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 381 of 453

uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uDOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
380
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 asph alt 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 h eat 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 temp erature 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
1 Traction
Warning: 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.
1Temperature
Warning: The temperature grade for 
this tire is establishe d 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. 
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381
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uWear 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 ex posed, replace the tire. 
Worn out tires have po or traction on wet 
roads.
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 wh en 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, regardle ss of their condition or state of wear.
Example of a Wear 
Indicator mark 
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382
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uTire and Wheel Replacement
Maintenance
Tire and Wheel Replacement
Replace your tires with radials of the sa me size, load range, speed rating, and 
maximum cold tire pressure ra ting (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Using tires of a 
different size or construction can cause the ABS, vehicle stability assist (VSA ®), hill 
start assist, and the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with intelligent control 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 sp ecified wheels approved for your vehicle.
Make sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the original wheels.
1 Tire and Wheel Replacement
3WARNING
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.
* Not available on all models 
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383
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uTire Rotation
Maintenance
Tire Rotation
Rotating tires according to the maintena nce messages on the multi-information 
display helps to distribute wear  more evenly and increase tire life.
■Tires without rotation marks
Rotate the tires as shown here.
■Tires with rotation marksRotate the tires as shown here.
1Tire Rotation
Tires with directional trea d patterns should only be 
rotated front to back (not fr om one side to the other).
Directional tires should be mounted with the rotation 
indication mark  facing forward, as shown below.
FRONT
Rotation MarkFront
Front 
Page 385 of 453

384
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uWinter Tires
Maintenance
Winter Tires
If driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked “M+S” tires, snow 
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and ma intain 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 ti res 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 to uch the brake lines or suspension.
• Drive slowly.
Cable-type: SCC Radial Chain TC2212MM
1Winter Tires
NOTICE
Traction devices that are th e 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 instructi ons 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.
3WARNING
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 instruction s in this owner’s 
manual regarding the selection and use of 
tire chains. 
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385
Maintenance
Battery
Checking the Battery
Check the battery terminals for corrosion monthly.
If your vehicle’s battery is disconnected or goes dead:
• The audio system is disabled.
2 Reactivating the audio system  P. 190
•The clock resets.
2 Setting the Clock  P. 120
•The navigation system* is disabled.
2 Refer to navigation system manual
Charging the Battery
Disconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle’s electrical system. 
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.
1Battery
WARNING: Battery post, terminals, 
and related accessories contain lead 
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
When you find corrosion, cl ean the battery terminals 
by applying a baking powder and water solution. 
Rinse the terminals with water. 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.
3WARNING
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 prot ective clothing and 
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do 
it.
* Not available on all models 
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386
Maintenance
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery
If the indicator does not come on when th e 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.
u Wrap a coin with a cloth to prevent 
scratching the transmitter.
3. Make sure to replace  the battery with the 
correct polarity.
1 Replacing the Button Battery
NOTICE
An improperly disposed of  battery can damage the 
environment. Always conf irm local regulations for 
battery disposal.
Replacement batteries are commercially available or 
at a dealer.
Models without two-way keyless access remote
Battery type: CR2032
Battery 
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387
uuRemote Transmitter Care uReplacing the Button Battery
Maintenance
If the indicator does not come on when  the button is pressed, replace the battery.
1. Remove the built-in key.
u As 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.
u Wrap a coin with a cloth to prevent 
scratching the transmitter.
3. Press down on the center of the assembly 
and remove the battery.
u When 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 two-way keyless access remote1Replacing the Button Battery
NOTICE
The Remote transmitter  is equipped with two 
batteries: A standard  replaceable CR2032 coin 
button battery and an in tegral non-replaceable 
rechargeable battery. To prevent permanent damage 
to the rechargeable battery, replace the CR2032 
battery every three to four years.
Models with two-way keyless access remote
Battery type: CR2032
Battery 
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388
Maintenance
Climate Control System Maintenance
Dust and Pollen Filter
The climate control system is equipped wi th a dust and pollen filter that collects 
pollen, dust, and other debris in the air. The Maintenance MinderTM messages will let 
you know when to replace the filter.
We recommend that you replace the dust and pollen filter sooner when using your 
vehicle in areas with high  concentrations of dust.
1Dust and Pollen Filter
If the airflow from the climate control system 
deteriorates noticeably, and the windows fog up 
easily, the filter may need to be replaced. Please 
contact a dealer for replacement. 
Page 390 of 453

389Continued
Maintenance
Cleaning
Interior Care
Use a damp cloth with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water to remove dirt. 
Use a clean cloth to remove detergent residue.
Use a soft brush with a mixture of mild soap  and warm water to clean the seat belts. 
Let the belts air dry. Wipe the openings of  the seat belt anchors using a clean cloth.
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
■Cleaning Seat Belts
1 Interior Care
Do not spill liquids inside the vehicle.
Electrical devices and systems may malfunction if 
liquids are splashed on them.
Do not use silicone based sp rays on electrical devices 
such as audio devices and switches.
Doing so may cause the items  to malfunction or a fire 
inside the vehicle.
If a silicone based spray is inadvertently used on 
electrical devices,  consult a dealer.
Depending on their compos ition, chemicals and 
liquid aromatics may cause  discoloration, wrinkles, 
and cracking to resin-ba sed parts and textiles.
Do not use alkali solvents or  organic solvents such as 
benzene or gasoline.
After using chemical s, make sure to gently wipe them 
off using a dry cloth.
Do not place used cloths on top of resin based parts 
or textiles for long periods  of time without washing.
Opening
■Cleaning the Window1Cleaning the Window
Wires are mounted to the in side of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direct ion as the wires with a 
soft cloth so as not to damage them.