Post your TL's winter experience.
#1
2010 TL AWD 6MT: New King
Thread Starter
Post your TL's winter experience.
In light of Seattle's first snow storm of the year, I thought it might be fun to post pics and share experiences of the TL in the snow/ice/slush.
I'll try to get a moving picture of the TL in the snow, but I don't want to risk killing myself.
I'll try to get a moving picture of the TL in the snow, but I don't want to risk killing myself.
#3
2010 TL AWD 6MT: New King
Thread Starter
^Acura_MD
I believe you are trying to decide between the RDX and TL?
I bought my TL specifically for its AWD wintry capabilities (though the SH-AWD is awesome for handling).
Last winter was a mild one, but I took the TL up to the ski mountains and it did fine.
This winter is expected to bring major snow/cold; I'll post more experiences today as I drive back home up the unplowed hills/side roads.
I believe you are trying to decide between the RDX and TL?
I bought my TL specifically for its AWD wintry capabilities (though the SH-AWD is awesome for handling).
Last winter was a mild one, but I took the TL up to the ski mountains and it did fine.
This winter is expected to bring major snow/cold; I'll post more experiences today as I drive back home up the unplowed hills/side roads.
#4
Three Wheelin'
Snow tires are a must for anyone in the upper Midwest, or who will encounter treacherous snow conditions. Not only are snow tires better in the snow/ice/slush; the rubber compounds are much better for traction, braking, and handling when the temperatures are colder.
Simply put, the MMX-4 will not be on my car. I'm getting the Michelin Alpine PA3s' installed next weekend. (Had to order from tirerack).
Simply put, the MMX-4 will not be on my car. I'm getting the Michelin Alpine PA3s' installed next weekend. (Had to order from tirerack).
#5
MechEng
iTrader: (9)
it snowed already in Seattle?
I dont have a 4G TL SH-AWD but i used to have an RDX and with no snow tires and 2 blizzards last winter it was still amazing.
i was also fine in my front wheel drive 2G TL with all season tires and blew through 2.5ft snow banks in reverse (before i was lowered).
some of you may not agree, but i think a lot of it is up to the skills of the driver.
I dont have a 4G TL SH-AWD but i used to have an RDX and with no snow tires and 2 blizzards last winter it was still amazing.
i was also fine in my front wheel drive 2G TL with all season tires and blew through 2.5ft snow banks in reverse (before i was lowered).
some of you may not agree, but i think a lot of it is up to the skills of the driver.
#7
Drifting
Oh man, I still have my summers on my car, luckily we going to warm up a bit thru thanksgiving, so I probably won't put them on till next sunday.
As for cold weather performance, I have 18" Wintersport M3's on my factory 18's and the car is a tank in the snow. I drove thru Canada on the way to Michigan from Boston and hit whiteout conditions, the car was always planted and stable. VSA rarely turns on when I have my winter tires mounted. The stock all seasons suck in heavy snow (but that is to be expected).
As for cold weather performance, I have 18" Wintersport M3's on my factory 18's and the car is a tank in the snow. I drove thru Canada on the way to Michigan from Boston and hit whiteout conditions, the car was always planted and stable. VSA rarely turns on when I have my winter tires mounted. The stock all seasons suck in heavy snow (but that is to be expected).
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#8
The Sicilian
I'll be putting the winter tires on the cars by this weekend as well. I ussaully don't push it any further than Thanksgiving as it starts getting too darn cold as well.
#9
Drifting
Good point, my summers were slipping a bit before they warmed up when the temp got to around freezing. Heading to NJ for Thanksgiving, will probably put them on when we get back.
#10
I agree that snows are a must if you want to get the most out the car not just in snow & ice, but also freezing temperatures.
I've been using dedicated snow tires for quite a few years, on FWD, RWD & now AWD vehicles. For a skilled driver they really enhance the capabilities of the car, and for the unskilled ( and we've all seen those drivers ) they help keep them on the road a bit more.
