Acura RDX Oil Change
 

It's about time I change the oil in my Acura RDX ('14), don't want to bring it back to North Shore to get it serviced so I have a few questions:

1. What's a good oil filter? FRAM or Royal Purple good? If anyone works at Acura or knows the answer that'd be great. (Would like to know if 15400-PLM-A01 is the correct part no. for the OEM filter) Can I use any oil filter instead of the OEM one?

2. Mobil 1 or Royal Purple synthetic oil?

3. Do I need a "special" wrench to take off the drain plug?

i think anyone should change their own oil at least once in their life.

1. OEM or any high quality filter will do. if in doubt, use OEM

2. i use mobil1 because of the good feedback i have read for all make of cars, want to try royal purple next time but its more expensive and harder to fine than mobil1 i say you would be good with either one

3. Should need a "special" wrench to take off the drain plug the only exception is if its in a awkward position. if you plan to change your own oil a lot look into getting a futomoto valve.
the only "special" tool you may need is possibility an oil filter wrench, OEM often use gorillas to tighten the oil filter. Shouldn't need this again after your have hand tight your new oil filter on.


don't forget to get a oil pan and funnels to pour it back into the bottle for disposal!!!

Thanks for the reply. Think I'll be getting the Mobil 1 Extended Performance Filter, anyone have experience with this?

Mobil 1 doesn't have an extended performance version in the 0W-20, only in the advanced fuel economy one... is this any good

^ just put in 0w20 mobil1 the advanced fuel economy in my frs. i like it so far, engine rans smooth!


editL notice u looking on cambodian tire. walmart is quite a bit cheaper than them on the mobil1. just a heads up, could save you 10-15$ depending how much you need

Will you be able to slide underneath your car without jacking it up seeing that it is a SUV? Perhaps there is enough clearance for you. Otherwise, hope you will have the adequate jack and stands.

I use ramps. but being a scarety cat that I am, I still place jack stands in case my ramps collapse lol. I still feel claustrophobic when sliding underneath my car and still haven't gotten used to it yet.

You may notice your drain bolt and filter are both really tight from the last mechanic who did it. For the bolt, see if you can get an extra long wrench or a cheat bar to give you leverage to break it loose.

OEM filters shouldn't be that expensive. Sure, they'll be a couple of bucks more from the local dealership, but if sourcing one online should be equivalent to what you would pay for a non-OEM filter locally. You have a luxury car - spend a few more bucks and get OEM.

Some other tips:
- Get a 17mm socket with a minimum 3/8 drive. If the oil has never been changed, get a 1/2 drive with a 17mm socket for extra leverage.
- Don't forget to put on a new washer after you drain the old oil and replace the drain plug.
- Don't over tighten the drain bolt.

i use it, love it. They are sometimes on sale too at cambodian tire. So I just buy a whole case of them.

I use Mobil 1 synthetic oil, I want to use purple royal but it cost a little more and at the end of the day engine oil is still engine oil...

You just need a socket to take off the bolt, i dunno what size but you should have the whole kit. Be sure to always change your crush washers everytime. Only hand tighten everything.

I personally like WIX filters. I use them on all vehicles and I order a shit ton from ROCKAUTO occasionally. Much better bang for buck. Mobil1 filters are overpriced.

Very stupid question but... for the washer I can pick up any type that fits the drain plug right? So I can grab it at Home Depot or whatnot

the washer I get from the dealer is a slightly a softer material. It kind of feels like cardboard, so it is not 100% steel/aluminum like the ones you see at the hardware store. It's designed to crush down, so it is not supposed to be reused.

to be safe just grab one at the parts dept. If you are lucky they probably wont' even charge you. But if they go through the process of writing it up, then you are looking at $1-$1.25 for it.

Amazon.com: K&N PS-1010 Pro Series Oil Filter: Automotive

That or OEM Oil Filter? K & N good brand?

The washers are usually copper or aluminum. Don't just pick up any washer from Home Depot. You'll end up with a small puddle of oil on your garage floor if you get the wrong kind. It's purpose is to deform slightly when tightened so that it forms a good seal between the oil pan and the drain plug.

As for the filters, OEM Honda filter is made by Filtech or Honeywell. Just go to any Honda or Acura dealer and ask for part 15400-PLM-A01. Should run somewhere around $10 and change. If you're going to shop in the US, then the Purolator Pure One is pretty highly rated.

What about K&N

I'd get OEM but been reading some reviews that it's made by FRAM and it isn't that great?? Apparently they only have the 002's now and not 001?

Yeah, the 02's were made by Honeywell which I believe is FRAM.

I usually get my filters from H & A accessories (they are in the US though) because they can guarantee that they'll send you an A01 instead of substituting an A02.

No idea on the K&N's. Can't seem to find much on Google about the K&N Pro Series.

Tried to make an order... got this message:

Currently, we only service purchases made from United States. All purchases must be made from within the US with a US bank issued credit card with matching US billing address.

No other site I can purchase from?

Yeah, they sell only to US.
You can always try eBay. Just look for ones that guarantee that they'll ship you the A01's. Try this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Honda-Oil-Filter-3-Pack-Actual-15400-PLM-A01-Filtech-Filters-/251416369601?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a899559c1&vxp=mtr

How can you tell if your washer on the drain plug needs to be replaced? Been emailing acura to ask if they sell the washer but no reply... is there anywhere else I can buy it from or is it even necessary to change it?

If you're taking off the drain plug then replace it. Acura will have it in stock. They do so many oil changes a day I'd be surprised if they didn't have a bunch lying around.

It's very rare for a washer to be out of stock.

If it's a crush washer, I'd replace it. If it's just a standard washer, chances are it'll still be good. They tend to be relatively standard sizes, so if Acura is out of it, you'll be able to buy it from any automotive parts store (Lordco, CT, Wakefield, etc).

As for oil filters, I personally use Purolator brand. Oil is also dependant on the vehicle, though I typically use either Mobile1 synthetic in cars I care about or Wolf Oil synthetic on vehicles on everything else. Though not on topic, I only used Royal Purple in transmissions. Wasn't impressed with their engine oil.

Bobistheoilguy.com is a great website for determining what type of oil is best used for a specific application. Lots of good technical information.

Got the OEM filter but it's a 02... bad reviews but it is OEM... should be ok right I plan to order A01 for next time

so how did it go?

Great! First oil change completed, ended up using OEM filter and Mobil 1 oil