Well, I'm sure Honda mostly intended it for snowy conditions, but it could potentially help on a muddy road. Your Ex's Accord does not have stability control, meaning it "won't help prevent deaths," just help prevent getting stuck.

 

I think you're right there. Here was my scenario yesterday. I was going up the (quite pricey -- $22!) Mount Mansfield Toll Road in Vermont. They call it unpaved but I'd call it semi-paved with some light loose gravel in parts. It's just over 4 miles long with a lot of steep switchbacks. The most you're hitting is 15 MPH.

For the first couple of steep switchbacks the truck was struggling (I had it in 2H). It would shake and hesitate and make really slow progress. So I turned off the traction control and from there it was smooth and it never hesitated. Sometimes a little slip is a good thing

 

I've been up that way before...near Stowe, isn't it? Beautiful area. Are those Duratracs on your truck? Whatever they are, great looking tire.

Traction control doesn't know the difference between when you can make it easier without intervention vs when you need it. I agree, sometimes it is better to just turn it off.

 

Yep, near/in Stowe. Really beautiful area. If only I could live in Vermont ;-)

Those are Dick Cepek Fun Country tires. My truck hasn't experienced snow yet so I can't judge their performance fully. But so far so good. I picked them because reviews stated the road noise is minimal for an all terrain (M+S) tire and I would definitely agree.