I was getting ready to take the summer's off my TL a few days back, as Denver was getting a snow storm the following day after a balmy 80 degrees the day before. As I typically swap my tires out myself, I had the car in the garage and as I was removing the summers, I ran into a problem. Seems the dealer had "mistakenly" used an air gun to install the lug nuts at a much higher torque value than recommended, when I let them perform a complementary A1 service a few months back. I'm guessing somewhere in the neighborhood of 200+ ft/lbs. It took quite a bit to get them off the rear wheels, but was left with one stubborn one, that happened to be the Acura wheel lock nut. Apparently those nuts are not as strong as I thought and ended up with this... (Just using the lug wrench from the car, no breaker bar either.)
Needless to say, I was a bit mad at the dealer and am working on getting them to replace the wheel locks. Never trust the dealer to not mess up a simple thing like a tire rotation. My fault cause I must have forgot to tell them to leave the tire rotation to me.
Had to put the summer tires back on and of course it snowed pretty good the next day. The car did OK, but there was a decided lack of traction. I was able to get a local tire shop to remove the busted nut, so I could mount the snows that night. The difference was like night & day. The extra grip and sure footedness the snows (& SH-AWD) provide makes them a must have on my car.
If you live somewhere that experiences snow or even extreme cold temps, you can't go wrong with a set of snows. Plus they double the life of your summer tires too.
I've been using dedicated snow tires for quite a few years, on FWD, RWD & now AWD vehicles. For a skilled driver they really enhance the capabilities of the car, and for the unskilled ( and we've all seen those drivers ) they help keep them on the road a bit more.
I was getting ready to take the summer's off my TL a few days back, as Denver was getting a snow storm the following day after a balmy 80 degrees the day before. As I typically swap my tires out myself, I had the car in the garage and as I was removing the summers, I ran into a problem. Seems the dealer had "mistakenly" used an air gun to install the lug nuts at a much higher torque value than recommended, when I let them perform a complementary A1 service a few months back. I'm guessing somewhere in the neighborhood of 200+ ft/lbs. It took quite a bit to get them off the rear wheels, but was left with one stubborn one, that happened to be the Acura wheel lock nut. Apparently those nuts are not as strong as I thought and ended up with this... (Just using the lug wrench from the car, no breaker bar either.)
Needless to say, I was a bit mad at the dealer and am working on getting them to replace the wheel locks. Never trust the dealer to not mess up a simple thing like a tire rotation. My fault cause I must have forgot to tell them to leave the tire rotation to me.
Had to put the summer tires back on and of course it snowed pretty good the next day. The car did OK, but there was a decided lack of traction. I was able to get a local tire shop to remove the busted nut, so I could mount the snows that night. The difference was like night & day. The extra grip and sure footedness the snows (& SH-AWD) provide makes them a must have on my car.
If you live somewhere that experiences snow or even extreme cold temps, you can't go wrong with a set of snows. Plus they double the life of your summer tires too.
#11
2010 TL AWD 6MT: New King
Thread Starter
Okay, I made it home in literally white out blizzard like conditions. My impressions of the TL-AWD w/19" HPT all seasons (Michelins Pilot Sport A/S Plus).
Note: My commute is typically on the semi/rural back roads and they are usually not plowed or salted
-On a straight line snow/ice covered roads, rock steady. I can feel the SH-AWD system shifting torque front/rear and left/right. Never once did I loose traction.
-Even more impressive, on snow/iced hills, the TL just kept on going. Certain parts of the roads were rather scary, esp when crossing over iced bridges. But the TL felt very confident and stable.
-I have a very steeply inclined driveway. When I had my 1G TSX, I was never able to make up my driveway (or at least very easily); I would usually have to park it on the street and wait for the snow/ice to melt.
The TL negotiated the driveway w/ease. Again, I can feel the SH-AWD shifting torque to the rear wheels. Very nice...
-On a off beat note, on one occasion, the ABS kicked in as I came to a red light stop on steep decline on a snow/iced road. The TL stopped promptly; so I can vouch the ABS works fine.
-The only time I lost traction was when I made a 90 degree right turn into my neighborhood at 35mph (pm unplowed snow/ice) I saw the VSA light blink a few times as the TL slid/fish tailed for a 2-3 seconds. As soon as I gave a little gas, the TL straightened out. Okay I admit it, I was trying to mimic the TL on the TOV video of the Minnesota winter testing grounds
I'm not sure why the TL fish tailed out, but I suspect that it was due to a large ice patch I hit that I would have slipped no matter what AWD system/tires I had, and probably due to my craziness as well. Dunno...
Overall, the TL did very nicely in the snow/ice. The manual 6spd transmission was a big plus, as I felt I had more control of the car with engine braking, shifting quickly into 2nd gear for better traction, etc. (which may sound counter intiutive b/c one would think manual transmission = one too many things to do when driving in wintry conditions).
I test drove a 2007 MDX before in wintry conditions and hills; the TL has that same stable and planted feeling.
Note: My commute is typically on the semi/rural back roads and they are usually not plowed or salted
-On a straight line snow/ice covered roads, rock steady. I can feel the SH-AWD system shifting torque front/rear and left/right. Never once did I loose traction.
-Even more impressive, on snow/iced hills, the TL just kept on going. Certain parts of the roads were rather scary, esp when crossing over iced bridges. But the TL felt very confident and stable.
-I have a very steeply inclined driveway. When I had my 1G TSX, I was never able to make up my driveway (or at least very easily); I would usually have to park it on the street and wait for the snow/ice to melt.
The TL negotiated the driveway w/ease. Again, I can feel the SH-AWD shifting torque to the rear wheels. Very nice...
-On a off beat note, on one occasion, the ABS kicked in as I came to a red light stop on steep decline on a snow/iced road. The TL stopped promptly; so I can vouch the ABS works fine.
-The only time I lost traction was when I made a 90 degree right turn into my neighborhood at 35mph (pm unplowed snow/ice) I saw the VSA light blink a few times as the TL slid/fish tailed for a 2-3 seconds. As soon as I gave a little gas, the TL straightened out. Okay I admit it, I was trying to mimic the TL on the TOV video of the Minnesota winter testing grounds
I'm not sure why the TL fish tailed out, but I suspect that it was due to a large ice patch I hit that I would have slipped no matter what AWD system/tires I had, and probably due to my craziness as well. Dunno...
Overall, the TL did very nicely in the snow/ice. The manual 6spd transmission was a big plus, as I felt I had more control of the car with engine braking, shifting quickly into 2nd gear for better traction, etc. (which may sound counter intiutive b/c one would think manual transmission = one too many things to do when driving in wintry conditions).
I test drove a 2007 MDX before in wintry conditions and hills; the TL has that same stable and planted feeling.
#12
The Sicilian
I agree that snows are a must if you want to get the most out the car not just in snow & ice, but also freezing temperatures.
I've been using dedicated snow tires for quite a few years, on FWD, RWD & now AWD vehicles. For a skilled driver they really enhance the capabilities of the car, and for the unskilled ( and we've all seen those drivers ) they help keep them on the road a bit more.
Never trust the dealer to not mess up a simple thing like a tire rotation. My fault cause I must have forgot to tell them to leave the tire rotation to me.
If you live somewhere that experiences snow or even extreme cold temps, you can't go wrong with a set of snows. Plus they double the life of your summer tires too.
I've been using dedicated snow tires for quite a few years, on FWD, RWD & now AWD vehicles. For a skilled driver they really enhance the capabilities of the car, and for the unskilled ( and we've all seen those drivers ) they help keep them on the road a bit more.
Never trust the dealer to not mess up a simple thing like a tire rotation. My fault cause I must have forgot to tell them to leave the tire rotation to me.
If you live somewhere that experiences snow or even extreme cold temps, you can't go wrong with a set of snows. Plus they double the life of your summer tires too.
And yes summer tires last a lot longer. Got about 6-7 years out of the Maxima tires (Bridgestone Potenzas) which I think suck anyways.
#14
2010 TL AWD 6MT: New King
Thread Starter
SH-AWD rocks!
I must have been out of my fricking mind. For those not in the Seattle area, the area has been decimated by arctic winter. 14 F degrees this morning, snow and ice infested roads, unplowed back roads. Cars abandoned , freeways coming to an standstill, and vehicles sliding down hill...
I made it to the office today in absolutely treacherous conditions in the back roads, esp when the state DOT told everyone to stay home unless absolutely necessary.
SH-AWD is absolutely awesome in the snow/ice/slush. My entire commute was over snow/ice and many up hills and down hills; suvs/cars parked alongside and abandoned overnight. The TL took the roads "like it was on rails" and had super grip.
