Yes, I know the VSA will help save my life, if I lost control or am in slippery conditions, etc, etc. I'm not talking about that... what I'm asking is... I notice a power difference when I turn the VSA off 9for the better)... so, every now and then, I will turn it off, "on the fly"... I'm wondering if this will cause any harm to my vehicle, short or long term...

 

If it was bad, you wouldn't have a button that allows you to turn it off. No harm will come to the car.

 

I do not think it will cause any harm. Had it been the case, Acura would have never given a button to control it. I keep it off many time on my manual. Switching it off you are bypassing a computer which controls and rectifies for more smoother spins.

 

thanks guys... I was thinking on similar lines.. just wanted to make sure.

 

It only makes sense to turn the VSA off when you're racing( to get a good launch). It certainly won't have any effect on power during normal driving. The only time it is active is when your tires are spinning out of control.

 

Sorry to be the newbie.. but what is VSA? and what does it do?

 

VSA stands for Vehicle Stability Assist

To quote the Acura website
" Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) adds side-slip control to the ABS and Traction Control function. It works by controlling brake pressure, engine power or both to help maintain traction. Even if you take no action, VSA will reduce engine power and/or apply the brakes to reduce front or rear side slip. "

Basically .. if you spin the tires when you start to race the VSA will limit your power and cause a poor launch.

 

what's the difference between tcs and vsa then?

 

just a different name for different companies, vsa, tcs, esp, esc, pretty much all the same thing except the name. they pretty much have same functions such as providing traction when the car looses traction. to me theyre all the same, but there might be a slight difference, but you get the point

 

For Acuras, I think traction control only works at less than 15 mph (on 02-03 TL for example). VSA works at all speeds (VSA came on Type-S 02-03).

In general, TCS on GM cars may be similar to H/A's VSA.

 

VSA helps with traction and stability. If you are racing, definitely turn it off. In my experience though, it doesn't seem to make quite as much of a difference punching it when driving as opposed to from a stop. Meaning, generally besides from a stop VSA on is better, especially if you are driving at higher speeds and through corners and such. EL42 Tires are definitely crappy, but I have noticed taking the same turn at the same speeds with VSA off tires squeal but not when VSA is on. Straight line = VSA off, turning and twisting you better have it on.

 

It depends on how bad a driver you are.