Tires Q&A: How to choose the right tire for a Honda Odyssey
In our ongoing series of Q&A blog columns, we will highlight common and interesting questions posted to our Car forums, with answers from our automotive experts.
My question: Will there be any negative consequences of moving to a slightly wider tire? Perhaps lower mileage?
I'm also interested in the Goodyear Assurance TripleTread but the same issue applies for this tire.
Any good advice for choosing tires for this van? I'm looking for something that will last a good while and be very good in the rain.
Answer: This issue is to swap-out Euro-Metric tires for P-Metric tires on the Honda. The Odyssey came with Euro-Metric tires, also called “Hard”-metric tires by some. This size designation is common in Europe, whereas in the U.S. a “P” precedes the size designation. The two size designation systems are similar, but not the same, adding to the confusion of making a tire purchase.
In the case of the Odyssey, replacing the Euro-Metric original equipment tire with the same “size” P-metric version would result in load capacity shortfall of 44 pounds. (The load capacity and load index, a code that coincides to the load capacity both can be found on the tire’s sidewall.) Multiply that by four tires and the load capacity in down 176 pounds. Most tire retailers may sell the tire in the two designations interchangeably, but tire manufacturers won’t recommend switching. Our advice when buying new tires is to follow the recommendations made by automobile manufacturer by replacing tires with the same size and load index as listed on the tire placard. The placard is usually found on the door jamb, under the fuel fill cover or in the glove box of most cars. With this knowledge, you can find a tire that best meets your performance and budget needs in our ratings.
Question: I'm looking for some advice about tire sizing. I'm very interested in using the Michelin HydroEdge tires on my 2003 Honda Odyssey van. However, the size available for my van (225/60R/16) does not meet the load rating requirement.
My question: Will there be any negative consequences of moving to a slightly wider tire? Perhaps lower mileage?
I'm also interested in the Goodyear Assurance TripleTread but the same issue applies for this tire.
Any good advice for choosing tires for this van? I'm looking for something that will last a good while and be very good in the rain.
Answer: This issue is to swap-out Euro-Metric tires for P-Metric tires on the Honda. The Odyssey came with Euro-Metric tires, also called “Hard”-metric tires by some. This size designation is common in Europe, whereas in the U.S. a “P” precedes the size designation. The two size designation systems are similar, but not the same, adding to the confusion of making a tire purchase.
In the case of the Odyssey, replacing the Euro-Metric original equipment tire with the same “size” P-metric version would result in load capacity shortfall of 44 pounds. (The load capacity and load index, a code that coincides to the load capacity both can be found on the tire’s sidewall.) Multiply that by four tires and the load capacity in down 176 pounds. Most tire retailers may sell the tire in the two designations interchangeably, but tire manufacturers won’t recommend switching. Our advice when buying new tires is to follow the recommendations made by automobile manufacturer by replacing tires with the same size and load index as listed on the tire placard. The placard is usually found on the door jamb, under the fuel fill cover or in the glove box of most cars. With this knowledge, you can find a tire that best meets your performance and budget needs in our ratings.
Before buying, be sure to consult our car, truck, and winter tire ratings and buying advice. And check out our new, interactive tire ratings tool.
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Posted by: Robert | Sep 18, 2009 12:24:55 PM
Seems like a very niche post, but if I owned an Odyssey I'd appreciate it. Good stuff.
Posted by: jon hamilton | Sep 29, 2009 1:55:50 PM
My only concern in an auto tire is it quite on the road. Which tire is the quietest?
Posted by: Armitage Shanks | Oct 14, 2009 11:57:39 PM
I don't think the question was really answered. If the person replaced the same size tires in the Hydroedge, he or she would lose 176 pounds of load capacity.
There are actually very few tires in the 225-60-16 size with a decent load capacity for a minivan. So your choices are to upsize or lose load capacity.
I upsized to the Hydroedge 235-60-16 with no problems at all. In fact it makes the odometer more accurate. It's a great tire with an incredible treadwear rating. It is only a little more noisy than its replacement, the X One.