| first oil change, gas mileage, and history
- Click HERE for Original Thread
|
| tjwid |
Ok, I just completed my 2002's first oil and filter change at 3700 miles. I found three things interesting:
- while the user manual specifies 5W-20, the oil cap on the engine still says 5W-30. Is this confusing?
- after the oil and filter change, I found all my gas mileage history are gone. Does MDX have some sensor that erase all the history upon new oil or filter change? Does this happen to other folks as well?
- the gas mileage is noticeable better. I'll monitor the combined gas mileage for the next week. But, the gas mileage seems to be improved by one to two per gallon.
Comments? |
|
|
| jj_mdx |
quote:
Originally posted by tjwid
- the gas mileage is noticeable better. I'll monitor the combined gas mileage for the next week. But, the gas mileage seems to be improved by one to two per gallon.
Comments?
there is some break-in additives in the initial engine oil that acura added, which might explain why the mpg is higher now after an oil change.... frankly, i haven't had my first oil change yet, so i am just guessing here.... :2: |
|
|
| weth |
I was had the understanding that BECAUSE of the initial protective additives from the factory, it was preferred to not do the initial oil change until the recommended 7500 - anyone comment on that?
Also, I just notice the 5W20 in the manual and 5W30 on the cap for the first time as we went on our first road trip and paid closer attention to levels than before -- what should we be using 5W20 or 5W30?
FYI - 650 miles all freeways
MPG 21
Avg Speed 55 (Southern California traffic jams brought the average way down). |
|
|
| jj_mdx |
quote:
Originally posted by weth
I was had the understanding that BECAUSE of the initial protective additives from the factory, it was preferred to not do the initial oil change until the recommended 7500 - anyone comment on that?
it depends on the weather condition and the driving condition, acura has two service/maintainance schedules, one for normal driving condition (that's the 7500 mi one) and the other for 'severe' driving condition, which recommend an oil change every 3750 miles... unforturnately for us in texas, the temperature is almost always above 90 degrees, so we have to follow the second one... :3: |
|
|
| JTM |
Very good question!!
My dealer put 5w-30 on my first oil change. I did asked them 5w-30 or 5w-20, the service representative said 5w-30.
they schedule my second oil change at 7500 miles. |
|
|
| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by tjwid
Ok, I just completed my 2002's first oil and filter change at 3700 miles. I found three things interesting:
- while the user manual specifies 5W-20, the oil cap on the engine still says 5W-30. Is this confusing?
- after the oil and filter change, I found all my gas mileage history are gone. Does MDX have some sensor that erase all the history upon new oil or filter change? Does this happen to other folks as well?
- the gas mileage is noticeable better. I'll monitor the combined gas mileage for the next week. But, the gas mileage seems to be improved by one to two per gallon.
Comments?
You can use either the 20 or 30 weight oils, I believe the 5W-30 is a little thicker for the hotter times of year it will give you additional protection, but a little less gas mileage due to the oil being thicker. On the other hand the 5W-20 is thinner for colder wheather temperatures, it is thinner oil giving better gas mileage. In the winter use the thinner, and in the summer use the thicker. As far as to how often to change the oil, I stick to the old school thought of 3000 miles or 3 months. I know the manuel states differently but since I own and plan to keep for the long run I would rather be safe than sorry down the road. Also I am a very demanding driver and tend to be hard on my vehicles. |
|
|
| bear |
I took the MDX in for the first oil change this morning.
I picked up a brochure from the dealer on MDX maintenance and the type of oil it recommends is interesting.
The recommended motor oil for 2002 and newer models is 5W-20 and for the 2001 only it is 5W-30. It does not state anything about type of weather or driving conditions. That being said, I wonder if it's for Canada only. But why would there be a difference between the 2001 and 2002?
I didn't get a chance to ask why, but it seems bizarre. |
|
|
| srpbep |
quote:
Weth wrote:
Also, I just notice the 5W20 in the manual and 5W30 on the cap for the first time as we went on our first road trip and paid closer attention to levels than before -- what should we be using 5W20 or 5W30?
