So I just got a new 2010 Acura MDX Technology/Advanced car. I have to say I am quite impressed! ACC works great. Cooled seats are nice. And it seems to run okay, though I am scared of the long term costs of all these electronic goodies.

Anyway....I drive a ton on the highway in the Northeast, and suffice to say, this car seems to take the bumps rather harshly. Just normal potholes, etc make me feel like I am destroying my car.

Has anyone downgraded the wheels on an advanced/technology MDX from the 19" to 18". Will this make much of a difference in driving? I prefer smoothness to sports handling.

 

Why don't you just run in "comfort" mode on the highway, that should smooth out the bumps and rough road, besides, the 19" Advance rims rock! And make the X appear more stout over one with 18's.

 

what is your tire pressure set at?

18's will make the ride a touch more compliant and less harsh.

i'd agree with tsturbo, try using comfort mode instead before investing in 18's and double check your tire pressure.

i found the OEM specs with the stock michelins to be too mushy for my tastes, so i set mine about 2 psi higher. granted i have the tech 18's on mine. i'm running different tires now, and find the new tires, just about what i like in terms of what i want out of the MDX.

 

I run in comfort mode and the bumps are still crazy harsh. Tires (according to the supercomputer on my dash) are at 38-40psi.

 

As SkylineUSA noted in a separate thread "The 2014 does not offer adjustable suspension settings. IDS does nothing to change the ride firmness. It only adjust throttle response, steering feel, SH-AWD torque distribution and noise cancellation levels."

 

^^OP has a 2010 MDX...his thread is misfiled.

OP-what is the oEM spec PSI for the 19's on your car??

the OEM 18's are spec'd at 32psi. not sure if it's the same for the 19's or not...check your door placard. keep in mind this is the COLD tire pressure (first thing in the morning).

 

Yikes, that's really high! I hope that was after you took a long drive. You're supposed to check tire pressures when they are cold -- after having been parked for at least 3 hours, or better yet, first thing in the morning.

Here's what the 2010 manual says:

 

OMG, I feel like such an idiot. I bought the car new/used from a dealer and never thought to check that. I assumed they had it right. I am now scared that I did some serious shock damage to the car driving at 38-40psi for a few thousand miles. Can that do damage?

 

^^you're fine. you might have jarred a few fillings loose it's natural for the psi to increase over the cold tire rpessure over the course of a day and while driving. it can swing as much as 4-5 psi. don't sweat it. let some air out of your tires and drop cold PSI back to spec. reassess the road feel.

dealers increase the PSI to minimze flatspotting, since they don't know how long the car will sit on the lot.

i've driven dealer loaners where the psi is on the high side.

 

I run 32 psi on my 19's

 

jcb193, where are you located? I have run both sizes before and the 18" are definitely more comfortable as you would expect. I will trade you my 18" wheels and tires (Michelins) from my 2013 MDX for your 19" if you're interested. I'm in the Boston area.