AcuraZine - Acura Enthusiast Community

Acura MDX: How to Prep the MDX for the Snow

Your MDX is more than capable of getting you from point A to point B in the worst of winter conditions. Here's how to prep your MDX for the snow.

By Jeffrey Smith - April 28, 2016

This article applies to the Acura MDX.

Winter weather driving can be scary, intimidating and anxiety-provoking. Facing some deep snow conditions and drift knowing you have to go out in it can be a really bad experience for some people. The good news is that for Acura MDX owners, especially those second generation owners with the SH-AWD systems, driving in snow can be just as uneventful as driving down the back roads on a dry, summer afternoon.

The MDX transmission is awe-inspiring as it predicts the road conditions with such incredible precision that the driver doesn't even have time to panic going around that sharp turn that is covered in the white stuff. Of course, driving on slick ice levels the playing field completely; however, the MDX, with its SH-AWD system, can greatly assist in maintaining or recovering control when these situations occur. Little to no effort is required to get the MDX prepared for winter weather; however, dedicated snow tires are optional and would be optimal to handle the worst of conditions.

Materials Needed

  • Replacement winter weight oil (optional)
  • Windshield fluid that contains de-icing elements
  • Replacement brake fluid (optional)
  • Snow tires and rims (optional)

Step 1 – Complete a basic safety check

Minimally, you will want to make sure that everything is working properly as it should. Without any modifications or upgrades, the MDX is capable of handling most winter conditions straight off the showroom floor. There are, however, some basic items that you'll want to make sure are in the good operating range before you take her out into the cold white stuff.

  • Make sure your battery is up to snuff. Have the charge and the cold cranking amps tested. Your battery may be good enough to run now, but when the mercury bottoms out, it needs extra juice to get going. The CCA rating is often overlooked by many folks.
  • Make sure your MDX puts out enough heat in the cabin. The heater and defrost are vital to ensure a safe and comfortable ride.
  • Your wipers need to be in good working order. Consider using fluid that has anti-freeze properties. Windshield washer fluid does no good when the stuff is frozen at the nozzle tips.
  • Lastly, check your brakes, headlights, taillights, and the condition of your tires.

If you do nothing else besides these, you should have a safe and happy driving experience in winter weather conditions.

Figure 1. A bone stock MDX is sufficient to get you through most winter conditions.

Step 2 – Have some basic maintenance work done

If you have been faithful in keeping up-to-date with your maintenance schedule, you should be good to go for this winter's driving season. Otherwise, you may want to change out your coolant fluid and make sure that it is clean and fresh and properly set for the cold environment you'll be experiencing in the months ahead. At the same time, make sure your brake fluid is full and clean. Your brakes will get a good workout this winter. You want to make sure they are up to the task. The last thing that you may want to consider is using oil designed for winter weather, so at your next oil change interval before the cold sets in, switch over to oil that will give you better protection for winter weather.

Figure 2. Match the oil you use with your average winter temperature where you drive most often.

Step 3 – Consider installing snow tires

While the MDX is perfectly adept at handing most winter conditions, parts of the country seem to get blizzard-like and unreal amounts of snowfall every winter. Although you are most likely going to be able to handle this with a purely stock ride, you may want to consider investing in some dedicated snow tires. Even though these can be outrageously expensive, the peace of mind they will give you is priceless. They also will last a very long time for the relatively limited amount of action they will actually see. You do not want to drive year-round with snow tires mounted. If you shop around, you can find pretty good deals on tires and rims, especially if you aren't dead set on getting OEM products.

Figure 3. Snow tires will help get you through deep, snow-covered inclines with little worry.

Step 4 – Pack survival gear

Even though blankets won't help your MDX get through the winter, they are often overlooked as vital elements in winter weather travel. No matter if you are heading across the country or down to the store, you should consider having an emergency winter weather box packed and stored in your MDX. Accidents happen, unforeseen problems or breakdowns arise. If you are out in the wilderness or away from passersby, being stranded could be deadly. Always have extra blankets, socks, flashlights, power bars or granola bars, and drinking water packed neatly in a tub just to be prepared for such an emergency.

Figure 4. A tub of survival gear can pack away neatly in the back of your MDX and should be a staple for everyone who drives in winter weather.

Featured Video: Acura MDX in the Snow

Related Discussions and Site