Checked our 2002 X last night. Indeed, the oil filler cap does read 5W30 yet the manual clearly states 5W20.
Honda does make a 5W20 oil cap [have one on our 2001 Accord V6]. Cap looks IDENTICAL EXCEPT FOR THE OIL WEIGHT.
Looks to me like Acura really screwed up!!!! Tim [if you see this], can you check with Acura. Silly as this may sound, I believe that Acura should notify all owners and provide replacement oil filler caps!!! |
|
|
| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by bear
I took the MDX in for the first oil change this morning.
I picked up a brochure from the dealer on MDX maintenance and the type of oil it recommends is interesting.
The recommended motor oil for 2002 and newer models is 5W-20 and for the 2001 only it is 5W-30. It does not state anything about type of weather or driving conditions. That being said, I wonder if it's for Canada only. But why would there be a difference between the 2001 and 2002?
I didn't get a chance to ask why, but it seems bizarre.
You could use either weight depending on your geographic area and temperatures. Thicker oil for warmer wheather and thinner for cold wheather! I believe it does state this in the manual. They just don't recommend the 10W-20 or the 10W-40 oils. Also alot of dealer tend to stick with thinner oil so you keep getting better gas mileage. IMO I would rather have better engine protection and a little less gas mileage in the summer or warmer wheather. |
|
|
| conradsmith |
quote:
Originally posted by paul123
You could use either weight depending on your geographic area and temperatures. Thicker oil for warmer wheather and thinner for cold wheather! I believe it does state this in the manual. They just don't recommend the 10W-20 or the 10W-40 oils. Also alot of dealer tend to stick with thinner oil so you keep getting better gas mileage. IMO I would rather have better engine protection and a little less gas mileage in the summer or warmer wheather.
We've had this discussion before. Actually the manual specifies 5W-20 for all locations and all conditions. The little chart of temparatures shows 5W-20 from below -30 to 120 degrees F. Several of us with 2002's have noticed the oil filler cap discrepancy, but 5W-20 is definitely the recommendation. In fact, the manual says "If 5W-20 is not available, a 5W-30 oil may be used. However, it should be replaced with a 5W-20 at the next oil change." That doesn't sound like 'either/or' to me.
So, far I've stuck with 5W-20 even here in the deep south. I don't know if I can do it on my next change with the temperatures will be in the upper 90's :cool: . Of course, the manual also says to change the filter on every other oil change, and I'm going to change it every time.
Mayby they did make changes to the engine (narrower oil passages, etc.) between 2001 and 2002 that make the thinner oil not just OK, but maybe even better for the car.
- Conrad |
|
|
| DaleB |
| Not ready for my first change yet, I use Mobil 1 and noticed that 5-20 is not very common in auto parts and discount stores. I need to check Costco and maybe buy a case or more in advance. |
|
|
| dennisk |
| 01 mdx take 5w-30 02 mdx 5w20 |
|
|
| paul123 |
| I still think in warmer area's a 5w-30 will not hurt the engine. I believe they recommend the 5w-20 for better gas mileage results. |
|
|
| DMCmdx |
| I'm going with Mobil 1 0w30 on our first change. Flows better than 5w20 when cold and protects better when hot. JMO |
|
|
| srpbep |
Stopped by local Acura dealer this weekend and discussed "proper oil for 2002" with Service Advisor:
(1) Manual says 5W-20.
(2) Oil Filler Cap says 5W-30.
He is going to contact Acura to clear this up. He thinks that Oil Cap MIGHT BE correct!! They are not aware of any engine changes from 2001 to 2002 that would account for the difference.
Amazing, the 02 has been out for many months and the discrepancy has not been resolved!! |
|
|
| tjwid |
quote:
Originally posted by srpbep
He is going to contact Acura to clear this up. He thinks that Oil Cap MIGHT BE correct!!
I am very interested to hear what your dealer find out from Acura. Since Oil Cap is the same as 2001 and someone have to EXPLICITLY initiate a change to 2002 manual, my guess is that Acura intentionally changed the spec for some reason. :confused: |
|
|
| tjwid |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Not ready for my first change yet, I use Mobil 1 and noticed that 5-20 is not very common in auto parts and discount stores. I need to check Costco and maybe buy a case or more in advance.
