| raddray |
Ok.. this is the first winter I've had my MDX and I have the Manik SS steps on it. Anyway, yesterday was the first time I drove in the snow and the truck handled fine. Didn't really get that much snow but it was enough to make the road slushy. When I got home and got out of the Mdx, I noticed a PILE of dark slush/snow sitting on the steps! I would have thought the mud flaps would have stopped this from happening but apparently the steps stick out too much or the flap is not low enough...
Anybody experience this with the factory steps or running boards?
BTW, I'm more impressed with the s2000 in the snow with snow tires than the MDX with OEM tires... :) |
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| rudy331 |
| I have the factory running boards and did experience this yesterday after driving in the snow. It wasn't alot and did not cover the entire running board, just a few clumps here and there. |
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| colemanpc |
I know this won't make you feel any better, but I grew up in Alaska (17 years there). My experience is, snow build up on the vehicle is more a function of the type of snow (consistency and weather conditions during and after the snowfall) than it is any specific equipment (or where that equipment is placed on the vehicle).
Kick it off before it turns to ice, and call it a day. |
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| superdave |
| I have the Manik's as well and noticed the same problem during slushy days. I more get the buildup on the arms that attach to the X. One quick kick and it's all good.:1: |
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| DMor |
Interesting...fortunately, we don't have much slush in SoCal however, after removing one of my damaged Maniks, I noticed it collected about 4 cups of water inside the sidestep. The original damage did NOT disturb the surface, however, earlier, I'd replaced a factory installed side step pad, and I had to snap off the original center bracket under the pad in order to remove it. Because the replacement pads don't fill that center hole, I assume water must have entered thru there after multiple trips thru the touchless carwash. No replacements to the other sidestep pads were made and that one remained dry.
I assume these cannot rust from the inside out? You'd probably never know you were collecting water unless you have a reason to remove them. |
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| Allen Cichanski |
| This is my first post. I'm surprised how many MDX owners have side steps and almost every other conceivable add-on to their cars. I think side steps look hideous, make it harder to get in, reduce ground clearance and get your pants dirty every time you get in or out. Junk the side steps and your slush problem is solved |
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| Liberty |
quote:
Originally posted by Allen Cichanski
........ I think side steps look hideous, make it harder to get in, reduce ground clearance and get your pants dirty every time you get in or out. Junk the side steps and your slush problem is solved
Well, everyone is entitled to their own opinion - that's why Baskin Robbins offers 32 flavors. It sounds like you'll run your X "a la natural" like I did on the first go round, and that's great: it's a terrific looking vehicle with great lines.
I added factory side steps this time because my 70 year old Mother who visits me in CA 2-3 times a year is 4'10" and unable to get in and out of my vehicle easily without them. During her last trip here, she said they were a Godsend. That's good enough for me: that, and I think they add a nice bit of sportiness to my X.
In closing, I'll add that I've had the steps for about a month and have no problem stepping over (I'm 5'10") them, nor have my pants legs been dirtied because I have them. |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by Allen Cichanski
This is my first post. I'm surprised how many MDX owners have side steps and almost every other conceivable add-on to their cars. I think side steps look hideous, make it harder to get in, reduce ground clearance and get your pants dirty every time you get in or out. Junk the side steps and your slush problem is solved
Welcome to the board Allen.
Do you own an MDX? (you don't have a Sivlerado P/U do you?) I'm suprised that you are suprised owners have a lot of add-ons. Also you are the first to say that the Side Steps look hideous.
I installed the factory SS steps last month and do not have a slush problem, really like the way they look, and have not had any problem getting my pants dirty. |
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| DaleB |
Welcome to the forum. As an MDX owner who likes his side steps and doesn't sweat snow, it's a matter of personal taste.
I would have liked the Acrua chromes more though if they had been available. |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by Allen Cichanski
This is my first post. I'm surprised how many MDX owners have side steps and almost every other conceivable add-on to their cars. I think side steps look hideous, make it harder to get in, reduce ground clearance and get your pants dirty every time you get in or out. Junk the side steps and your slush problem is solved
LOL! Welcome Mr. Cichanski. I see you dove right in, expressing your opinion. Good. Just as you think side steps are "hideous" others think they improve the look aesthetically. To each their own. If we were to continue your logic on 'junking' the side steps because of a slush issue, we can really save ourselves any potential problems by 'junking' the entire X, or any other mode of transportation! :D |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
With mine
I get slush,
I get that hollow noise,
I leap into the drivers seat to avoid dirty pants,
BUT I LOVE THEM,
especially when they are clean and polished contrasting against my polished Starlight Silver.
