tire size Acura MDX 2009 Owner's Manual

VSA and Tire Sizes
Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSA to
malfunction. When replacing tires,
make sure they are of the same size
and type as your original tires (see
page419).
If you install winter tires, make sure
they are the same size as those that
were originally supplied with your
vehicle. Exercise the same caution
during winter driving as you would if
your vehicle was not equipped with
VSA.
U.S. Sport Packages and Canadian ElitemodelsThe active damper system is always
on, constantly adjusting your
vehicle's dampers to the best settings
for current road conditions along
with vehicle speed and handling
inputs.
The system uses electrically
controlled dampers to enhance
handling precision, vehicle
composure, tire to road adhesion and
rough road ride comfort isolation.
The system reacts to inputs from
various electronic sensors to give
exactly the right amount of
suspension damping to provide
optimal ride comfort and handling. The system provides two selectable
modes.
Sport mode: The system prioritizes
handling response, vehicle body
control and tire-to-road adhesion to
allow for higher performance
handling.
Comfort mode: The system
prioritizes road isolation to allow for a
more comfortable ride.
Either mode can be used in any type
of operating conditions.
CONTINUED
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
®), aka Electronic Stability Control (ESC), System, Active Damper System
361
Driving
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Use this illustration to identify each
terminal in the trailer brake
controller connector.
Safety ChainsAlways use safety chains when you
tow a trailer. Make sure the chains
are secured to the trailer and hitch,
and that they cross under the tongue
and can catch the trailer if it becomes
unhitched. Leave enough slack to
allow the trailer to turn corners
easily, but do not let the chains drag
on the ground.Sway ControlThis device is recommended if your
trailer tends to sway. Your trailer
maker can tell you what kind of sway
control you need and how to install it.Trailer MirrorsMany states and provinces require
special exterior mirrors when towing
a trailer. Even if they don't, you
should install special mirrors if you
cannot clearly see behind you, or if
the trailer creates a blind spot.
Spare TiresWhen towing a trailer, we
recommend that you carry a full-size
spare wheel and tire for your vehicle
and trailer. See page419for proper
tire size, page425for how to store a
full size wheel and tire, and page425
for information on changing a flat
tire.
Remember to unhitch the trailer
before changing a flat. Ask your
trailer sales or rental agency where
and how to store the trailer's spare
tire.
BRAKE
(20A)
(BLUE)
ELECTRIC BRAKE
(YELLOW)
GROUND
(BLACK)
STOP
(LIGHT GREEN)
CONTINUED
Towing a Trailer
371
Driving
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

