does having the vsa on or off have any affect on gas mileage. and if we drive on normal road conditions why bother having vsa on?

 

VSA "may help" you reduce chance of getting hurt while in emergency or accidents.

 

So my understanding is that the VSA is two channel and not 4 channel.
Meaning it only controls the front wheels. That's also what the sales guy
told me. Can anyone verify?

 

Nope... it's 4-channel VSA...



Acura says:

VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)

The TL is equipped with 4-channel VSA that helps the driver retain control of the car in the event the vehicle reaches its dynamic traction limits, for example through aggressive cornering, encountering ice or dirt on the road, or entering a decreasing-radius corner too fast.

In the event of understeer (where the front tires lose grip), the system applies the inside front and rear brakes to increase yaw (vehicle "rotation"), slowing the vehicle and enabling it to complete the turn. Engine torque may also be reduced by coordination of the Drive-by-Wire Throttle System and Engine Controller.

The 4-channel system controls all four brakes independently. In the event of oversteer (where the rear tires lose grip), the system applies the outside front and rear brakes to decrease yaw, slowing the vehicle and enabling it to stay on its intended path.

An indicator light on the instrument panel alerts the driver whenever the VSA system is actively enhancing the vehicle's stability.

The traction control component of VSA uses sensors that monitor each of the wheels and a computer-controlled modulation of engine power and front brakes to help prevent wheel spin when starting out or accelerating. If the sensors detect wheel spin, traction control reduces engine power and applies brake force to the affected wheels. This helps the TL maintain traction during acceleration and helps the driver retain steering control, even when accelerating on slippery surfaces.

A cockpit switch is provided to disable the vehicle stability and traction control aspects of the system while leaving the ABS system fully functional.

 

thanks for the reply.

 

Nobody answered the question.
I have been wondering about this too. Seems like VSA would cost us some gas mileage because when it's off the car performs better. Anybody know for sure?

 

I extremely doubt that VSA has any measurable impact on gas mileage, it's only active in vehicle stability situations. So the effect of turning it off is reduced safety with no improvement in gas mileage.

 

Hmmm..... That must be why sometimes I think I smell hot brakes when I've been putting my foot into it. This was in a straight line too.... It must have sensing wheel spin?

 

I agree with Legend2TL. I also extremely doubt that leaving your VSA engaged will adversely affect your fuel economy. However, if you want maximum acceleration in the lower gears from a dead stop or slow roll, turn it off. You will most definitely feel the difference.