As I posted before, I could definitely feel the SH-AWD constantly shift its torque front/rear and left/right. I kept the car in 3rd and 4th gear most of the time, and the combo of SH-AWD and engine braking was essential. 6MT is very nice to have in inclement weather for better vehicle control.
Summary: The TL's SH-AWD is truly a force against mother nature in the winter!
I made it to the office today in absolutely treacherous conditions in the back roads, esp when the state DOT told everyone to stay home unless absolutely necessary.
SH-AWD is absolutely awesome in the snow/ice/slush. My entire commute was over snow/ice and many up hills and down hills; suvs/cars parked alongside and abandoned overnight. The TL took the roads "like it was on rails" and had super grip.
As I posted before, I could definitely feel the SH-AWD constantly shift its torque front/rear and left/right. I kept the car in 3rd and 4th gear most of the time, and the combo of SH-AWD and engine braking was essential. 6MT is very nice to have in inclement weather for better vehicle control.
Summary: The TL's SH-AWD is truly a force against mother nature in the winter!
#15
Thanks Doc, good to hear. It amazes me how so many attempt to make this system out to be so inferior or that it's overrated just because it has a different characteristic than permanent AWD, if anything I think it's highly underrated in both dry and poor weather conditions.
#16
EXACTLY what I wanted to hear! We get pretty bad weather in the Ohio area too, and your post reassures me that I made the correct choice. Are you still running your stock HPT on there? I thought those were NOT all-season?
#17
2010 TL AWD 6MT: New King
Thread Starter
Thanks Doc, good to hear. It amazes me how so many attempt to make this system out to be so inferior or that it's overrated just because it has a different characteristic than permanent AWD, if anything I think it's highly underrated in both dry and poor weather conditions.
I'm running 19" HPT all seasons, not summers. As part of my deal I had the dealership swap the HPT summers for all seasons. They ate the cost, and I find these all seasons have really nice handling and nice wet/slippery traction. There's no way I wanted to have summer tires in the nasty/unpredictable Pacific Northwest (where it could literally rain, be sunny, and then suddenly snow/hail in one day ).
#18
Pro
Got our first snow this saturday, the highway was slushy, snowy, rainy. SH-AWD did a nice job, you can actually feel it working full time switching power to each wheel indepedently. Quite awesome to feel.
We got some more monday morning so I had some fun fishtailing my car when going to my gym (with an empty parking lot and snow slush). The TL is quite tail happy with a small burst of the throttle at the right time. Good clean fun! Just do it responsively...yeah that's right you hear me, don't run into lamp pole and stuff
Fun and safe winter driving, I'm beginning to like winter more now...now if I could only find a way to keep my car clean...
We got some more monday morning so I had some fun fishtailing my car when going to my gym (with an empty parking lot and snow slush). The TL is quite tail happy with a small burst of the throttle at the right time. Good clean fun! Just do it responsively...yeah that's right you hear me, don't run into lamp pole and stuff
Fun and safe winter driving, I'm beginning to like winter more now...now if I could only find a way to keep my car clean...
#19
Pro
J/k I prefer you stay very alive indeed! Btw, how your tranny problem? Still some problems in 3rd gear early in your commute?
#20
Aw man be careful. Saw that youtube video of those poor drivers on Capitol Hill, lol.
#21
Racer
So far, The SH-AWD has been awesome in snowy/icy conditions in the Seattle and Mountain areas. Even with the Stock All Seasons on, the car has never been anything but sure-footed and rock solid, of course I can't wait to wear out the stock Michelin's and get some good all-season tires or a dedicated winter tire set. I'm still debating which way to go.
#22
The Sicilian
So far, The SH-AWD has been awesome in snowy/icy conditions in the Seattle and Mountain areas. Even with the Stock All Seasons on, the car has never been anything but sure-footed and rock solid, of course I can't wait to wear out the stock Michelin's and get some good all-season tires or a dedicated winter tire set. I'm still debating which way to go.
#23
I would get a dedicated set of winter tires for the car. I know the Michelin's suck, but you may as well get your full use out of them. Also keeps your factory rims in good shape not having to change out tires as we all know how careful those tire store personell are with rims.