I bought a case from Kragen. It did not cost me extra. But it is not as popular like 5w-30 or 10W-40. |
|
|
| frostyra |
| The 5W part of the number is for cold-engine starts; the 20 or 30 part of the number is for hot-engine oil-flow characteristics. My SWAG thinks that the 5W-20 recommendation for the '02s is just to pop the gas mileage up a bit compared to 5W-30. Remember, pleasing the Feds has to be high on any car manufacturer's priority list. :6: |
|
|
| srpbep |
[QUOTE]frostyra wrote:
The 5W part of the number is for cold-engine starts; the 20 or 30 part of the number is for hot-engine oil-flow characteristics. My SWAG thinks that the 5W-20 recommendation for the '02s is just to pop the gas mileage up a bit compared to 5W-30. Remember, pleasing the Feds has to be high on any car manufacturer's priority list./[QUOTE]
I don't get the logic, I thought both 01 and 02 mileage estimate were the same = 17/23. If this is true, I can't track the oil viscosity change to mileage.
:confused: :confused: |
|
|
| frostyra |
I don't know, but that was the only reason I could think of. On a hot day or a long trip, I'd much rather have "something-W-30" than "something-W-20" protecting my engine with its heavier oil film. But, I think it stands to reason that a "thinner" oil (20) would have less "pumping loss" when the crankshaft splashes through it. Maybe it only increases mileage by 0.5 mpg , which isn't enough to change the published figures.
Remember, we're not necessarily experts here -- just opinionated! :5: |
|
|
| paul123 |
| My head technician at Acura said that you can use either the 5w-30 or 5w-20 depending on the wheather. He said there was no difference between the 2001 and 2002 models. He did state they like to prefer the 5w-20 for better gas mileage, but in his opinion he stated use the thicker for more protection during the summer months. He did say that you should never use the 10w-30 or 10w-20 oils they are specifically not recommended for all MDX's. That was because the return holes for the oil are very small and the 10w will not fall down fast enough and could cause lower engine damage!:4: |
|
|
| DaleB |
| Based on all that, the suggestion to use Mobil1 0w-30, especially in a temperate climate might be good all year 'round. |
|
|
| BaldEagle |
Just picked up my X yesterday and apparently Acura has now corrected this (oil viscosity) discrepancy. Checked my manual, page 262, and here is what it said:
"An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is preferred for improved fuel economy and year-round protection in your Acura. You may use a 10W-30 oil if the temperature in your area never goes below
20 F(-7C)."
Also on the last page of the manual and on the oil fill cap 5W-30 is Recommended. |
|
|
| DaleB |
Very interesting! My build date was 4-9-02 and page 262 says to use 5w-30 only if 5w-20 is not available.
And now we can even use 10-30 if temp does not drop below 20F. Go figure!
Your owner's manual must have a print date of 2002 (back of manual, lower right). Mine shows 2001. |
|
|
| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Your owner's manual must have a print date of 2002 (back of manual, lower right). Mine shows 2001.
Lower right on my back cover = 13000.2002.03.02
My guess is that means a print date of 3/2/2002. |
|
|
| conradsmith |
The 'new' manual seems to contradict the 'old' manual, which implies that 10W-30 is not good for the engine and should only be used in emergencies. Paul123's Acura tech also warned against any 10W-x viscosities.
Does this mean that those of us who followed the manual's advice and put in 5W-20 have damaged our engines (it's 90F outside right now)? I haven't gotten any notice from Acura about the change, but I guess they figure it will last for 50,000 mile no matter what oil we put in it. It would be very nice to know which viscosity is really better for the long term operation of the engine, but I don't think they are going to tell us anything.
- Conrad |
|
|
| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by conradsmith
The 'new' manual seems to contradict the 'old' manual, which implies that 10W-30 is not good for the engine and should only be used in emergencies. Paul123's Acura tech also warned against any 10W-x viscosities.
Does this mean that those of us who followed the manual's advice and put in 5W-20 have damaged our engines (it's 90F outside right now)? I haven't gotten any notice from Acura about the change, but I guess they figure it will last for 50,000 mile no matter what oil we put in it. It would be very nice to know which viscosity is really better for the long term operation of the engine, but I don't think they are going to tell us anything.
- Conrad
Can't go wrong with 5W-20 or 5W-30 in warmer wheather. These two oils will not damage at all. Keep away from 10W-20,10W-30 or 10W-40 oils.:2: |
|
|
| BaldEagle |
I picked up my new MDX on Friday and had a 250 mile drive on I-5 South to get home. I hit the reset button as I pulled up to the freeway on ramp and drove about 100 miles varying speeds (between 60 and 80)) per dealers instructions to break in motor. I avoided full throttle, used soft foot method (think of an unboiled egg between your foot and the gas pedal. MPG for the first 100 miles was 27.1 with average speed of 68 MPH.
Reset again for the last 150 miles. This time I put more foot into the X (not full throttle) to see how it climbed on hills, passing, etc. Average MPG for last 150 miles was 24.3 and 67 MPH. Was very impressed with the X's spunk.
Needless to say, so far MPH has far exceed my expectations, at least on highway driving. |
|
|
| juvee |
| Interesting info on the oil - just purchased my vehicle last month and just found this site yesterday unfortunately. At least I am getting some really good info now. Curious if most of you are doing your own oil on the MDX or using the Dealer. Wonder what oil they would put in it if I did not ask for a specific type? Seems very confusing with 5-30 vs 10-30 etc. Anyone have a difficult job changing the oil - I have never done this on my vehicles before and don't want to take it to a local speedy shop. |
|
|
| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by juvee
Interesting info on the oil - just purchased my vehicle last month and just found this site yesterday unfortunately. At least I am getting some really good info now. Curious if most of you are doing your own oil on the MDX or using the Dealer. Wonder what oil they would put in it if I did not ask for a specific type? Seems very confusing with 5-30 vs 10-30 etc. Anyone have a difficult job changing the oil - I have never done this on my vehicles before and don't want to take it to a local speedy shop.
Very easy to do. Make sure you use 5W-20 oil and replace filter and be sure to remove the old "o" ring. If not you will have a never ending oil leak. |
|
|
| Lrpba300 |
I would agree w/ those that say 5w-20 for winter (colder)weather & 5w-30 for summer(hotter) weather. Should not make that much difference, IF, the oil & filter is changed regularly!
juvee, I've changed oil in all my cars 7 my spose's cars & this one (the MDx) is one of the easiest to do. Socket wrench for the drain plug & a drain pan. An oil filter wrench for the filter & your set.
paul123, I don't want to step on any toes, ( esp. someone on the board longer than me:D ) but as far as the "o" ring for the drain plug, I changed the oil in my TL for two yrs & never changed the "o" ring & NEVER had one drop or leak come out. Proper "torque" on the tightening of the plug ( not to loose or not to tight), & you can use the same metal "o" ring for a longer time IMHO
I just changed my oil in the MDX @ 3720 miles, using 5w-30 DURABLEND from Valvoline. I think it's the best of both worlds in oil's |
|
|
| srpbep |
Lrpba300,
Hate to disagree, but .... the oil drain plug washer is designed to changed each and every time the drain plug is removed. It is designed to compress with installation. Failure to replace it can "urge one" to overtighten the drain plug and this can lead to stripped threads.
Heck, it is really cheap!! Why would you work at "conserving it"? Do yourself a favor, go easy on the gas pedal instead if you want to save money ...
