Question on TLX oil changes. According to the owners manual, the maintenance minder codes are as follows:

A1 - Change engine oil, rotate tires
B1 - Change engine oil and filter, rotate tires

I've owned several Acuras and I'm familiar with the maintenance minder codes... but this is the first time I ever noticed there was a difference in A and B - A doesn't require changing the oil filter? Just the oil?

It may have always been like that but this is the first I've noticed this. I've always changed the filter when I changed the oil... I think Acura does also.

Thoughts?

 

The book is ACURAS standard maintenance procedure. Personally would never change oil without also changing the filter. Especially with the small filter & minimal oil supply in the car.

BTW its been awhile but I used to get the physically larger Honda Accord filter for my TL. Not sure if that applies to the current versions of the cars but is something to look into.

 

I found this strange too and talked to the Service Department when I bought my car. They also advised to change the filter at every oil change, which is what I do. Especially with the longer intervals between oil changes, I feel more confident to spend the few bucks for the filter and extra oil.

 

I hadn't noticed that before - good call. I agree with the opinions above - change oil filter at every oil change.

Heck, with my low mileage, I'm only going to need an oil change every year. So for sure I'm having the filter changed also.

 

I have never had an engine problem with any of my many cars, kept for 5-8 years, and just perform the recommended scheduled maintenance. Just do whatever allows you to sleep well at night.

 

Change the filter every time- the filter holds a fair amount of oil and that doesn't get flushed when you do the A1 service. You save a little money/time skipping the filter change but it's not worth the savings in my opinion- especially if I'm doing the work anyway. Hint: I like to mark the new filter with date/mileage on the end cap so it's easy to know when the oil was changed AND if the mechanic actually changed the filter.

 

Thanks guys. I always change the filter as well... I was just surprised to see Acura call for an oil change without a filter. I plan to continue as is.