#25
Winter? The TL stays in the garage. Sugar momma takes the RDX to work. I get time off, drink all the wine, and watch Maury Povich.
"You don't know me. It's my car. I do what I want!"
#26
2010 TL AWD 6MT: New King
Thread Starter
I still have the occasional 3rd and Reverse gears popping out during the early hours of my commute. The dealership can't and won't do anything (since they can't replicate said problem). Not sure what to do, or if it'll be just a perpetual chronic issue. When I have the time and energy, I'm going to call Acura Corporate and see what they say.
Otherwise my TL has been pretty awesome, and I'm very satisfied with the SH-AWD system on ice/snow/slush.
#27
2010 TL AWD 6MT: New King
Thread Starter
So far, The SH-AWD has been awesome in snowy/icy conditions in the Seattle and Mountain areas. Even with the Stock All Seasons on, the car has never been anything but sure-footed and rock solid, of course I can't wait to wear out the stock Michelin's and get some good all-season tires or a dedicated winter tire set. I'm still debating which way to go.
Fellow Seattle lite, either way you can't loose, though IMHO, nice all seasons do the job well. I've been pretty happy with my Michelins Pilot Sport A/S Plus thus far.
#28
Snow Tires Ready To Go!
I am still waiting for that first snow fall to test out the SH-AWD! Robert in San Diego, Ca.
#30
I can't speak for 4G drivers here in Dallas, but here is what my garaged 3G experienced in Dallas, so I'm sure 4G drivers experienced it, too.
At 5:24, the temperature was a balmy 72 degrees.
At 5:39, the temperature was 54 degrees. (Yes, almost a 20 degree drop in 15 minutes)
At 9:40, the temperature was 37 degrees (Yes, almost another 20 degree drop 4 hours later)
Wind chill is sub-30 and we're expecting below 30-degree temps tonight. Woo hoo.... winter... finally... but, of course, next week it'll be in the 60's and 70's again.
At 5:24, the temperature was a balmy 72 degrees.
At 5:39, the temperature was 54 degrees. (Yes, almost a 20 degree drop in 15 minutes)
At 9:40, the temperature was 37 degrees (Yes, almost another 20 degree drop 4 hours later)
Wind chill is sub-30 and we're expecting below 30-degree temps tonight. Woo hoo.... winter... finally... but, of course, next week it'll be in the 60's and 70's again.
#31
I wanted to ask fellow TL driver who's driving in Indianapolis Metro area or around:
I've never been to this part of US and wondering how much snow or wintery weather usually it gets? Do I need Snow tires on my SH-AWD 4G or stock would be ok? I'm experienced driver in snow but usually it's other drivers who made me nervous (like one 16yr old kid who rear ended my brand new TL after just 14 days of ownership ), & IF I do need snow tire, what would be economical way or place to get in Indy city?
& Oh btw!!! Sofar I experienced that stock tires made my car tail spin in slushy/icy condition
I've never been to this part of US and wondering how much snow or wintery weather usually it gets? Do I need Snow tires on my SH-AWD 4G or stock would be ok? I'm experienced driver in snow but usually it's other drivers who made me nervous (like one 16yr old kid who rear ended my brand new TL after just 14 days of ownership ), & IF I do need snow tire, what would be economical way or place to get in Indy city?
& Oh btw!!! Sofar I experienced that stock tires made my car tail spin in slushy/icy condition
#32
Those wheels look really good on the 4G!
Try dealing with Oregon drivers...ever follow a Prius in the snow? Dedicated snow wheels/tires are a great option because they are specifically designed for cold temperatures. They can be a pain in the ass in climates like ours where we have jumped from 30 to 60 degrees fahrenheit in 3 weeks. You can't leave them on the car and drive around in 60 degree weather or they wear out to fast. I am the tire guy in my house, so if it snows I have to put them on the car and take them off myself when the weather is better. If you buy a snow wheel/tire locally chances are they will swap them out for you as needed for free. If you buy them from the TireRack, you must do it yourself, or pay someone.
I wanted to ask fellow TL driver who's driving in Indianapolis Metro area or around:
I've never been to this part of US and wondering how much snow or wintery weather usually it gets? Do I need Snow tires on my SH-AWD 4G or stock would be ok? I'm experienced driver in snow but usually it's other drivers who made me nervous (like one 16yr old kid who rear ended my brand new TL after just 14 days of ownership ), & IF I do need snow tire, what would be economical way or place to get in Indy city?