To safely operate your vehicle, your
tires must be the proper type and
size, in good condition with adequate
tread, and correctly inflated.
The following pages give more
detailed information on how to take
care of your tires and what to do
when they need to be replaced.
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 manual regarding tire
inflation and maintenance.Inflation Guidelines
Keeping the tires properly inflated
provides the best combination of
handling, tread life, and riding
comfort.
●Underinflated tires wear unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel
economy, and are more likely to
fail from being overheated.●Overinflated tires can make your
vehicle ride more harshly, are
more prone to damage from road
hazards, and wear unevenly.
The tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) warns you when a tire
pressure is low. See page351for
more information.
Even though your vehicle is
equipped with TPMS, we
recommend that you visually check
your tires every day. If you think a
tire might be low, check it
immediately with a tire gauge. Use a gauge to measure the air
pressure in each tire at least once a
month. Even tires that are in good
condition may lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to
20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm
2) per
month. Remember to check the
spare tire at the same time.CONTINUED
Tires
415
Maint enance
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Check the air pressures when the
tires are cold. This means the vehicle
has been parked for at least 3 hours,
or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Add or release air, if needed, to
match the recommended cold tire
pressures.
If you check air pressures when the
tires are hot [driven for several miles
(kilometers)], you will see readings 4
to 6 psi (30 to 40 kPa, 0.3 to 0.4
kgf/cm
2) higher than the cold
readings. This is normal. Do not let
air out to match the recommended
cold air pressure. The tire will be
underinflated. While tubeless tires have some
ability to self-seal if they are
punctured, you should look closely
for punctures if a tire starts losing
pressure.
You should get your own tire
pressure gauge and use it whenever
you check your tire pressures. This
will make it easier for you to tell if a
pressure loss is due to a tire problem
and not due to a variation between
gauges.
Recommended Tire Pressures
The following chart shows the
recommended cold tire pressures for
most normal and high-speed driving
conditions.
Tire Size Cold Tire Pressure
for Normal Driving
P255/55R18 104H Front/Rear:
32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2
kgf/cm
2)
The compact spare tire pressure is:
60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
For convenience, the recommended
tire sizes and cold tire pressures are
on a label on the driver's doorjamb.
For additional information about your
tires, see page454.
Tires41608/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Tire Maintenance
In addition to proper inflation, correct
wheel alignment helps to decrease
tire wear. If you find a tire is worn
unevenly, have your dealer check the
wheel alignment.
Have your dealer check the tires if
you feel a consistent vibration while
driving. A tire should always be
rebalanced if it is removed from the
wheel. When you have new tires
installed, make sure they are
balanced. This increases riding
comfort and tire life. For best results,
have the installer perform a dynamic
balance.Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle's aluminum wheels. Use
only Acura wheel weights for
balancing.Tire Rotation
To help increase tire life and
distribute wear more evenly, rotate
the tires according to the
maintenance messages displayed on
the multi-information display. Move
the tires to the positions shown in
the illustration each time they are
rotated. If you purchase directional
tires, rotate only front-to-back.
Replacing Tires and Wheels
Replace your tires with radial tires of
the same size, load range, speed
rating, and maximum cold tire
pressure rating (as shown on the
tire's sidewall).
Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on
your vehicle can reduce braking
ability, traction, and steering
accuracy. Using tires of a different
size or construction can cause the
ABS and vehicle stability assist
system (VSA) to work inconsistently.
The ABS works by comparing the
speed of the wheels. When replacing
tires, use the same size originally
supplied with the vehicle. Tire size
and construction can affect wheel
speed and may cause the system to
activate.
When the tires are rotated, make
sure the air pressures are checked.
Front Front
(For Non-directional
Tires and Wheels) (For Directional
Tires and Wheels)
Tires41808/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

It is best to replace all four tires at
the same time. If that is not possible
or necessary, replace the two front
tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle's handling.
If you ever replace a wheel, make
sure that the wheel's specifications
match those of the original wheels.
Also be sure you use only TPMS
specific wheels. If you do not, the tire
pressure monitoring system will not
work.
Replacement wheels are available at
your dealer.
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.
Wheel and Tire Specifications
Wheel: 18 x 8 J
Tires: P255/55R18 104H
See page454for information about
DOT Tire Quality Grading, and page
456for tire size and labeling
information. Winter Driving
Tires marked
‘‘M ＋ S’’ or ‘‘All
Season ’’on the sidewall have an all-
weather tread design suitable for
most winter driving conditions.
For the best performance in snowy
or icy conditions, you should install
snow tires or tire chains. They may
be required by local laws under
certain conditions.
Snow Tires
If you mount snow tires on your
vehicle, make sure they are radial
tires of the same size and load range
as the original tires. Mount snow
tires on all four wheels. The traction
provided by snow tires on dry roads
may be lower than your original tires.
Check with the tire dealer for
maximum speed recommendations.
CONTINUED
Tires
419
Maint enance
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Tire Chains
Mount tire chains on your tires when
required by driving conditions or
local laws. Install them only on the
front tires.
Because your vehicle has limited tire
clearance, Acura strongly
recommends using the chains listed
below.
SCC Super Z-6＃SZ 435
When installing chains, follow the
manufacturer's instructions and
mount them as tightly as you can.
Drive slowly with chains installed. If
you hear them contacting the body
or chassis, stop and investigate.
Make sure the chains are installed
tightly, and that they are not
contacting the brake lines or
suspension. Remove the chains as
soon as you start driving on cleared
roads.
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
owner's manual regarding the
selection and use of tire chains.
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. Wheels
Clean the wheels as you would the
rest of the exterior. Wash them with
the same solution, and rinse them
thoroughly.
Aluminum alloy wheels have a
protective clear-coat that keeps the
aluminum from corroding and
tarnishing. Cleaning the wheels with
harsh chemicals (including some
commercial wheel cleaners) or a stiff
brush can damage the clear-coat. To
clean the wheels, use a mild
detergent and a soft brush or sponge.
Tires42008/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

