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I need to know what's a good interval before getting the MDX serviced from the dealership. I was told to service the car every 7500 miles. Since dealerships cant be trusted for anything, any inputs from veteran Acura/honda owners?
On one hand I do want to maintain it properly, but I dont want to waste money... BTW, i like cars, but I am not very good at doing the maitenance myself (even oil changes) :-)
On my subaru, the only time I took the car to the dealer was 5K, 30K, 60K services. It has been trouble free...
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| i recommend looking in owners manual and it depends where you live. usually you go with severe maintenance and change oil every 3000 miles. i personally go to dealer for everything because i really trust my dealer, Park Ave Acura in maywood new jersey. |
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I suspect that people who don't live in really rural areas (dirt roads, etc.) can follow the regular schedules. That means oil changes about every 3,500 - 5,000 miles and service every 7,500 miles (I think..... I don't have the manual in front of me)
There is a warranty issue with getting the VTM-4 service done at 7,500 miles. If it is not done, your warranty may be voided!!
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Just picked ours up last night (Dk Emerald / Tour / Nav). Intersting points on the oil / filter change schedule:
(1) driving in temperatures over 90F is considered "severe conditions" as is driving with a roof load;
(2) the manual doesn't suggest a filter change with each oil change.
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MDXPolo,
I know that the manual says not to change the filter at each oil change but you really should. It costs nothin, say 5 bucks , thats chump change. So change your oil and your filter about every 3000-3500 miles if you drive under the server conditions.
Thanks
Evan
P.S I wonder how Honda messed up on that, the same thing is listed in my CR-V manual. |
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| FYI - On all Acuras (except SLX), the original oil contains additives that protect the engine during its break-in period. These additives aren't in over-the-counter oils, so change the oil at the recommended mileage/time interval, not before. |
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Does the VTM-4 fluid need to be changed every 7500 miles?
How hard and expensive is this? Is there any other maintenance (other than oil + filter) that needs to be done this often.
Thanks... |
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quote:
Originally posted by RTK
Does the VTM-4 fluid need to be changed every 7500 miles?
How hard and expensive is this? Is there any other maintenance (other than oil + filter) that needs to be done this often.Thanks...
I think the VTM is changed less regularly after the first one. I called a few dealers and they charge anywhere from $160-$200 for the 7,500 mile service. According to Park Ave. Acura (NJ), this includes: "Changing the VTM fluid (the differential service), change Engine oil, change oil filter, check and adjust all fluid levels as necc, lube chassis and hinges as necc, rotate tires and check balance, pressures and condition, check and clean brake linings, check and retorque chassis bolts as necc, check drive axles and cv joints & boots, check and adj drive belts if necc, retorque engine and trans mounts, check engine electrical & emissions systems, check engine performance and road test. Wash and vacuum." |
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I plan on changing the oil as in the manual at 7500 miles. On my '88 Accord for the first 100k, I had always done it at 3K-3.5K, but after contacting Honda they told me I was wasting my money if I didn't do it at the 7.5K interval. Ever since then I've done it between 6K-8K for the last 130K. I've experienced no loss in power, oil leakage, nor decrease in fuel mileage. The only thing I have noticed different is that I have more money in my pocket.
An American vehicle, now that's a different story. |
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According to Acura, and our latest service menu, the first VTM fluid change at 7500 miles is essential to the proper break-in of the unit. It is then changed at the 15K, and every 15K after that.
Here are the service intervals we use:
Brake fluid change - 45,000
Replace coolant - 60,000
Air Filter - 15,000
Transmission fluid - 30,000
Dust/pollen filter - 30,000
Timing belt, water pump, belts - 105,000
Spark plugs - 105,000
And, as an aside, I personally would recommend changing the oil filter with EVERY oil change. Five dollars is cheap insurance for a $40,000 vehicle. |
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I suggested to Daniel (admin) that a maintenance forum should be created for IMPORTANT information like this from Tim Poliniak at http://www.hondacuraworld.com.
Everything would be more organizied.
:D |
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The changes to computized fuel injection, low drag piston rings, and better quality lubes means that ALL vehicles are able to go far longer between servicing.
The studies that all the manufacturers have done to validate the results of using "service indicator devices" prove that for the majority of people 3K mile will more than double their annual cost, produces more than double the waste and have NO positive effect on components.
As to "break-in" periods on engine oil, Honda does use a special "assembly line additive package" that should remain in the crankcase for 7,500 miles of normal driving. Similarly several kinds of differentials use special friction modifiers that are different in the "initial build lube", and the timing of when the first service should take place is critical. |
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We now have a new MAINTENANCE Forum !!!!!!!!!
Please post all comments in that forum.
Thank you.
:D |
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