Probably asked before....but I don't think I can find anything in the searched archives...

VSA and chains possible? I've asked 2 dealers...both says NO CHAINS possible on the CL-TypeS. They don't recommend chains and it shouldn't be put on. Anything happens, they will not cover damages.

I need to get up to the mountains and chains are required by state DOT. How the heck am I suppose to go thru the mountain passes if I can't install chains?

Anyone know if it's OK to put on chains or WHY? None of the dealers really had a clue to why..except that it'll damage the VSA..

thanks!

 

Pretty sure it's o.k. as long as you make sure VSA is disables.
Manual should have the full details....

 

The manual tells you specifically not to use chains or cables. I think it' b/c it will screw up your wheel well (rubbing). So in this case, the dealer is telling you the truth. Apparently if you buy 16" rims, you may be able to use it, but it still isn't advised by Acura. This topic came up on the TL board too and since the TL-S and CL-S are basically the same you may want to take a read.....

http://www.acura-tl.com/forum/showth...threadid=27777

 

Thanks for the replies guys..

I don't think that link answers my question though..it's still seems that no one knows?

I should've mentioned CABLES..instead of chains...I really meant to say cables...

My ride is lowered too...shxt, I need to find out the truth here. The manual states NOT to use chains/cable devices...and there's so explanation.

Anyone really know if it's ok to use chains?? I really don't want to void the warranty...shxt, i should've bought an SUV since it rains 300 days in Seattle...and I need to pass the mountains..

 

You may want to call Acura Client Services... maybe they can give you some type of answer (not sure how accurate it would be). You can also try to email or private message Wayne or Jens.....

 

my buddy just came back from Lake Tahoe on his CL-P. There were chain requirements inforced, so he put on a set of z-rated cables (thinest available). Well to make a long story short.......His rims are all f*cked up and he tore up the inner fender trim to shreds.
Keep in mind that this is on a CL-P with 16" rims, and the car is on stock springs (not dropped). I wouldn't even think of putting cables on the Type-S!! If you do, we will have to start a new club to replace the "scratched rim club"...............it will be called the "rims f*cked beyond belief club".
My advice.........rent a SUV (4x4).

 

Oh man! I did not realise that the manual said no cables. I almost bought a set.

Yeah! I can see the cables scratching up the wheels big time. Well. I guess I will have to do without them.

 

yup, we will have to find other ways of getting to snowy areas. But my question is: IS IT LEGAL TO SELL A CAR WHICH IS NOT ABLE TO HANDLE ALL ROAD CONDITIONS. There has to be some legal aspect that no has thought of.........

 

I can understand how the surface of the wheel would get scratched, but not the inner fender.
I think there’s more to this story then you’re telling.

When you hit a speed bump in a parking lot the wheel moves up/down several INCHES.
I don’t see how a 1/8” dia tight fitting chain could hit the inner liner.

Shawn S

 

It should state in bold letters on the sicker price on the car window:
NO SNOW CHAIN'S OF ANY KIND ALLOWED ON THIS VEHICLE ! Then they need to tell ALL their slick salespeople about this shit too ! Just another blow to Acura !

 

I almost wonder if you would want to avoid taking your lowered CL into an area where chains are required.

If there is enough weather to require chains, then there is probably also fallen rocks in the road and stuff like that.

A couple years ago I went over a fallen rock on my way down from Big Bear in a storm and the rock tore right through the oil pan on the car I was driving. Talk about a bad day.

Also you have to worry about tree branches coming down because they are covered in snow and ice.

I'm sure you already though of this, but I would consider asking someone else to drive or borrowing an SUV or something like that.

 

Dam, you sure have bad luck..

I didn't know you couldn't put chains/cables on this car. I thought all cars would allow putting on some quality cables...but I guess not this Acura.

I don't know about the RUBBING...but after being lowered, I'd say it is definitely possible. I don't get why my 2 dealers mentioned no cables on car due to VSA problems?

I don' t have access to an SUV...but even with an SUV, you'd see need chains/cables...

Dayam, what to do?!

I was thinking of trading in for an SUV...I don' tknow which SUV is good for all around driving..I don't want to do deep ponds/lakes or mountain ROCKS...I want occasional gravel/camping conditions, and passing thru the mountains in snow.

MDX? X5? QX45/Pathfinder? 4runner? Which other sub $40k SUV is good?

 

Well I'm partial to the MDX myself. It kicks everyone's ass in the mags (meaningless), and the Mercedes loos like a dump truck from the back end. The X5.....well.....looks nice but for an off-road vehicle, I wouldn' t want to deal with repair issues if something did happen to you while off-road or in inclement conditions (what a hassle that'd be). Q45/Pathfinder.....NO on the Pathfinder and maybe on the Q45. Being from Seattle and all there are only one or two Infiniti dealers in all of Western Washington, which doesn't bode well for comparison and/or dealer help. Now...to the 4Runner...looked into those prior to my CLS purchase and just hated the base model (approx. 28K). I know....that while a legit SUV whouldn't be concerned with luxerious accessories, the 4Runner is naked. Now for about 36-40K, you could load it out and it'd be pretty slick. Anyhow, to get to my point.....MDX would be the only way to go IMHO. Happy hunting and I'm very disappointed to find that chains/cables aren't compatible with ours cars.

 

One trip to the mountains, rent something..

 

Cool of you to share your thoughts...

I really like the MDX too! Unfortunately, I've read a few bad remarks on the MDX in terms of off-road capabilities...well, they consider OFF-ROAD truely off-road..in which I would 99.9% of the time not do with any vehicle.

I just need an SUV for traction in rain and mostly being capable w/or w/o chains/cables...takle the snow covered roads..I mean like 2 ft of snow...at least..

In Seattle, you gotta love the fucked up climate...300 days of bad weather...I really would like to get an SUV now...but I cannot stand gas guzzlers (well, I have a gas guzzler now too- CLS)...and the poor handling of an SUV.

I've test driven the MDX and find it quite amusing. It is definitely alot roomier than an X5. If only I can get it at a decent price..without Acura dealers price gouging like BMW bitches..

I like the Pathfinder..but I don't like NISSAN..and you are right..there aren't that many Infiniti dealers around here. I think the 4runner looks good..but I don't know about blowing that much on options...especially when I can get my MDX full loaded with just about the same stuff on a 4runner.

Anyone ever hear of Land Rover? How are they compared to the MDX and others in terms of street performance/off-road? I only see them in RAP videos...

 

so why don't you get some snow tires and black rims like everyone else in the US for the snow....

I saw a volvo s70 turbo which ships with zr rated dry weather 18" tires. drive around with the ugly black steel rims with snow tires all winter in st louis....

spend like 300 bucks on it for the winters and don't be sorry

 

1. Dealers did NOT tell me a lot of things when I bought the car. I also called the dealer about the "cable" issue (and a ton of other issues). A friend of mine didn't buy the car do to this issue...

2. If you were the daring sort, you could put some cables on the car (at a tire dealer) (and I hope the tires are not wide profile on wide rims) and just check the clearances with the help of the dealer and a floor jack/lift (to lower, raise, and inspect the fitment). (Caveat coming...)

3. Warning -- the VSA is trying to detect constant slip and based on my experiences with small (1" to 2") sandstone and granite rocks and water on the road, I don't think the VSA would be too happy with the alternating (pulsating) grip that would be provided by cables in slippery conditions. The tires may slip, but they do so in a uniform way. The slip/no-slip pulsing from some cables could cause the VSA get quite confused with the "choppy" speed signal from alternate wheel sensors..

I think this is another pioneering job...

My opinions only...