:eek: |
|
|
| juvee |
| Thank you for the oil change info. Glad to know it is easy. For someone like me who has never changed his own oil it is a little intimidating, but I want to be sure everything is done properly and maybe it will even be a little bit fun! I am only at 1,500 miles now so have a little ways to go. Is the O ring you mention and the air filter normally available at the large auto part stores? And in case you are wondering my MDX was purchased out of town so don't have any freebie oil changes here at my dealer :( |
|
|
| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by Lrpba300
I would agree w/ those that say 5w-20 for winter (colder)weather & 5w-30 for summer(hotter) weather. Should not make that much difference, IF, the oil & filter is changed regularly!
juvee, I've changed oil in all my cars 7 my spose's cars & this one (the MDx) is one of the easiest to do. Socket wrench for the drain plug & a drain pan. An oil filter wrench for the filter & your set.
paul123, I don't want to step on any toes, ( esp. someone on the board longer than me:D ) but as far as the "o" ring for the drain plug, I changed the oil in my TL for two yrs & never changed the "o" ring & NEVER had one drop or leak come out. Proper "torque" on the tightening of the plug ( not to loose or not to tight), & you can use the same metal "o" ring for a longer time IMHO
I just changed my oil in the MDX @ 3720 miles, using 5w-30 DURABLEND from Valvoline. I think it's the best of both worlds in oil's
I was referring to the "o" ring on the oil filter, you right the drain plug "o" ring can be re-used. |
|
|
| TheyCallMeBruce |
quote:
Originally posted by dennisk
01 mdx take 5w-30 02 mdx 5w20
Acura parts guy looked it up and told me the 01 and 02 MDX is the same engine model number, heads and block same, same internal parts, unchanged from 01.
Retooling a factory for a revised engine is a MAJOR undertaking, especially after only the first year of production. It would have been a major feature in their brochure and well as news release advertising of upgrades since the 01. No one has come across any indication of a revised engine, right? |
|
|
| Lrpba300 |
Paul123. Point well made for those that haven't done the filter change much The rubber"o" ring does stick to the engine block sometimes & MUST be removed. New filter will have one:D
srpbep, If you read my other post correctly, I said to use proper TORQUE on the tightening of the drain plug. I've done it for years, MANY cars, NEVER a drop of oil from the plug. It's a hassle to get to the dealer for a part I've never needed, so why should I go out of my way to get this part? ;) |
|
|
| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by Lrpba300
Paul123. Point well made for those that haven't done the filter change much The rubber"o" ring does stick to the engine block sometimes & MUST be removed. New filter will have one:D
srpbep, If you read my other post correctly, I said to use proper TORQUE on the tightening of the drain plug. I've done it for years, MANY cars, NEVER a drop of oil from the plug. It's a hassle to get to the dealer for a part I've never needed, so why should I go out of my way to get this part? ;)
That's another good point about overtightening the drain plug. I used to do it all the time when I started working on cars and found out that after time it stripes the threads in the oil pan creating big problems with small drip leaks. Also don't tighten the oil filter to much, I believe it 1/3 turn once the "o" ring touches the housing. |
|
|
| Lrpba300 |
[Qoute]That's another good point about overtightening the drain plug. I used to do it all the time when I started working on cars and found out that after time it stripes the threads in the oil pan creating big problems with small drip leaks [/Quote]
Paul123, as I said to srpbep, I've done many, many oil changes for about, um 30+ yrs. i have NEVER stripped the oil plug by over tightning. Most filters by the way, say to tighten the filter 3/4 of a turn after first contact. As said before, use a TORQUE WRENCH if you want the proper set for tightning! After awhile, you just get a "feel" for it! |
|
|
| ace3 |
Well when I was at my Acura dealer getting i forget which service done, (i have a 2002 MDX) and I asked the mechanic what kind of oil he puts in my X. He said 5w-30:eek: I was like but the manual says 5w-20 and he was lik WHAT but then he told me the oil cap was 5w-30 which I knew about. So he went inside to find the correct answer which he didint. BTW he is a very thorough mechanic I think who is very good. And about the oil dripping b4 replugging he lets it until it stops dripping which I think makes sense:rolleyes: .
My theory why.....
