Has anybody used tire cables on their TL-S? I know the manual recommends not using them, but has anyone used them without problems? Or is the traction control good enough for light snow driving (on stock rubber)?

 

I didn't know it snowed in Long Beach, CA

 

you wouldnt use cables on light snow no matter what. they are designed gor LARGE amounts of snow.

 

Heh, yeah, no snow here in Long Beach. However, there are mountains close by that get plenty of snow and I am planning a trip to Mammoth Mountain in two weeks. Note that it is possible, even likely, that there will be HEAVY snowfall during the time I am there (they have already gotten 13 feet of snow so far in December!). They are very good about plowing, so you don't usually need to worry too much about the main roads. However, there will likely be slippery road conditions and I am concerned about taking the TL-S without cables or snow tires. I am NOT going to buy snow tires because that would be ridiculous for the one trip a year I make to the snowy mountains.

 

they will handle most snow, you just have to change your driving style in the snow. they usually close off the mountian roads to cars with out chains and such if there that bad dont they? ive driven my factory tires in a 8" snow fall with out problems, but id rather have snow tires if i were to do it again but you should be fine

 

That'll throw off your VSA and your ABS.

If you're worried about the stock tires on winter, switch to snow tires and steels. I scored a set of 03 Accord V6 rims (TSX type) for about $500.00 they had the stock Michelin Energy's on them with few clicks. Great on snow. And that is Toronto snow with a little ice underneath type.

 

Don't worry too much about driving your TL-S in snow. Like everyone else had already stated..our cars should be able to take the snow..just drive safely & slowly Now, if you have a lot of miles (eg. 20k+) on your stock tires, then I would suggest you bring some other car.

 

I am in the same dilemma.
I called up the Acura Client Service and the representative said something about Spyder (or spider). He said he can not comment officially about it but he has heard word-of-mouth that it works fine for TL-S.
Also, I have seen some posts on this website about that product. The official stand, he said, is that THOU SHALT NOT PUT TRACTION DEVICE ON A TL-S!!

 

This is exactly the situation I really AM worried about. I want to be able to use cables in this condition -- not have to turn around and drive 30 miles back and wait until the next day. And, I repeat, I live in LA -- I am NOT going to buy snow tires.

So, anybody use those "spider" things that are referred to in the previous post?

 

if its that bad i would just turn around. especially if you have never driven in that kind of situation

 

Well, when driving up to Mammoth Mountain here in Cali, only the last few miles up to the town is the area that tends to get the "cars with chains only" restriction. If you have to turn back, it's 30 or 40 miles back to Bishop, which will result in an expensive motel bill (already paid for that night's lodge stay). I REALLY want to avoid this situation.

 

i guess you could buy them (ones designed for FWD) and if you dont use them just return them. watch the weather too. you may not even need them. and just becareful. if it requires you to use them its alt different than just driving in snow. i would say the ones for FWD are fine, just drive SlOW!