tailgate Open Range
Approx. 39 inches (1 m)
Approx. 79 inches (2 m)
Approx. 118 inches (3 m)
Wide View Mode
Normal View ModeTop Down View Mode

263Driving
RefuelingFuel Information■
Fuel recommendation
Use of lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the
engine and will result in decreased engine performance.
Use of gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage.
■
Top tier detergent gasoline
Because the level of detergency and additives in gasoline vary in the market, Acura
endorses the use of “TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” where available to help
maintain the performance and reliability of your vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline meets a new gasoline standard jointly established by leading automotive
manufacturers to meet the needs of today ’s advanced engines.
Qualifying gasoline retailers will, in most cases, identify their gasoline as having met
“TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” standards at the retail location. This fuel is
guaranteed to contain the proper level of detergent additives and be free of metallic
additives. The proper level of detergent additives, and absence of harmful metallic
additives in gasoline, help avoid build-up of deposits in your engine and emission
control system.
For further important fuel-related information for your vehicle, or on information on
gasoline that does not contain MMT, visit My Acura at owners.acura.com In
Canada, visit www.acura.ca for additional information on gasoline. For more
information on top tier gasoline, visit www.toptiergas.com .
■
Fuel tank capacity: 15.9 US gal (60.5 liters)Unleaded premium gasoline, pump octane number 91 or higher
1Fuel Information
NOTICEWe recommend quality gasoline containing
detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and
engine deposits. In addition, in order to maintain
good performance, fuel economy, and emissions
control, we strongly recommend the use of gasoline
that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based
fuel additives such as MMT, if such gasoline is
available.
Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely
affect performance, and cause the malfunction
indicator lamp on your instrument panel to come on.
If this happens, contact a dealer for service. Some
gasoline today is blended with oxygenates such as
ethanol. Your vehicle is designed to operate on
oxygenated gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol
by volume. Do not use gasoline containing methanol.
If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try
another service station or switch to another brand of
gasoline.

264
uuRefueling uHow to Refuel
Driving
How to Refuel
1. Stop your vehicle with the service station
pump on the left side of the vehicle in the
rear.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Pull on the fuel fill door release handle
under the lower left corner of the
dashboard.
u The fuel fill door opens.
4. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly. If you hear a
release of air, wait until this stops, then turn
the knob slowly to open the fuel fill cap.
5. Place the fuel fill cap in the holder.
6. Insert the filler nozzle fully.
u When the tank is full, the filler nozzle will
click off automatically. This leaves space
in the fuel tank in case the fuel expands
with a change in the temperature.
7. After filling, replace the fuel fill cap,
tightening it until you hear it click at least
once.
u Shut the fuel fill door by hand.
1How to Refuel
The filler nozzle automatically stops to leave space in
the fuel tank so that fuel does not overflow as a result
of changes in air temperature.
If the fuel filler nozzle keeps turning off when the
tank is not full, there may be a problem with the
pump's fuel vapor recovery system. Try filling at
another pump. If this does not fix the problem,
consult a dealer.
Do not continue to add fuel after the nozzle has
automatically stopped. Additional fuel can exceed
the full tank capacity.
3
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
You can be burned or seriously injured
when handling fuel.
• Stop the engine, and keep heat, sparks,
and flame away.
• Handle fuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
Pull
CapCap
Holder

265Driving
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
multi-information display.
• 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

266Driving
Accessories and ModificationsAccessoriesWhen installing accessories, check the following:
•Do not install accessories on the windshield. They can obstruct your view and
delay your reaction to driving conditions.
• Do not install accessories on the side pillars or across the side windows.
Accessories installed in these areas may interfere with proper operation of the
side curtain airbags.
• Be sure electronic accessories do not overload electrical circuits or interfere with
proper operation of your vehicle.
2 Fuses P. 337
•Before installing any electronic accessory, have the installer contact a dealer for
assistance. If possible, have a dealer inspect the final installation.ModificationsDo not modify your vehicle or use non-Acura components that can affect its
handling, stability, and reliability.
Overall vehicle performance can be affected. Always make sure all equipment is
properly installed and maintained, and that it meets federal, state, province,
territory, and local regulations.
1Accessories and Modifications
Acura Genuine accessories are recommended to
ensure proper operation on your vehicle.
3
WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications can
affect your vehicle's handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a crash in which
you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instruction s in this owner's
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.

267
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 268Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 269Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 270
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 271
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 275Opening the Hood ........................... 276
Recommended Engine Oil ...... .......... 277
Oil Check ......................................... 278
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 279Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 280
Engine Coolant ................................ 282
Transmission Fluid ............................ 284
Brake Fluid ....................................... 285
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 286
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 287Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades
.... 297
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 301Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 302Tire Labeling .................................... 302DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 304Wear Indicators................................ 306
Tire Service Life ................................ 306 Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 307
Tire Rotation .................................... 308
Winter Tires ..................................... 309
Battery ............................................... 310
Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Button Battery ........... 311
Climate Control System Maintenance
..... 312
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 313
Exterior Care.................................... 315

268Maintenance
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and MaintenanceFor your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and
inspection information.■
Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when
refueling.
■
Periodic inspections
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2 Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 284
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Checking the Brake Fluid P. 285
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 301
•Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 287
•Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2 Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 297
■
Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are “certified” to
EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the multi-information display.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 273
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 353
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models

269
uuBefore Performing Maintenance uSafety When Performing Maintenance
Maintenance
Safety When Performing MaintenanceSome of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform
a given task.
• To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
• Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.
u Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them causing a fire.
• To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
• Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or
compressed air.
• Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.
u Only operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.
• The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.
u Make sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set, and
the engine is off.
• Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
u Make sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
• Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
u Do not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs away
from moving parts.■
Maintenance Safety
■
Vehicle Safety
1Safety When Performing Maintenance
3
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or
failing to correct a problem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and
maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this owner's manual.
3
WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance
instructions and precautions can cause you
to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner's manual.