explain DSC and the TCS in kiddie language!
 

Can someone explain the Dynamic Stability control and the traction control system in "stupid" to me.

I'm in Canada and wondering if it will greatly help me in the winter time.
My salesmen told me, its not that good of a feature and most drivers keep it off.

Can someone explain everything in kiddie and will it help in 2 feet of snow :)

Boy nothing will help an RX-8 in two feet of snow besides a ridiculous lift kit. If the car bottoms out nothing will help. The DSC/TC operates by measuring wheel slippage. When the system detects the wheels slipping it decides via a pretty sophisiticated computer whether to use the ABS on the slipping wheels, to cut back on the throttle, or a combination of the two. I drove all winter in my baby and I will say that when I was out having fun sliding in corners the DSC/TC took some of the "fun" out of my slides so, I had to turn it off to turn up the "fun" factor. When I was driving with my wife or when I was driving on roads with other drivers it was very handy. no complaints from me. If I was planning on auto-xing the car I would have it off since it does slow the car down. For normal everyday driving I leave mine on. If you are thinking about getting the GT package then don't let this be the deciding factor let it be the Bose sound system that is a lot more contriversial.

IMHO for the majority of drivers when "Driving Miss Daisy" the DSC is a great feature - sometimes a little inattention or sudden correction and you're in the ditch without DSC. But for difficult traction or fun - it must be off because it will not allow wheel spin under power.

The GT package has much more than DSC - but it is value as you can turn off DSC when you want to. The car defaults to DSC on when started.

In two feet of snow - the only thing to get is full size SUV. The RX-8 even with the best snows in a narrower width will not cut it.

In Ottawa - you'll have to budget for either snows or garage complete with beater car.

John - Ex-Canuck - Cape Breton

PS In Indiana I got away with very limited winter use and siping stocks. Our winter is basically over until next December - God willing.

i have a question about this. when i turn off all traction control by holding down the dsc button for a couple seconds, how can i turn it back on? the only way it would go back on is when i turned the car off then back on.

The Bose w 6 disc in-dash comes standard on all RX-8s in Canada.

Ya, the bose is on the GS and GT here in Canada.

I'm still trying to decide on the GS or GT and its killing me.

I don't care if i get leather or not. I've never had leather so i don't know what i'm missing....or not.

The Xenon lights...i can buy some for $200

Power seats - pointless to me. I'm 5'9 170 I'm comfortable enough without them and don't need crazy movements.

I'm not going to get the moonroof either way since its out of budget.


I was hoping the DSC/TCS would be my deciding factor. But if it doesn't make a world of difference....then GS it is.

Sure the other options for the GT are nice...but not the price jump nice...for me anyways.


ps. the 2 feet of snow was a exageration :)
Yes snowtires a must.

If there was anything I could get out of in my GT package it would've been the Bose sound system. I planned on aftermarket from the get go. Kinda frustrating since I didn't get the option not to go with stock.

is there a way to turn off the dsc? and turn it on at choice manual?

what is so bad about the bose system?

I have a DSC on/off switch next to my dash light dimmer switch.

The DSC and TCS made this a great car in Wisconsin's winter. Once the weather gets nice again, it will be turned off.

So it does make a big difference in winter driving?
Yikes, mabye have the spend the cash and get the GT.

bose products are junky and overprice. most people who arent into car audio dont really notice but those that are hate bose and any factory premium system because for how much they cost you could have a pretty nice aftermarket system.

Tony_m The TC and DSC can be turned off once you start your motor, however they cannot be re-engaged without turning off your engine.

DSC & TCS were great when it snowed here and they help out in the rain also (especially with the stock tires).

That must be the TC only, my DSC turns back on just fine.

If you just hit the button it only turns off the DSC but the TC is still active. In order to turn off the whole system you need to hold the button down for about 5 seconds. Then in order to get the system back on you have to turn the car off and start it up again.

The saying you hear from most audiophiles.....

"No highs, no lows...it must be Bose"