Is the Odyssey's Tire Pressure Monitoring Direct or Indirect?
2 Answers
Odyssey's tire pressure is most suitable between 2.2-2.5 bar and can be adjusted appropriately based on season and load. Standard tire pressure locations for the vehicle: You can refer to the vehicle's user manual or the label near the door (next to the B-pillar or C-pillar), where you can find the manufacturer's recommended value (cold tire pressure). Generally, different vehicle models will have different recommended tire pressures for small cars and large vehicles. For example, the recommended tire pressure values for sedans and SUVs will differ. Therefore, to determine the appropriate tire pressure for a small car, simply check the manufacturer's recommended value. Tire pressure considerations: Tire pressure changes with temperature. If the local temperature is high or during summer, it is advisable to reduce the tire pressure by 0.1 to 0.2 bar. If the local temperature is very low, such as during winter, the tire pressure should be increased by 0.1 to 0.2 bar.
Recently, I researched the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in the Honda Odyssey and found that it primarily uses an indirect system. Unlike direct systems that install pressure sensors inside the tires, the Odyssey relies on ABS wheel speed sensors to detect changes in tire pressure. When a tire's pressure is low, the wheel diameter decreases, causing it to rotate faster. The system compares the speed differences among the wheels and triggers a warning light. The advantage is lower cost and less susceptibility to sensor damage, but the downside is lower accuracy. For example, it may give false alarms or delayed warnings when tire pressure drops uniformly or when driving on uneven roads. As an owner, I make it a habit to manually check tire pressure regularly, such as using a tire pressure gauge once a month, especially before significant weather changes or long trips. Safety comes first—if the warning light comes on, I stop to check the tires as soon as possible to avoid the risk of a blowout.
