Acura RDX is a crossover SUV with 7-seat accommodation and can go up to 43 miles with the gas light. The distance SUV can cover changes according to its design, road conditions, and engine power.
How Far Can a Acura RDX Go with the Gas Light On? An Acura RDX can go 38 to 43 miles with the gas light On, with an average tank capacity of 17.0 to 22.3 US gal. Driving with empty tank results in incorrect acceleration, sudden idling, insufficient lubrication, and a malfunctioning electric system.
The fuel level crosses the threshold and triggers the check light on the dashboard. It compels to slow down the SUV and an immediate refill.
How many miles does an Acura RDX go with the gas light On?
Acura RDX is a luxurious crossover and compact SUV with an average tank capacity of around 17.0 to 22.3 US gal. It has a spacious cabin and can accommodate seven adults on comfortable seats.
On average, it covers 26 to 28 miles with the gas light. However, it can cover a maximum distance of around 41 to 43 miles with the gaslight. The minimum distance is nearly 14 to 16 miles.
According to EPA specifications, it provides a mileage of 21 to 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg. It has a combined average mileage of around 25 miles per gallon.
The container capacity of different models varies according to their size, design, and manufacturing modifications. For example, its 2006 model has a container capacity of 21.2 US gal and can go for nearly 38 to 41 miles with the gaslight.
The 2007 Acura RDX has a larger container of 22.3 US gal, and the SUV can go for 43 miles.
The 2008 to 2012 variants have a smaller tank with an average capacity of about 19.0 to 19.2 US gal. They can cover around 40.2 to 41.8 miles.
2013 to 2018 models have a tank capacity of around 17.0 to 17.3 US gal and can go from 36 to 38 miles. 2019 to 2022 variants can go for 41.0 to 41.5 miles with a tank capacity of nearly 18.0 to 18.8 US gal.
A chart of Acura RDX models, their tank capacity, and the number of empty miles
Acura RDX models (with years and trims) | Tank capacity (In US gal) | Number of empty miles |
2006 Acura RDX standard package | 21.2 | 41 |
2007 Acura RDX standard package | 22.3 | 43 |
2008 Acura RDX standard package | 19.2 | 41.8 |
2009 Acura RDX Technology Package | 19.1 | 41.5 |
2010 Acura RDX Advance package | 19.0 | 40.2 |
2011 Acura RDX FWD A-spec | 19.2 | 40.4 |
2012 Acura RDX A-spec | 19.1 | 41.5 |
2013 Acura RDX Advance package | 17.3 | 38 |
2014 Acura RDX Technology package | 17.0 | 36 |
2015 Acura RDX Advance package | 17.2 | 37 |
2016 Acura RDX A-Spec | 17.0 | 36 |
2017 Acura RDX Standard | 17.1 | 38 |
2018 Acura RDX Advance package | 17.0 | 36 |
2019 Acura RDX Technology package | 18.0 | 39 |
2020 Acura RDX Advance package | 18.2 | 41.0 |
2021 Acura RDX A-Spec package | 18.5 | 41.2 |
2022 Acura RDX A-Spec package | 18.8 | 41.5 |
What are the safe miles of Acura RDX with the gas light On?
The manufacturing company launched its first model in 2006, followed by a distinct 2007 variant. They had spacious containers with standard capacities.
The safe miles is the distance covered before the complete tank drying. Its variants provide a safe distance of 1.5 to 3 miles.
They change according to built-in amenities and the advancement of the model. The fuel quality and container condition determine the safe distance.
They protect the control units, brakes, and gearboxes from friction. However, they improve at low speed and on stable road surfaces.
How many gallons of gas are left in the Acura RDX tank when the gaslight turns On?
The fuel level drops and triggers the warning gaslight on the dashboard display. The container has nearly 1.5 to 2.5 gallons of gas or fuel when the light appears.
The sensory units of the gaslight sense the low fuel levels. The reservoir crosses the standard threshed, and the sensor informs the electric control unit.
The indication depends on the standard performance of the warning system and constant electric flow. High temperature breaks the sensors, reduces their performance, and changes the actual values of fuel left in the container.
The low level shows that the container requires an immediate refill. Driving on uneven roads and incorrect filling leads to the drying of storage containers.
What is the ratio of empty miles over the past years on an Acura RDX?
The ratio of empty miles has decreased over the years due to small tank sizes and their sleek design. Its first two models have spacious containers with a maximum number of empty miles.
However, it has smaller tanks on 2013 to 2022 models with a reduced number of miles with a gaslight. The tank sizes decrease due to internal design changes and the sleek layout.
In the past 2 to 4 years, the reservoir was nearly 18.0 to 18.8 US gal with improved fuel efficiency. As a result, the sleek container has a better life expectancy with minimum internal damages.
Why is it dangerous to drive Acura RDX with an empty tank?
You cannot run it with a gaslight because it affects the engine and transmission. In addition, it reduces the lifespan of the driveshaft and gears due to insufficient lubrication.
Incorrect acceleration
During acceleration, the fuel enters the combustion units, supplies power, and the SUV gains high speed. The chambers use more fuel to perform these activities.
Low fuel levels reduce the acceleration and top speeds. Also, it dries the reservoir, and the fuel cannot enter the combustion cylinders.
Sudden idling
The engine loses its power due to low levels of fuel. It can happen on a busy traffic road, causes sudden idling, and results in life-threatening accidents.
Due to power loss, the engine cannot supply power to the brakes and steering unit. Due to insufficient control, you cannot control or stop the SUV.
Low lubrication in engine parts
The pump, injectors, and other moveable parts do not get enough lubrication due to insufficient fuel.
In such circumstances, the fuel pump exposes to external air for a long time. As a result, it damages the pump, breaks the fuel lines, and causes engine failure.
Malfunctioning electric system
The consistently low fuel level affects the vulnerable batteries and reduces the power supply. In addition, due to a malfunctioning battery, the electric current fluctuates in the terminals and causes draining.
What should you do when the gas light appears on Acura RDX?
Take instant preventive steps when the gaslight appears. Following are a few guidelines to secure it from permanent failures.
Control steering wheel and tires
Align the steering wheel in the straight direction and stabilize the SUV at a speed of 25 to 27 mpg. Adjust the wheels to a forward position and avoid turns.
Avoid frequent braking
Slowly drive the SUV on empty roads and avoid frequent braking because it consumes more fuel. Also, you can stop it alongside the road and wait for help.
Take assistance
Check the built-in GPS or access Google maps to find nearby help. Then, take the assistance of the nearest gas station and fill the tank before complete drying.
Estimate the safe miles
Calculate the safe miles by checking the mileage of your SUV. Then, divide the mileage by tank capacity and identify the remaining miles to protect the engine and transmission from sudden failures.
Take alternative routes
Avoid uneven and bumpy roads, and change the route immediately when the gaslight turns on. Inclined roads are better because they require less fuel consumption.
Related Articles: