Hi guys. I have 2011 RDX with 32k miles. So far, I've had brake jobs and oil change done. Dealer is recommending brake, Trans, power steering fluid changes to the tune $500

Are these necessary?
Any other necessary maintenance?

 

All those you can do on your own, drain and refill. Save the $500 bucks, buy the liquids, and do it yourself!

Brake fluid is 3 years replacement due to being hygroscopic.

 

Ok thank you. Problem is that I'm absolutely non mechanical. I usually go to Honda dealership.

 

What about differential fluid?

 

Follow the owner's manual as to fluid intervals. Honda dealership or even independent shop would be your best bet to save $$$ Buy your own fluids and take it to them and pay labor to save even more!

 

Power steering should be good +100,000 miles. Brake fluid flush should be done with the brake job or every 3 years (which ever comes first), 5AT should be done when you get the M.I.D. notification (or is it the transfer case fluid change?). I do my 5AT every 30,000 miles just because waiting until 60,000-120,000 miles seem a little long by the M.I.D. schedule sometimes. Other than that, I do maint when the M.I.D. tells me.

The M.I.D. should let you know what maint is due when it pops up. You can do extra maint not required by the M.I.D. (like me with the 5AT); but, it would really be a waste of money 99% of the time.

Acura Service Codes

A: Replace Engine Oil
B: Replace Engine Oil and Filter. Inspect various systems and components

1: Rotate Tires and check tire pressure and condition
2: Replace air cleaner element, check drive belt and replace dust and pollen filter
3: Replace transmission fluid and transfer fluid (if equipped)
4: Replace spark plugs, replace timing belt (if equipped), inspect water pump, and inspect value clearance
5: Replace Engine Coolant
6: Replace rear differential fluid (if equipped)

 

Thank you guys. Mr gold, what are the mileage intervals for 123456? I know that tb wp is at 105.

 

Just based of my 3 vehicles I have:

A: 5000 miles for TSX/RDX, 7500 miles MDX (purchase Mobil 1 oil from Walmart)
B: 5000 miles for TSX/RDX, 7500 miles MDX (purchase Mobil 1 oil from Walmart)

1: 5000 miles for TSX/RDX, 7500 miles MDX (I do rotation or cross rotation when I do oil change to keep track easier)
2: 30,000 miles by M.I.D. (I replace cabin every year because it is easy and cheap. K/N drop-in filter I clean every spring)
3: 60,000-120,000 miles depending on driving habits (I change every 30,000 miles to make me feel better)
4: 100,000 miles
5: 90,000 - 120,000 miles
6: 30,000 miles? I really can't remember exactly; but, I like to do it at 30,000 miles

Extra:
- replace power steering fluid at 100,000 miles
- replace brake fluid every brake job or 3 years
- check alignment once a year or with new tires (lifetime with Firestone)
- check spare tire PSI when I rotate/balance every 5000 miles
- replace wipers every spring (dry rot in southwest sun)
- replace serpentine belt with kit at 100,000 miles

Some folks do more maint than this. So far, all 3 vehicles have been very easy to maintain sticking to the M.I.D. schedule.

 

Appreciate it! How hard to change the cabin filters on RDX? That one I might be able to do

 

Here is a link; but, some of the pics are missing. The instructions are good: https://acurazine.com/forums/diy-faq...cement-681583/

Acura can charge you up to $100 to do the change. It takes me more time to take the stuff out/in the glove box to do the exchange.

I've been using Fram CF10134 Fresh Breeze Cabin Air filter for about $16 on Amazon or you can get it a Walmart. I like this brand because it has charcoal and baking soda to help with odors. It won't stop smell like from something like a diesel bus or driving by a dairy farm (I know, I've experienced this). The cheaper brands may not odor protection compared to FRAM.

 

Changing the cabin filter is probably the single easiest maintenance item on any car. It's really the place to start if you're a first time DIY-er.

Even though pics are missing from the DIY linked above, once you get past that first step and drop the glove box, the filter housing will be in plain view and very obvious. Just reference the arrows on the old and new filters to make sure you have the orientation right when putting the new one in. Gravy.

 

There's a video showing how to do it on

 

My '07 RDX has over 305k. I've had only one mechanical issue (AC Clutch), and only do the recommended maintenance on the car. Full syn ever 7500, filters and fluids. I don't go to the dealership, mostly chain lube shops. I get well taken care of at my local Jiffy, I have been going there for 20 years and have 4 cars and drive 700/week... I think they're going to name a new building wing in my name
Typical service costs about $100-150, less if just an oil change. Be sure and keep the transmission fluid schedule, if you skip it often, eventually the chain lube shops make you sign a release of liability. Transmissions that have had neglected oil sometimes experience rapid failure when they get fresh fluid. Power steering and brake fluid are very infrequent service intervals. I have the original PS in my car.