Acura RDX 2018 Owner's Manual
Manufacturer: ACURA, Model Year: 2018, Model line: RDX, Model: Acura RDX 2018Pages: 453, PDF Size: 20.13 MB
Page 341 of 453

340
Driving
Multi-View Rear Camera
About Your Multi-View Rear Camera
For 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 angl es 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 bum per or what is underneath 
the bumper. Its unique le ns 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 cove red with dirt or moisture, 
use a soft, moist cloth to keep the lens clean and free 
of debris.Models with navigation system
Models without navigation system
Guidelines
Bumper
Camera 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 Mode
Top Down View Mode 
Page 342 of 453

341
Driving
Refueling
Fuel 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 additi ves 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 de tergent additives and be free of metallic 
additives. The proper level of detergent ad ditives, 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 Acura Owners at  owners.acura.com In 
Canada, visit  www.acura.ca  for additional informati on on gasoline. For more 
information on top tier gasoline, visit  www.toptiergas.com.
■Fuel tank capacity: 16 US gal (60.5 liters)
Unleaded premium gasoline, pump  octane number 91 or higher
1Fuel Information
NOTICE
We recommend quality ga soline 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 reco mmend 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, a nd cause the malfunction 
indicator lamp on your inst rument 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 15% ethanol 
by volume. Do not use gaso line containing methanol. 
If you notice any undesira ble operating symptoms, try 
another service station or sw itch to another brand of 
gasoline. 
Page 343 of 453

342
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 unt il 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 ma y 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. Addi tional fuel can exceed 
the full tank capacity.
3WARNING
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
Cap
Cap
Holder 
Page 344 of 453

343
Driving
Fuel Economy and CO2 Emissions
Improving Fuel Economy and Reducing CO2 Emissions
Achieving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions is dependent on several 
factors, including driving conditions, load  weight, idling time, driving habits, and 
vehicle condition. Depending on these and other factors, you 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 and Reducing CO2 Emissions
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 
Page 345 of 453

344
Page 346 of 453

345
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 346
Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 347Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 348
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 349
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 353Opening the Hood ........................... 354
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 355
Oil Check ......................................... 356
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 357
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 358
Engine Coolant ................................ 360
Transmission Fluid ............................ 362
Brake Fluid ....................................... 363
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 364
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 365
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades.... 372Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 376
Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 377Tire Labeling .................................... 377DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 379Wear Indicators................................ 381
Tire Service Life ................................ 381 Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 382
Tire Rotation .................................... 383
Winter Tires ..................................... 384
Battery ............................................... 385
Remote Transmitter Care Replacing the Button Battery ........... 386
Climate Control System Maintenance..... 388Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 389
Exterior Care.................................... 391
Accessories and Modifications ........ 394 
Page 347 of 453

346
Maintenance
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance
For 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 maintena nce 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. 362
•Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Checking the Brake Fluid  P. 363
•Check the tire pressure monthly. Examin e the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 376
•Check the operation of the  exterior lights monthly.
2Replacing Light Bulbs  P. 365
•Check the condition of the wiper bl ades at least every six months.
2Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 372
■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 fede ral 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 accordan ce with the intervals 
indicated by the mult i-information display.
2 Maintenance Service Items  P. 351
If you want to perform  complex maintenance tasks 
that require more skills a nd tools, you can purchase a 
subscription to the Service Express website at 
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals  P. 441
If you want to perform ma intenance yourself, make 
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing ma intenance, update the records in 
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models 
Page 348 of 453

347
uuBefore Performing Maintenance uSafety When Performing Maintenance
Maintenance
Safety When Performing Maintenance
Some of the most important safe ty 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 explos ion, 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 co mmercially available degreas er or parts cleaner, not 
gasoline.
• Wear eye protection and protective clothi ng 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 th ere is sufficient ventilation.
• The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.
u Make sure your vehicle is parked on le vel 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 instruct ed, and keep your hands and limbs away 
from moving parts.
■Maintenance Safety
■Vehicle Safety
1 Safety When Performing Maintenance
3WARNING
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or 
failing to correct a pr oblem 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.
3WARNING
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. 
Page 349 of 453

348
uuBefore Performing Maintenance uParts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service
Maintenance
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service
The use of Acura genuine parts and fluids is recommended when maintaining and 
servicing your vehicle. Acura genuine parts are manufactured according to the same 
high quality standards used in Acura vehicles. 
Page 350 of 453

349Continued
Maintenance
Maintenance MinderTM
If the engine oil life is less than 15%, you will see the Maintenance Minder messages 
appear on the multi-information display ev ery time you set the power mode to ON. 
The messages notify you when to change the engine oil, or when to bring your 
vehicle to a dealer for indicated maintenance services.
To Use Maintenance MinderTM
1. Set the power mode to ON.
2. Press the   /   button repeatedly until  the engine oil life appears on the 
multi-information display.
■Displaying the Engine Oil Life1 Displaying the Engine Oil Life
Based on the engine ope rating conditions, the 
remaining engine oi l life is calculated and displayed 
as a percentage.
There is a list of maintena nce main and sub items you 
can view on the multi-information display. 2 Maintenance Service Items  P. 351
Displayed Engine Oil 
Life (%)Calculated Engine Oil  Life (%)
100 100 to 91
9090 to 81
80 80 to 71
7070 to 61
60 60 to 51
5050 to 41
40 40 to 31
3030 to 21
20 20 to 16
1515 to 11
10 10 to 6
55 to 1
00
Remaining Engine Oil Life
 /   Button
Models with full 
color displayModels without 
full color display