What kind of oil change for Acura?
Most Acura models require synthetic 0W-20 motor oil, and sticking to the recommended grade and interval helps protect the engine and keep the car running smoothly.
In detail, Acura’s guidance centers on synthetic oil grades tailored to modern engines and a maintenance minder system that estimates when service is due. While 0W-20 synthetic is the standard for many current Acura engines, some older or specific powertrains may call for different grades such as 5W-20 or 5W-30. Exact requirements—and the precise service interval—vary by model and year, so owners should always consult the vehicle’s owner's manual or the Maintenance Minder display for their car.
Oil Types Acura Recommends
Before listing typical options, it’s important to understand the general standard and where deviations may occur.
- Most current Acura engines: 0W-20 synthetic motor oil that meets ILSAC GF-5/Honda specification.
- Older or specialized engines: some models or years may specify 5W-20, 5W-30, or other grades—check your exact requirement for your model/year.
- Oil quality note: use a full-synthetic oil unless the manual permits a synthetic-blend; synthetic oil generally offers better protection and longer intervals with Acura’s maintenance minder.
In practice, the vast majority of recent Acuras use 0W-20 synthetic oil. Always verify the grade and capacity for your exact model in the manual or on the maintenance minder system.
Oil Change Intervals and Acura Maintenance Minder
Before listing the typical intervals, here is how Acura guides service cadence in everyday terms.
- Normal driving with 0W-20 synthetic: roughly every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (intervals can vary by model year and driving conditions).
- Severe driving or harsh conditions: more frequent changes, often around 3,750–5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
- Conditions that can trigger earlier service: frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, towing, or dusty environments—these factors can shorten oil life.
The maintenance minder on Acura vehicles provides the precise interval for your car based on real-time data and driving patterns. If in doubt, consult the dealer or your owner's manual to confirm the recommended schedule.
Practical Guidelines for Your Acura’s Oil Change
Here are practical tips to ensure you get the right oil and service cadence for your Acura.
- Where to source oil: use Acura Genuine Motor Oil or a high-quality full-synthetic 0W-20 that meets ILSAC GF-5/Honda specifications.
- Oil capacity and filter: capacities vary by engine; refer to the owner’s manual for the exact amount and the correct oil filter model for your vehicle.
- Disposal and service options: dispose of used oil and filters at a certified recycling or collection site; many quick-lube shops accept used oil and perform the change to your spec.
For do-it-yourself changes, ensure you have the correct oil grade, quantity, and filter, follow proper torque for the drain plug, and reset the maintenance minder after completion.
Summary
Across most modern Acura models, the standard oil change is with 0W-20 synthetic oil, with intervals typically around 7,500 miles / 12 months under normal driving. The Maintenance Minder system will indicate the exact schedule based on driving habits and conditions, and some engines or years may require different grades. Always verify the exact specification for your model and year in the owner's manual or with a dealer, and follow local guidelines for oil disposal and recycling. Adhering to these guidelines helps protect the engine, maintain performance, and preserve warranty compatibility.
