The 2018 Acura RLX is a sophisticated sedan that relies on precision engineering to deliver a seamless driving experience. To maintain its performance and longevity, owners must adhere to strict lubrication guidelines tailored to its 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Selecting the wrong fluid can lead to increased wear, reduced fuel economy, and costly repairs down the road. This guide details the specific AMSOIL products recommended to keep your RLX running smoothly for years to come.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
Choosing the right lubricants ensures your vehicle operates at peak efficiency. Below are the top-tier AMSOIL solutions specifically matched to the 2018 Acura RLX 3.5L engine and its systems.
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers unsurpassed engine protection for up to 25,000 miles and superior protection against horsepower loss.
- AMSOIL 0W-20 100% Synthetic Hybrid Motor Oil – Specially formulated for hybrid engines to maximize fuel economy and control sludge.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides extended protection with 37% more cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother for up to 20,000 miles.
- AMSOIL OE 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Outperforms conventional oils and protects turbochargers effectively while meeting OEM requirements.
- AMSOIL 0W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Designed for engines over 75,000 miles with boosted detergents to reduce sludge and extend engine life.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Filters at 99% efficiency at 20 microns to reduce engine wear and offers extended service life.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium alternative that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique OAT formulation that provides protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated coolant option that greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion and erosion.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing and elevated temperatures while providing reserve protection.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A cost-effective option that protects against wear and meets OEM specifications.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Restores up to 14% horsepower and cleans fuel injectors to improve fuel economy.
Understanding the specific fluid requirements for the Acura RLX is crucial for any owner serious about maintenance. The vehicle’s engine demands a fluid that can handle high temperatures and provide immediate lubrication upon startup. The 3.5L V-6 engine is a high-revving unit that benefits greatly from synthetic lubrication, which flows more freely in cold weather and resists thinning under the extreme heat of high-speed driving. Using the correct viscosity, 0W-20, ensures that the engine’s complex valvetrain and variable camshaft timing system function without delay. This precision is vital for maintaining the vehicle’s renowned smoothness and responsive acceleration.
Beyond the engine, the transmission and cooling systems play equally critical roles. The Acura RLX utilizes a sophisticated 9-speed automatic transmission (in some trims) or a 7-speed system, depending on the specific configuration, which relies on high-quality fluid to shift seamlessly. AMSOIL’s fuel-efficient transmission fluids are engineered to reduce friction, thereby enhancing the vehicle’s fuel economy while protecting the delicate clutch packs and hydraulic components from wear. The cooling system, which requires a substantial capacity of coolant for both the engine and the inverter, must be protected against freezing in winter and overheating in summer. AMSOIL’s antifreeze formulations use organic acid technology to prevent corrosion, ensuring the longevity of the aluminum engine block and hoses.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
For owners looking to perform a complete fluid service, the following selection covers every major lubrication point on the 2018 RLX. These products are chosen to maximize the intervals between services while providing superior protection compared to conventional fluids.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Ideal for those who want extended service intervals up to 20,000 miles with high cleaning power.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Ensures that contaminants are removed efficiently, reducing wear on the engine’s critical components.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium alternative for those who prefer OEM-branded filtration.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Matches OEM performance standards to ensure smooth shifting and protection against wear.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – Provides a pre-mixed solution that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles.
The lubrication needs of the 2018 Acura RLX extend to the braking system and the final drive components as well. The RLX is equipped with an all-wheel-drive system in many configurations, which includes a rear twin motor unit. This unique drivetrain component requires a specific gear lubricant to function correctly under load. AMSOIL’s specialized synthetic gear lube ensures that these components remain protected from wear and thermal degradation. Additionally, the AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid on this vehicle should be checked regularly, as moisture absorption can lower the boiling point and compromise safety. Switching to a synthetic DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid raises the boiling point significantly, ensuring consistent pedal feel and safety during emergency stops or spirited driving. For owners of this high-performance sedan, regular use of a fuel system cleaner like AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive can also help maintain peak performance by keeping the fuel injectors clean and the combustion chambers free of carbon buildup.
About the Vehicle
The 2018 Acura RLX stands as a testament to the brand’s engineering philosophy, blending luxury with high-performance capabilities. Built on a unique platform shared with the Honda Accord, the RLX was designed to challenge European luxury sedans in the entry-to-mid-level premium segment. Under the hood, the 3.5-liter J-35Y4 V-6 engine delivers a robust and linear power delivery, paired with the sophisticated Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system in the SH-AWD models. This powertrain combination allows the RLX to offer all-wheel-drive traction without the penalty of reduced fuel efficiency, a balance that few competitors can match. The vehicle’s interior is known for its quiet cabin, supportive seating, and high-quality materials, making it an excellent choice for long highway commutes and family road trips alike.
Despite its reliability and engineering excellence, the 2018 Acura RLX does have a few known areas where premium lubricants can make a significant difference. One common issue owners face is carbon buildup in the fuel system and intake valves, particularly on GDI engines. This buildup can lead to rough idling and a loss of horsepower. Using AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive can help prevent and remove this carbon, maintaining the engine’s efficiency. Another potential problem involves the engine oil and filter. Over time, standard filters may allow smaller contaminants to bypass, leading to sludge formation in the engine’s oil passages. AMSOIL Oil Filters, with their superior micron-level filtration, help prevent this sludge accumulation, ensuring that oil flows freely to critical areas like the turbocharger bearings and timing chain tensioners.
Additionally, the transmission fluid in the RLX can degrade over time, especially under severe driving conditions like frequent stop-and-go traffic or towing. Degraded transmission fluid can lead to harsh shifting and increased wear on the transmission bands. Using a high-performance synthetic AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid helps maintain the fluid’s viscosity and protective properties for longer periods. Finally, the cooling system on the RLX is subject to thermal stress. Over time, standard coolants can lose their anti-corrosive properties, leading to corrosion in the radiator and water pump. Switching to a long-life organic acid technology AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant ensures that the cooling system remains free of rust and deposits, protecting the engine from overheating and maintaining optimal operating temperatures throughout the vehicle’s life.
In conclusion, maintaining your 2018 Acura RLX requires a commitment to using the highest quality lubricants available. By following the recommended fluid specifications and utilizing AMSOIL’s synthetic products, you can ensure that your vehicle continues to deliver the smooth, responsive, and reliable driving experience that you expect. Whether you are driving in extreme cold, towing heavy loads, or simply commuting in daily traffic, the right lubricants will provide the protection your luxury sedan deserves.