:2:
JMHO |
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| DMor |
If you step up with your LEFT foot you can pivot RIGHT into the driver's seat in one 'oh-so-smooth' motion. No scooting and your 'arse' lands square in the saddle and the right foot is already almost on the accelerator.
The dismount is a little trickier, but they're worth it. I'll probably "saddle up" w/a pair of ACURIAN CHROMES in the spring, which should hug a little closer to the Golden Chariot.
Waiting for that 'big thaw' down here in So CA. :20: |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by DMor
If you step up with your LEFT foot you can pivot RIGHT into the driver's seat in one 'oh-so-smooth' motion. No scooting and your 'arse' lands square in the saddle and the right foot is already almost on the accelerator.
:19: :21:
.Although I have absolutely no problem stepping over the steps to enter my X I gave your technique a try. Bad idea. Almost landed on my 'arse' and not in the seat. Problem originated at the dinner table I think. Your waist is obviously much less in diameter than mine.:13: |
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| ghost |
BaldEagle - the "Manic piroette" is an art - keep trying, slow at first, you'll be spinning into place in no time!
DMor - you really going to go with the Acura chromes? I've toyed with the idea myself, although I'm pretty happy with the maniks, slush and a continual stock of replacement pads aside.
Bet it's harder to put the OEM's on backwards! :D:D
What do you guys call a thaw - we're heading for a high of 3 tomorrow! |
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| DaleB |
I don't get a hollow sound or ping from my Maniks, but did put some packing foam inside the tubes before the install.
Also, no more cracks on the steps so far, since the initial couple.
Having them fully seated firmly to the bar, and having the mounting holes in perfect alignment seems to have fixed that problem. |
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| Allen Cichanski |
| Sorry if I ruffled any MDX feathers with my comment about "hideous side steps". Too harsh a choice of words. One of the reasons I bought my MDX (Touring, 03, white, quartz gray interior) with only a retractable cargo cover as an accessory was because of its clean, non-fussy and elegant design. I knew from past experience with Honda and Acura products (5 Hondas-4 Acuras) that it would be well engineered, very well built, and totally reliable. What set it off from the rest of the SUV pack was simply that it was better looking than all the rest. I've seen both the Toureg and the Cayenne on the road - both dull and dopey looking, neither the X5 or the M-class interested me either. I realize that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder but it seems to me that when you start adding on the air deflectors, wheel arch bulges, side steps and the like your getting away from clean and elegant look and heading too far in the direction toward Pontiac Aztek! But its is your money and I hope your as thrilled with your MDX as I am with mine. I suppose I'll start some other interesting responses if I tell you that when my MDX was prepped for my delivery I insisted that they not use any of that shiny, greasy looking tire dressing gunk. By the way, my other car which my wife says is her favorite of all the 28 cars we've owned since I started driving in 1956 is another Acura - a 2003 3.2TL in Anthracite gray with ebony interior |
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| DaleB |
Well, I don't know about greasy tire dressing, not that I have seen any tire dressing that will last very long anyway.
But most of us do not want the dealers treating or waxing our vehicles in any fashion.
Most of us do that ourselves, with Zaino being the most favored product, but there are others.
Lots and lots of topics under Detailing. |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
...But most of us do not want the dealers treating or waxing our vehicles in any fashion...
True. I have a suspicion that dealers understand, and would prefer not to do it anyway. |
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| raddray |
Yup... Getting into an MDX with Manik's is definitely more difficult than with the Acura steps. I found this out this week when I installed my Acura Chrome ones. :) As described in another post about these steps, the tubes are not round, but oval or a slightly flattend tube, so there is more surface area to step on and the step pads are also wider.
No more "Manic piroette".
OUch.. wasted $$ on those Maniks... |
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| DMor |
Ghost: Since I already have a damaged Manik, I'll probably go with the Acura Chromes. I miss the "Pirouette"! Besides, the installation will be really fun?
Allen: Blame it on Tim. When this site was young and we were all wannabe MDXr's in waiting, Tim crested yon hilltop holding a "GROUP BUY" banner. Like preparing a nursery, some of us pre-ordered accessories in preparation for the big day! A little exercise works well for those "wheel arch bulges" tho! ;) |
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| msu79gt82 |
| Did you do it - inquiring minds want to know:D |
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| hopeitsfriday |
| The MDX sits lower than most suv, so side steps are not really necessary, unless you are under 5' tall. Even my 7 year old who is 4 feet tall has no problem getting in and out. Side steps are great if you like the way they look, but like most of the accesories on the MDX, they are more form than function. |
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| ghost |
Maybe so, but at the time, I had a lot of passengers under 3 ft - they appreciated the side steps! :)
PS - DMor did make the switch, I'm guessing she's been off advising the new Gov... |
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