With the holidays right around the corner, many families are getting ready to hit the road. Many will be doing so in their new 2011 Honda Odyssey. If you're in snow country, part of good vehicle preparation for the cold months is outfitting your Odyssey with a set of dedicated winter / snow tires.
The main reason for purchasing winter tires is they help you stop better and quicker. Take a look at two separate tests we conducted to see how a set of tires dedicated for the winter months can help you stop approximately 53% better on ice and 66% better in snow. After you review the data and determine purchasing a set of snow tires is in your best interest, review the options in the Studless Ice and Snow category to receive optimum ice and snow grip.
Snow Tire Size
Depending on your trim level you either have 235/65-17 or 235/60-18 sized tires. Both sizes will work well in snow as the 235 mm width is an appropriate match for the Odyssey's weight. A 235 mm width is narrow enough for deeper snow, but wide enough for packed snow, ice and dry roads.
235/65-17 is better than 235/60-18 because the additional half inch sidewall slows down steering inputs, which helps the driver to bend and not jerk the steering wheel. Smooth inputs means smooth transitions of grip front-to-back and side-to-side, resulting in better control.
Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package
In my opinion, the ideal Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package would be the 235/65-17 Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 on a 17x7.5 42 mm offset Silver Machined w/ Ice Coating Elbrus I05 wheel.
2011 Honda Odyssey Winter FAQ:
1. Will the 16" steel or alloy wheels from my old Odyssey work on the 2011 Odyssey?
No, unfortunately they won't clear the brakes.
2. Why are you recommending the Blizzak DM-V1 instead of the Blizzak WS70?
The Blizzak DM-V1 and Blizzak WS70 are both great choices, but the Blizzak DM-V1 is little better match for the Odyssey, in my opinion. Both use Bridgestone's Tube Multicell compound for amazing ice grip, but the WS70's tread pattern has more void (space between the tread blocks).
More void means less rubber on the road for ice and snow grip. This larger void area is helpful in expelling water and slush. With a heavier vehicle (the Odyssey weighs 4,337 lbs.) it's better to have more rubber on the ground because the vehicle's weight makes it intrinsically resistant to hydroplaning.
The main reason for purchasing winter tires is they help you stop better and quicker. Take a look at two separate tests we conducted to see how a set of tires dedicated for the winter months can help you stop approximately 53% better on ice and 66% better in snow. After you review the data and determine purchasing a set of snow tires is in your best interest, review the options in the Studless Ice and Snow category to receive optimum ice and snow grip.
Snow Tire Size
Depending on your trim level you either have 235/65-17 or 235/60-18 sized tires. Both sizes will work well in snow as the 235 mm width is an appropriate match for the Odyssey's weight. A 235 mm width is narrow enough for deeper snow, but wide enough for packed snow, ice and dry roads.
235/65-17 is better than 235/60-18 because the additional half inch sidewall slows down steering inputs, which helps the driver to bend and not jerk the steering wheel. Smooth inputs means smooth transitions of grip front-to-back and side-to-side, resulting in better control.
Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package
In my opinion, the ideal Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package would be the 235/65-17 Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 on a 17x7.5 42 mm offset Silver Machined w/ Ice Coating Elbrus I05 wheel.
 235/65-17 Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 |  17x7.5 42mm offset Silver Machined w/Ice Coating Elbrus I05 |
2011 Honda Odyssey Winter FAQ:
1. Will the 16" steel or alloy wheels from my old Odyssey work on the 2011 Odyssey?
No, unfortunately they won't clear the brakes.
2. Why are you recommending the Blizzak DM-V1 instead of the Blizzak WS70?
The Blizzak DM-V1 and Blizzak WS70 are both great choices, but the Blizzak DM-V1 is little better match for the Odyssey, in my opinion. Both use Bridgestone's Tube Multicell compound for amazing ice grip, but the WS70's tread pattern has more void (space between the tread blocks).
 Blizzak DM-V1 Tread Pattern |  Blizzak WS-70 Tread Pattern |
More void means less rubber on the road for ice and snow grip. This larger void area is helpful in expelling water and slush. With a heavier vehicle (the Odyssey weighs 4,337 lbs.) it's better to have more rubber on the ground because the vehicle's weight makes it intrinsically resistant to hydroplaning.
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