I have a theory why the manual says 5w-20. Basiclly so Honda can make more money by selling more oil. Since ot many oil manufactures make 5w-20 oil, Honda does.... so Honda probably thinks we will just use the honda oil. The reason why its 5w-20 in the manual not the oil cap is simple they have to change the 02 mdx manual anyways so theyput 5w-20 there which is probably cheaper than changing the oil cap. So long story short since they think we will stick with the manual they put 5 20 there, like no one makes 5 20 they figure we'll stick with onda oil, which inturn they make more money. Just my theory ;) |
|
|
| BaldEagle |
| Ace3, my 2002 owners manual says to use 5w-30. Acura corrected this descepancy (oil cap/manual) in April or May this year. |
|
|
| C-Bear |
quote:
Originally posted by BaldEagle
Just picked up my X yesterday and apparently Acura has now corrected this (oil viscosity) discrepancy. Checked my manual, page 262, and here is what it said:
"An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is preferred for improved fuel economy and year-round protection in your Acura. You may use a 10W-30 oil if the temperature in your area never goes below
20 F(-7C)."
Also on the last page of the manual and on the oil fill cap 5W-30 is Recommended.
Yep, that's exactly what I've got, too. |
|
|
| C-Bear |
quote:
Originally posted by DMCmdx
I'm going with Mobil 1 0w30 on our first change. Flows better than 5w20 when cold and protects better when hot. JMO
Viscosity in a 0W versus a 5W are identical until about -30F. 0W's can maintain that lubricity to about -45F. Are we ever really going to see the kinds of temperatures that truly call for a 0W and that justify the increased use of viscosity improvers (which are detrimental to our engines in the long run)?
Go with Mobil 1 5W-30; same protection for all practical purposes and uses no viscosity improvers at that weight. |
|
|
| C-Bear |
I'll echo what a few others mentioned before and vote that the discrepancies regarding which oil viscosity in our MDX's has a lot more to do with Federal emissions tests, gas mileage, CAFE scores and such, than engine tolerances and flow characteristics.
If you've been using 5W-20, you're in good shape and have nothing to worry about. Ditto if 5W-30 has been residing in your engine. The 10W's aren't really a threat, either. The appropriateness of each weight for a specific application has more to do with the ambient temperatures you're driving in over anything else. Warranties can be an issue, though, and if they are for you choose your oil accordingly. But if the manufacturer is switching things up and sometimes contradicting itself, you can bet that more often than not it has to do with issues unrelated to the vehicle in question.
One last word on oil viscosity: choosing a good, high-quality synthetic can take a lot of the weight concerns out of the equation. Synthetics aren't subject to quite the same volatility in temperature (and therefore changes in viscosity) as regular petroleum oils are. Go with synthetics. |
|
|
| xcel |
BaldEagle:
___I hope you are still reading this thread
Are you still receiving 25 mpg + on the highway? Have you also verified this by miles driven/gallons added over multiple tanks? There are a lot of MDX owners that would die for an MDX as efficient as yours and I am definitely one of them!
___Thanks
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net |
|
|
| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by xcel
BaldEagle:
___I hope you are still reading this thread
Are you still receiving 25 mpg + on the highway? Have you also verified this by miles driven/gallons added over multiple tanks? There are a lot of MDX owners that would die for an MDX as efficient as yours and I am definitely one of them!
Hello Wayne, still here.
Have been getting 23.5 to 25.8 MPG on highway/freeway miles on the 3 long trips I have taken since receiving my X in late May. When I check the trip computer indicates a slightly higher MPG than actual by 1 to 3 tenths of a MPG. These MPG's (23.5 to 25.8) are for approximately 2800 miles and do not include mixed (town/highway) driving.
I think driving habits have a lot to do with MPG. I'm not a slow driver, drive 70 MPH on freeway (speed limit still 65 in Oregon), 60 to 65 on highways with 55 mph speed limit, but I do avoid jackrabbit starts and rapid acceleration if not necessary.