Use the compact spare tire as a
temporary replacement only. Get
your regular tire repaired or
replaced, and put it back on your
vehicle as soon as you can.
Check the inflation pressure of the
compact spare tire every time you
check the other tires. It should be
inflated to:
60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
Follow these precautions:
●Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).●This tire gives a harsher ride and
less traction on some road
surfaces. Use greater caution while
driving.
●Do not mount snow chains on a
compact spare.●Do not use your compact spare tire
on another vehicle unless it is the
same make and model.●After the flat tire is replaced with
the spare tire, the low tire
pressure/TPMS indicator stays on.
After several miles (kilometers)
driving with the spare, this
indicator begins to flash, then
stays on again. You will also see a
‘‘ CHECK TPMS SYSTEM’’
message on the multi-information
display (see page354).
Replace the tire when you can see
the tread wear indicator bars. The
replacement should be the same size
and design tire, mounted on the
same wheel. The spare tire is not
designed to be mounted on a regular
wheel, and the spare wheel is not
designed for mounting a regular tire.INDICATOR LOCATION MARK
TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BAR
Compact Spare Tire42408/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

LightsHeadlights High 12 V－60 W (HB3)
Low
ꭧ
12 V －35 W (D2S)
Daytime running lights 12 V－60 W (HB3)
Front side marker lights 12 V－3CP
Front turn signal lights 12 V－21 W
Parking lights 12 V－3CP
Fog light 12 V－55 W (H11)
Rear turn signal lights 12 V－21 W
Rear side marker lights 12 V－3CP
Backup lights 12 V－18 W
License plate lights 12 V－3CP
Individual map lights Front 12 V －5W
Rear 12 V －5W
Cargo area lights 12 V－8W
Tailgate lights 12 V－3.4 W
Vanity mirror lights 12 V－2W
Door lights 12 V－3.4 W
ꭧ : The low beam headlights are high voltage discharged type.
Replacement of a low beam headlight bulb should be performed by
your dealer.
Battery Capacity 12 V－65AH/5 HR
12 V －76AH/20 HR
Fuses
Interior See page445or the fuse label attached
to the inside of the fuse box lid.
Rear See page444or the fuse label attached
to the inside of the fuse box lid.
Under-hood See page443and 444or the fuse box
cover.
Engine Type Water-cooled, 4-stroke SOHC VTEC V6
gasoline engine
Bore x Stroke 3.54 x 3.78 in (90.0 x 96.0 mm)
Displacement 223.5 cu-in (3,664 cm
3)
Compression ratio 11.0 : 1
Spark plugs DENSO:
NGK:SKJ20DR-M11
IZFR6K11
Alignment Toe-in Front 0.00 in (0.0 mm)
Rear 0.08 in (2.0 mm)
Camber Front －0°30’
Rear －0°30’
Caster Front 4 ° 12’
Tires Size Front/Rear P255/55R18 104H
Spare T165/80D17 104M
Pressure Front/Rear 32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm2)
Spare 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm2)
Specifications
453
T echnical Inf ormat ion
08/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX

The tires that came on your vehicle
have a number of markings. Those
you should be aware of are described
below.
Tire SizeWhenever tires are replaced, they
should be replaced with tires of the
same size. The following is an
example of tire size with an
explanation of what each component
means.P255/55R18 104H
P －Vehicle type (P indicates
passenger vehicle).
255 －Tire width in millimeters.
55 －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. 104
－Load index (a numerical code
associated with the
maximum load the tire can
carry).
H －Speed symbol (an
alphabetical code indicating
the maximum speed rating).
Tire Identification Number (TIN)The tire identification number (TIN)
is a group of numbers and letters that
look like the following example. TIN
is located on the sidewall of the tire.
DOT B97R FW6X 2202
DOT －This indicates that the tire
meets all requirements of
the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
B97R －Manufacturer's
identification mark.
TIRE LABELING EXAMPLE
(1) Tire Size
(2) Tire Identification Number (TIN)
(3) MaximumTire Pressure
(4) MaximumTire Load (4) (3) (2) (1)
(1)Tire Labeling45608/06/06 16:58:07 09 ACURA MDX MMC North America Owner's M 50 31STX620 enu
2009 MDX