My dad recently purchased a 2008 Honda Odyssey. I am quite impressed with the features, but tell me, how would you describe its tire endurance?

Patrick

Dallas, TX

Honda Odyssey runs on a Michelin’s PAX run tire system. Michelin’s PAX run-flat tire system is offered on the Touring model and it is a truly worthwhile attribute. The Michelin PAX system is far better than the traditional run-flat tires because there is no compelling ride-quality penalty. Run-flat tires have in the past relied on stiff sidewalls to support the car when the air is lost, which usually results in a rough ride. We hardly noticed any difference in ride or handling between Odysseys endowed with PAX and those with standard tires. Michelin’s PAX system uses a solid plastic ring that wraps around the center of the wheel like a rubber band. When reduced or deflated, the tire pushes against it and uses it for support.

In a presentation while driving with a flat tire, we noticed degenerated handling, but the vehicle was still certainly controllable in a safe manner. Honda states that this vehicle can be driven up to 50 mph for 125 miles with its tires flat. The wheels and tires has a special size and require specialized equipment to change, But Michelin says it has a set mounted within 12 hours within 125 miles of almost anywhere in the U.S. From a practical viewpoint, that should work fine because you still can drive on the flat until the new tire comes in. You will not be able to buy just any tire when you want to replace these due to the special wheels, but Michelin makes great tires and its older tires are readily obtainable so this should not be concern after all. Stopping for a flat tire in the busy streets of Dallas, can put family members at risk to other vehicles or to criminals while standing helpless on the side of the road, so we see run-flat tires as a safety feature.