When I have gotten less than 24.5 MPG on highway/freeway driving it has been either windy or a was a mountain road. |
|
|
| xcel |
Hi BaldEagle:
___Thanks for the quick reply and congratulations on the great gas mileage! I am an extreme soft foot for starts/stops but travel in the mid 70s 80 while commuting. The wife
well shes a little harder on the accelerator but slower on the highway so I wanted to get a feel for Vacations and her traveling back and forth to work (15 mile round trip) since its going to be her MDX. I do get to accessorize it however ;)
___Thanks again. Tomorrow will be another shopping day with the first stop being McGrath Acura in Glenview, IL. This dealer sounds great in comparison to the other local dealers I have visited per MDX4now suggestion in another thread. Wish me luck on a 2003 pre-order.
___On another note, how are you and the family (including the X ;)) handling the heat up there in Oregon?
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net |
|
|
| srpbep |
quote:
xcel wrote the following to BaldEagle:
I hope you are still reading this thread
Are you still receiving 25 mpg + on the highway? Have you also verified this by miles driven/gallons added over multiple tanks? There are a lot of MDX owners that would die for an MDX as efficient as yours and I am definitely one of them!
I would die multiple times ... the VERY BEST that we have seen for a trip was 21.5 MPG [that was really trying for a high numbers] ... on the other side we have managed to do less than 12 MPG [non-highway driving] without trying to see how low we could get the numbers!! |
|
|
| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by xcel
Hi BaldEagle:
___On another note, how are you and the family (including the X ;)) handling the heat up there in Oregon?
Thanks for asking Wayne. The X has been great in this hot weather. The A/C is fantastic and cools it down very fast. If it's hot I tilt open the moonroof (middle button), open a few windows an inch or so, and put up a windshield sun deflector.
I was concerned about heat in a black/black prior to my purchase but it has not been any hotter in the MDX than in my P/U with a white top.(I don't use a windshield deflector in the truck) I think the dark tinted back and side windows help keep the X cool also. |
|
|
| SonShine |
| How many miles on your 'X, BaldEagle? We just had our 1st oil change after taking her on our 1st long trip. I believe we averaged about 21-22 MPG, but our speeds were a bit higher since the speed limit in the desert is 75. I'm hoping to see even higher numbers once ours is fully broken in. We were very gently with her on the trip (overall). |
|
|
| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by SonShine
How many miles on your 'X, BaldEagle?
I have 4300 miles on my X and have not changed oil yet, plan to do so at 5500 to 6000. Not too many severe miles for me, probably less than a 1000 for short trips and driving in temp above 90. Sure does make me nervous going this long without changing oil, have changed at 3000 in every car I have owned in the past. Want to leave the original oil in to make sure engine is properly broken in per Acura. Will change at every 5000 miles after break in.
So far after 4300miles the oil level is only slightly below the full line and is not near as dark as my P/U is after only 3000 miles.
Probably averaged about the same on may last trip (21-22) when in town miles are included. |
|
|
| paul123 |
quote:
Originally posted by BaldEagle
I have 4300 miles on my X and have not changed oil yet, plan to do so at 5500 to 6000. Not too many severe miles for me, probably less than a 1000 for short trips and driving in temp above 90. Sure does make me nervous going this long without changing oil, have changed at 3000 in every car I have owned in the past. Want to leave the original oil in to make sure engine is properly broken in per Acura. Will change at every 5000 miles after break in.
So far after 4300miles the oil level is only slightly below the full line and is not near as dark as my P/U is after only 3000 miles.
Probably averaged about the same on may last trip (21-22) when in town miles are included.
I would stick to the 3000 mile or 3 months for oil changes. If you break in the first 1000 miles by not going over 55 miles per hour and vary rpm's while driving, you don't have to wait for 5000 miles to break in. I called acura and they said I didn't even have to break in at all. I would rather be safe than sorry, but the break in lube in the engine will have already done it's job by the 1000 mile point. I wouldn't wait longer for oil changes because the 5W-30 or 5w-20 oil brakes down to a thinner viscosity very fast. Even though it looks cleans it gets as thin as water after the 3000 miles point. Acura recommends longer between oil changes, but I would rather give the extra protection to the engine. Also acura seems to like the thin oil because it gives much better gas mileage. I'm more concerned with longevity of the engine, because I purchased and didn't lease. |
|
|
|
|