& Oh btw!!! Sofar I experienced that stock tires made my car tail spin in slushy/icy condition
I've never been to this part of US and wondering how much snow or wintery weather usually it gets? Do I need Snow tires on my SH-AWD 4G or stock would be ok? I'm experienced driver in snow but usually it's other drivers who made me nervous (like one 16yr old kid who rear ended my brand new TL after just 14 days of ownership ), & IF I do need snow tire, what would be economical way or place to get in Indy city?
& Oh btw!!! Sofar I experienced that stock tires made my car tail spin in slushy/icy condition
#33
Drifting
I wanted to ask fellow TL driver who's driving in Indianapolis Metro area or around:
I've never been to this part of US and wondering how much snow or wintery weather usually it gets? Do I need Snow tires on my SH-AWD 4G or stock would be ok? I'm experienced driver in snow but usually it's other drivers who made me nervous (like one 16yr old kid who rear ended my brand new TL after just 14 days of ownership ), & IF I do need snow tire, what would be economical way or place to get in Indy city?
& Oh btw!!! Sofar I experienced that stock tires made my car tail spin in slushy/icy condition
I've never been to this part of US and wondering how much snow or wintery weather usually it gets? Do I need Snow tires on my SH-AWD 4G or stock would be ok? I'm experienced driver in snow but usually it's other drivers who made me nervous (like one 16yr old kid who rear ended my brand new TL after just 14 days of ownership ), & IF I do need snow tire, what would be economical way or place to get in Indy city?
& Oh btw!!! Sofar I experienced that stock tires made my car tail spin in slushy/icy condition
#35
I'm Craig
iTrader: (2)
I wanted to ask fellow TL driver who's driving in Indianapolis Metro area or around:
I've never been to this part of US and wondering how much snow or wintery weather usually it gets? Do I need Snow tires on my SH-AWD 4G or stock would be ok? I'm experienced driver in snow but usually it's other drivers who made me nervous (like one 16yr old kid who rear ended my brand new TL after just 14 days of ownership ), & IF I do need snow tire, what would be economical way or place to get in Indy city?
& Oh btw!!! Sofar I experienced that stock tires made my car tail spin in slushy/icy condition
I've never been to this part of US and wondering how much snow or wintery weather usually it gets? Do I need Snow tires on my SH-AWD 4G or stock would be ok? I'm experienced driver in snow but usually it's other drivers who made me nervous (like one 16yr old kid who rear ended my brand new TL after just 14 days of ownership ), & IF I do need snow tire, what would be economical way or place to get in Indy city?
& Oh btw!!! Sofar I experienced that stock tires made my car tail spin in slushy/icy condition
#36
Cruisin'
Just back from a Ski Trip to Vt. 2-3 inches of snow on the road and some ice and hard pack. No problem at all with stand 18" Pilots. Will continue to monitor and if any trouble will probably switch to snows. Why gamble with such a nice car.
#37
The Sicilian
#38
I never thought about a pair of snow tires. I have an acura tl type s 2007. What kind of snow tires do you guys advise and how much would it run me? Also do I keep my rims to go with the snow tires or do I need to get a pair of those as well.
Thanks
Thanks
#39
Snows plus rims will set you back $1000. Two thoughts - 1) you can use them on your next car or sell to get back some of the investment and 2) one run off the road will cost you your deductible.
I run Blizzaks and have been happy with them.
#40
If you can afford it definetly put the snow tires on a separate set of rims even if they are steel. It will save both the cost and wear and tear on each remount. Plus lets say you summer tires are almost ready to be replaced are you going to pay to put them back on only to remove them in 2-3 months later.
Snows plus rims will set you back $1000. Two thoughts - 1) you can use them on your next car or sell to get back some of the investment and 2) one run off the road will cost you your deductible.
I run Blizzaks and have been happy with them.
Snows plus rims will set you back $1000. Two thoughts - 1) you can use them on your next car or sell to get back some of the investment and 2) one run off the road will cost you your deductible.
I run Blizzaks and have been happy with them.
Thanks again.