The 2008 Acura TL with the 3.5L 6-cylinder engine (Engine Code J35A8-8) is a sophisticated vehicle that demands precise lubrication to maintain its performance and longevity. Owners of this sedan understand that using the correct viscosity and type of fluid is essential for keeping the engine, transmission, and cooling system operating efficiently under various driving conditions. Whether you are dealing with extreme summer heat or cold winter starts, the right lubricants ensure smooth shifting, reliable braking, and maximum engine protection against wear.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The ultimate protection for this engine, offering up to 25,000 miles of service and superior resistance to horsepower loss and wear.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An excellent choice for extended protection, providing 20,000 miles of service with enhanced cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Designed to outperform conventional oils and provide reliable protection that meets the specific requirements of this vehicle.
- AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, featuring a boosted detergent package to reduce sludge and clean deposits.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Provides 99 percent filtering efficiency at 20 microns, allowing lower restriction to keep critical engine parts lubricated and reducing wear.
- WIX Oil Filter – Features premium media that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters for reliable filtration.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation that protects the cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated formula that greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion and erosion, ideal for long-life applications.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Offers excellent cold-weather performance and guards against leaks to promote smooth, shudder-free shifts.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid – Formulated for maximum protection in synchromesh transmissions, reducing friction and improving cold weather shifting.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range.
Proper lubrication is the foundation of engine health for any internal combustion vehicle, and the 2008 Acura TL is no exception. This model comes equipped with the powerful J35A8-8 engine, a 3.5-liter V6 that was renowned for its smooth power delivery and efficiency. To keep this engine running at its peak, you must adhere to the manufacturer’s specifications while potentially extending the intervals between maintenance tasks. The engine oil capacity for the 2008 Acura TL with the 3.5L engine is 4.5 quarts when performing an oil change that includes a filter. It is crucial to refill to the correct level and check the oil filter after the refill to ensure the lubrication system is fully pressurized and circulating. The drain plug torque specification is 29 ft/lbs, which helps prevent leaks without damaging the drain plug housing.
AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 is the top recommendation for drivers who want the absolute best protection. This 100% synthetic motor oil is engineered to provide 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to the industry standard. It offers guaranteed protection for up to 25,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first, making it an ideal choice for those who want to maximize the time between oil changes. For drivers who prefer a slightly more budget-friendly option without sacrificing synthetic quality, the AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 offers 20,000 miles of protection. It features 37% more cleaning power to help keep the engine running smoothly and extends service intervals. The AMSOIL OE 5W-20 is another excellent option, designed to fight sludge and deposits with a 100% synthetic formulation that outperforms conventional oils. If your Acura TL has accumulated significant mileage, the AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil is the specific solution needed. It contains enhanced anti-wear additives and a unique chemistry that reduces sludge by 67%, helping engines with over 75,000 miles perform better and last longer.
Matching your oil change with the right filter is just as critical as the oil itself. The AMSOIL Oil Filter (Part EA15K13-EA) provides filtering efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns, which means it captures a high percentage of small, wear-causing contaminants that can damage engine components. It offers extended service life to match the extended oil change intervals of synthetic oil. Alternatively, the WIX Oil Filter (Part 57356-EA) is a high-quality aftermarket option that features premium media with improvements over OEM-branded filters, ensuring reliable filtration for the oil and engine.
Transmission and Cooling System Care
The 2008 Acura TL features a complex transmission system that requires fluid capable of withstanding high temperatures and heavy loads. For the 5-speed automatic transmission (Model BDHA…SL040), the total fill capacity is 8.1 quarts, though an initial fill requires only 3.1 quarts. The AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is designed to withstand the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain. It remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures, providing reserve protection during heavy use. The AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is another top-tier option that protects against wear, resists harmful sludge, and promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts, even in cold weather.
The cooling system is vital for maintaining the engine’s operating temperature and preventing overheating. The 2008 Acura TL has a coolant capacity of 6.7 quarts. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant (Part ANTPC1G-EA) is a 50/50 ethylene glycol pre-mix that offers protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. It is phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, silicate, borate, and amine-free, making it safe for all cooling system metals. For those who prefer a concentrated formula, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant (Part ANT1G-EA) requires mixing with distilled water but offers protection for up to 150,000 miles and greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion.
Additional Fluids and Maintenance
Other essential fluids also play a role in the overall health of your Acura TL. The brake fluid is critical for safe stopping power. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid (Part BFLVCN-EA) provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness, maintaining stable viscosity across a wide temperature range. For vehicles with a manual transmission (Model DEB6…GLS43), the AMSOIL 5W-30 Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid (Part MTFQT-EA) is formulated for maximum protection in synchromesh transmissions, reducing friction, heat, and wear. The capacity for this manual unit is 4.4 pints. This fluid is ideal for many General Motors, Chrysler, Honda, and other vehicles, ensuring improved cold weather shifting and maximizing fuel economy.
About the Vehicle
The 2008 Acura TL represents a significant point in the history of Honda’s luxury division, offering a blend of performance and everyday practicality that defined the mid-size luxury sedan segment. Powered by the legendary 3.5L J-series V6 engine, the TL is known for its smooth power delivery and responsive handling, distinguishing it from rivals that often prioritized raw horsepower over balance. This vehicle was part of the fifth generation of the TL, which debuted in 2004 and featured a more aggressive styling language and a focus on technology integration. The J35A8 engine variant specifically was designed to optimize efficiency and emissions while maintaining the spirited driving dynamics that Acura enthusiasts expect.
Owners often appreciate the TL for its “sports sedan” character, which made it a popular choice for those who wanted a comfortable daily driver that could also handle winding roads with confidence. The vehicle’s platform offered a sophisticated suspension setup that balanced ride quality with firm control. Over the years, this model has developed a strong reputation for reliability, particularly when cared for with high-quality synthetic fluids. The 2008 model year continued to offer features like a robust infotainment system and safety technologies that were ahead of their time. Its reputation as a durable, high-performance luxury sedan has kept it on the road for many miles, making proper maintenance an essential part of preserving its value and driving experience. Whether you are commuting on highways or taking weekend drives, keeping the fluids up to spec ensures the car continues to perform as intended by its engineers.