Acura RDX Oil Change Cost [DIY Vs Pro]

Getting a vehicle’s oil changed is a form of health maintenance that every car owner should take part in. Regular oil changes ensure a healthy running motor, and thus, a healthy running vehicle.

Every vehicle is different, though, so when it comes to the costs of oil changes among vehicles, you’ll find these differences as well. The Acura RDX is a popular car among consumers, and if you want to know how much an oil change might cost an owner of this car, you’ve found the right article.

On average, an Acura RDX oil change will cost about $167, where the high end of cost estimates is a little under $190 and the low end of cost estimates is a little around $150. This cost estimate represents auto work where the cost of parts is very close to the cost of labor (almost 50/50). 

Note, however, that costs actually vary slightly when it comes to different Acura RDX models over the years. In this article, we’ll explore the average cost differences in oil changes for different Acura RDX release years.

Further, we’ll look at the lifetime costs of oil changes for this particular make and model. And then we will share some ways you can save money on these repairs. Read on to learn more about Acura RDX oil change costs.

Cost Breakdown for Acura RDX Oil Changes 

There are several different year releases of the Acura RDX model. In the following table, we’ll look at the cost differences for oil changes in particular. These estimates are averages based on Georgia state auto labor costs, which are more representative of national auto labor cost averages. 

The estimates represent averages of the highs and lows you might find when it comes to prices for Acura RDX oil change jobs across the nation. 

Some Things to Note About Cost Differences Among Model Years

Note that for some of the model years, it’s common for parts to cost about the same as labor. This means you are paying about 50/50 for parts vs. the cost of auto labor.

For some model years, however, the cost of labor is slightly more than the cost of parts. This is the case for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Acura RDX models, for example.  

Further, it’s an upward trend when we look at the cost of an oil change as the model year gets more recent. Those who own a 2012 model or older can bet on the lowest prices in most cases (average of about $150), while those who own a 2013-2018 model can bet on more middle-of-the-road prices (average of about $170).

And those with the most recent models, including the 2019-2021 models, can expect the highest prices for labor (around $184 on average). 

Lifetime Costs – Acura RDX Oil Change ($9,185)

One thing that many people don’t consider when they buy or own a vehicle is what the lifetime cost will be for certain auto repairs. Oil changes are a necessary and vital component of any car’s maintenance, and the Acura RDX model is no exception. 

How Many Oil Changes Does a Car Need in Its Lifespan?

Oil changes are standard every 5,000-10,000 miles you put on a car. This may depend on what quality of oil you have chosen, but for Acura models, 5000 is the most standard time to let your vehicle go between oil changes. 

Considering that most Acura models are designed to last an average of about 275,000 miles (250,000-300,000), we can estimate the average lifetime costs of regular oil changes.

With an oil change every 5,000 miles, which is what is suggested, you can expect to pay for about 55 oil changes in an Acura’s lifespan. Of course, this estimate is assuming that you have bought your Acura from new with zero miles on it already.

And it is also assumed that you keep your car running and in proper health until it reaches 275,000 miles. Of course, not everyone buys their car new; it’s exceedingly common to buy lightly used cars.

It’s also common to trade in or sell a car before it has reached its end. But, if your Acura is bought from new and used until it reaches its end, you’d be paying about $9,185 over the span of owning the car (average oil change cost $167 x 55-lifetime oil changes).

Cost Fluctuations for Oil Changes

Aside from the cost fluctuations based on the year of your Acura RDX model that we mentioned above, there are other cost-affecting factors at play. When it comes to auto labor, you can expect prices to change depending on supply and demand, taxes, and auto labor rates in your area.

Another thing to keep in mind with oil changes is that certain brands of motor oil are more expensive than others, and certain types of oil are more expensive than others. 

Cost of Different Types of Motor Oil

You should know that when getting your car’s oil changed, there are different types of motor oil to choose from. You have the following in most scenarios:

One thing to note is that most drivers choose synthetic or synthetic blend motor oils. These are the most commonly used oils for oil changes, and you’ll find that pure synthetic oil is much more expensive than synthetic blends. 

Area Auto Labor Rates

Although getting an oil change is a pretty standard and routine auto labor job, you’ll still find differences in costs depending on where you live. It may be surprising to see which states typically charge more for auto labor. 

CarMD’s results in a study about 2020 auto labor costs (check engine light-related repairs) across the US brought interesting information to light. Apparently, in 2020, Ohio drivers paid the least amount for auto labor, while California drivers paid the most.

It isn’t surprising that California drivers paid the most, as the cost of living is much higher in California, and California auto costs are typically higher. 

Utah, Washington D.C., Connecticut, and Colorado also took the list of the top five most expensive states for auto work. On the other hand, Maine, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana joined Ohio in the list of the five cheapest states for auto work. 

How to Save Money on an Acura RDX Oil Change

Although the costs of oil changes are not overwhelming when compared to other auto repair jobs, it can be pricey if you use your car every day. After all, this is a routine form of maintenance that most people have to do every several months, especially if you frequently go on road trips or travel. 

When you’re trying to save money or get an oil change for your Acura RDX vehicle on a budget, there are several ways you can cut back. One way you can save on oil changes is by going to the same auto shop every time.

Some motor oil manufacturers even have their own oil change quick stations where you can get a decently priced oil change, such as Valvoline. You can also save money by choosing synthetic blends over pure synthetic oils. Synthetic blends are cheaper in the end.

DIY Oil Change 

Further, the biggest way you can save money on an oil change is by doing the job yourself. Although not everyone is comfortable with this task, it’s actually pretty simple, even for those who aren’t well-versed in vehicle mechanics. 

Conclusion

Routine oil changes are essential to keeping your car in optimal health. You can’t neglect this form of maintenance, as it will only contribute to problems involving your vehicle’s engine, which is one of the most important pieces of the car. 

If you have an Acura RDX vehicle, then the average cost of an oil change is going to be around $167, with the cost of parts and labor being about equal. Note, however, that prices may shift depending on what model year you have.

Older models tend to require less expensive costs, while newer models will cost you more for an oil change. Prices will also vary depending on local taxes, supply and demand, and the cost of labor in your state.

Be sure to consider the above before getting your Acura RDX’s oil changed.