How often to change coolant in Acura RDX?

The most accurate way to determine when to change the coolant is by following the Acura Maintenance Minder system in your vehicle. This system monitors driving conditions and calculates the optimal time for various maintenance tasks, including coolant replacement.

Here’s how it generally works:

1. Maintenance Minder: Your RDX will display a maintenance code (like ‘A’ or ‘B’) along with sub-items (numbers like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) on the dashboard or infotainment screen when service is due.
2. Coolant Code: The specific sub-item code indicating that the engine coolant needs to be replaced is ‘5’. So, if you see a code like ‘B5’, it means standard ‘B’ service is due, and the ‘5’ indicates it’s time to replace the engine coolant.

General Guidelines:

While the Maintenance Minder is the preferred method, Acura provides general guidelines based on time and mileage as well:

1. First Coolant Change: The initial factory-fill coolant (Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 – the blue coolant) is designed to last a long time. The first replacement is typically recommended around 10 years or approximately 100,000 to 120,000 miles (around 160,000 to 193,000 kilometers), whichever comes first.
2. Subsequent Coolant Changes: After the initial replacement, subsequent coolant changes are usually recommended more frequently. The typical interval is every 5 years or approximately 50,000 to 60,000 miles (around 80,000 to 96,000 kilometers), whichever comes first.

Important Considerations:

• Owner’s Manual: Always refer to the owner’s manual specific to your Acura RDX model year. Maintenance schedules can vary slightly between generations.
• Coolant Type: It is crucial to use Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 (or a coolant specifically stating it meets Honda/Acura Type 2 specifications). Using the wrong type of coolant can cause damage to the cooling system components and may require more frequent changes. This coolant comes pre-mixed, so you shouldn’t add water.
• Inspection: Even if not due according to the Minder or schedule, it’s good practice to have the coolant level and condition checked during regular service intervals.

In summary, rely primarily on your RDX’s Maintenance Minder system (looking for sub-code ‘5’). If going by general guidelines, the first change is after about 10 years/100k-120k miles, and subsequent changes are every 5 years/50k-60k miles, always using the correct Acura Type 2 coolant.

Is it better to flush or drain coolant?

Simply draining the radiator may get rid of most of the old antifreeze but could leave some coolant and contaminants behind, which would then mix with and pollute your new antifreeze and cause overheating. You want a full flush, a forced removal of anything old so you can pave the way for new fluid.

What is the life expectancy of car coolant?

Therefore, manufacturers suggest replacing the coolant periodically. It is recommended you change coolant after the first 210,000 km (140,000 miles) or 120 months, then every 30,000 km (20,000 miles) or 24 months.

Can engine coolant last 10 years?

Theoretically it should last a lifetime if it’s not contaminated as it’s not a heavy wear item. A friend who works on Toyotas said that even after the 120K interval, the “old” coolant looks practically new.

Are coolant flushes necessary?

Neglecting coolant flushes can lead to some serious issues: 1.) Scale and rust particles will build up in the cooling system over time. If you go too long without flushing your coolant, these particles can clog passages, potentially damaging your heater core or overheating your engine.

At what mileage should antifreeze be changed?

Depending on the vehicle and the coolant, the average time between flushes is two years or 30,000 miles for silicated coolants and up to five years or 100,000 miles for an extended drain coolant. You can tell which type of coolant you have by the color.

What happens if you never change coolant?

In addition to causing mechanical damage, rust makes the cooling system less effective — the particles can clog some of the smaller coolant passages in the system — and increases the likelihood of your vehicle overheating.

Does coolant really last 10 years?

Follow your owner’s manual recommendations. For most coolants, 5 years is the upper limit and it should be changed. Some manufacturers are recommending 10 years. If you have a 10 year one, you are still good.

How much does a coolant flush cost?

The price for a radiator flush, in which a certified technician drains all the fluid out of your radiator and replaces it with fresh fluid can average between $131 and $209.

How often do you really need to change coolant?

Over time, dirt and other contaminants can build up in the fluid, or it may become acidic. When this occurs, the radiator fluid is much less effective and should be changed. Most car manufacturers recommend that you change the radiator fluid in your vehicle every 24,000 to 36,000 miles, or every 24 to 36 months.

What happens if you don’t flush coolant?

If you have something that’s over 10 years old and if you’re unsure about it, FLUSH IT. Contaminated/old coolant will start to carry rust/dirt particles through your engine and can cause a variety of bad things to occur, namely corrosion.