Hey guys! If you're a proud owner of a 2017 Honda Pilot Elite, you know it's a fantastic SUV that offers a smooth ride and plenty of space. One of the most important aspects of maintaining your Pilot's performance and safety is ensuring you have the correct tire size. In this article, we'll dive deep into everything you need to know about the 2017 Honda Pilot Elite tire size, why it matters, and how to choose the right ones for your vehicle. Let's get started!

Understanding Tire Size Designations

Before we jump into the specifics for the 2017 Pilot Elite, it's essential to understand what those numbers and letters on your tires actually mean. Decoding the tire size designation can seem like deciphering a secret code, but it’s quite straightforward once you get the hang of it. Typically, you'll see a combination like P245/60R18 105H. Let’s break it down:

• P: This indicates the tire is a P-metric tire, designed for passenger vehicles.
• 245: This number represents the tire's section width in millimeters. So, in this case, the tire is 245 millimeters wide.
• 60: This is the aspect ratio, which is the height of the tire's sidewall as a percentage of its section width. Here, the sidewall height is 60% of 245 mm.
• R: This letter signifies that the tire has a radial construction, which is the most common type for modern vehicles.
• 18: This is the wheel diameter in inches. This tire is designed to fit an 18-inch wheel.
• 105: This is the load index, indicating the maximum weight the tire can carry when properly inflated. You'll need to consult a load index chart to find the actual weight in pounds or kilograms.
• H: This is the speed rating, indicating the maximum speed the tire can safely sustain. Again, you'll refer to a speed rating chart to determine the corresponding speed in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h).

Knowing these designations will help you make informed decisions when replacing your tires. The correct tire size ensures optimal performance, handling, and safety for your vehicle. Plus, using the wrong size can affect your speedometer readings and even damage your vehicle. So, pay close attention to these details!

What is the Stock Tire Size for the 2017 Honda Pilot Elite?

The stock tire size for the 2017 Honda Pilot Elite is 245/50R20. This means the tires are designed to provide a balance of comfort, handling, and fuel efficiency for this specific SUV model. Sticking with the recommended tire size is crucial for maintaining the vehicle's original performance characteristics and safety standards. Honda engineers have carefully calculated this size to match the vehicle's suspension, braking system, and overall dynamics.

Using the correct tire size ensures that your Pilot's speedometer and odometer function accurately. These systems are calibrated to the stock tire size, and using a different size can lead to incorrect readings. This can affect your fuel calculations, mileage tracking, and even your compliance with speed limits. Additionally, the correct tire size helps maintain the vehicle's handling and stability. Different tire sizes can alter the vehicle's center of gravity and affect its responsiveness in various driving conditions.

When you deviate from the recommended tire size, it can also impact the performance of your Pilot's safety systems, such as the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC). These systems rely on precise wheel speed data to function correctly, and using the wrong tire size can throw off their calculations, potentially reducing their effectiveness. So, while it might be tempting to go for a different size for aesthetic or minor performance reasons, it’s generally best to stick with the stock size to ensure your vehicle performs as intended and remains safe.

Why is the Correct Tire Size Important?

Choosing the correct tire size for your 2017 Honda Pilot Elite is not just a minor detail; it's crucial for several reasons. Let's delve into why getting the right size matters so much. First and foremost, safety is a significant concern. The wrong tire size can compromise your vehicle's handling and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions or emergency situations. Tires that are too large or too small can affect braking performance, making it harder to stop quickly and safely. They can also impact your vehicle's ability to handle turns and maintain traction, increasing the risk of accidents.

Secondly, performance is closely tied to tire size. The stock tire size is specifically chosen by the manufacturer to optimize the vehicle's handling, ride comfort, and fuel efficiency. Using a different size can negatively affect these characteristics. For instance, tires that are too large can make your vehicle feel sluggish and reduce fuel economy, while tires that are too small might compromise ride comfort and handling stability. The correct tire size ensures that your Pilot performs as intended, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience.

Accuracy of vehicle systems is another crucial factor. Your Pilot's speedometer, odometer, and other critical systems are calibrated to the stock tire size. When you use a different size, these systems can provide inaccurate readings. This can affect everything from your fuel consumption calculations to your compliance with speed limits. It can also impact the performance of advanced safety systems like ABS and ESC, which rely on accurate wheel speed data to function correctly. By sticking with the recommended tire size, you ensure that all these systems operate as designed.

Finally, avoiding mechanical issues is a key consideration. Using the wrong tire size can put undue stress on your vehicle's suspension, wheel bearings, and other components. This can lead to premature wear and tear, resulting in costly repairs down the road. Tires that are too large, for example, might rub against the wheel wells or suspension components, causing damage over time. By using the correct tire size, you help protect your vehicle from these potential issues and maintain its long-term reliability.

Factors to Consider When Choosing New Tires

When it's time to replace the tires on your 2017 Honda Pilot Elite, several factors come into play. You’ll want to make a choice that not only fits your vehicle but also suits your driving needs and preferences. Let's explore some key considerations to help you make the best decision.

Driving Conditions and Climate: The type of driving you do and the climate you live in can significantly influence your tire choice. If you frequently drive in snowy or icy conditions, winter tires with specialized tread patterns and rubber compounds designed for cold weather are essential. These tires provide superior grip and braking performance in challenging conditions. For those who experience a mix of weather conditions, all-season tires offer a good compromise, providing reliable performance in both wet and dry conditions, as well as light snow. If you primarily drive in warm, dry climates, summer tires can offer enhanced handling and performance due to their unique tread designs and rubber compounds that excel in warmer temperatures. Consider your typical driving environment to select tires that will perform optimally.

Tire Type and Performance: Different tire types are designed for specific purposes and offer varying levels of performance. All-season tires are a versatile option for year-round use, providing a balance of comfort, handling, and tread life. Performance tires are engineered for enhanced handling and grip, making them ideal for drivers who prioritize sporty driving dynamics. Touring tires focus on providing a comfortable and quiet ride, making them a great choice for long trips and highway driving. Truck and SUV tires are designed to handle the heavier loads and rugged conditions often encountered by these vehicles. Within each of these categories, there are further variations in performance characteristics, such as tread pattern, rubber compound, and construction. Understanding the different types and their strengths can help you narrow down your options.

Budget: Tire prices can vary widely depending on the brand, type, and size. Setting a budget beforehand can help you focus on tires that fit your financial constraints. While it’s tempting to opt for the cheapest option, it’s important to consider the long-term value. Higher-quality tires may have a higher upfront cost but can offer better performance, longer tread life, and improved fuel efficiency, potentially saving you money in the long run. Researching different brands and comparing prices can help you find the best balance between cost and quality.

Tire Brands and Reviews: There are numerous tire brands available, each with its own reputation for quality, performance, and value. Some popular brands include Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Continental, and Goodyear, among others. Reading reviews from other drivers can provide valuable insights into the real-world performance and durability of different tire models. Online forums, consumer reports, and tire-specific review websites can be excellent resources for gathering information. Pay attention to factors such as tread life, ride comfort, noise levels, and performance in various weather conditions when evaluating reviews.

Recommended Tire Brands for the 2017 Honda Pilot Elite

Choosing the right tire brand can feel overwhelming, with so many options available. To help narrow it down for your 2017 Honda Pilot Elite, let's take a look at some highly recommended brands known for their quality and performance. These brands consistently receive positive reviews and offer tires that match the Pilot's characteristics.

Michelin is a top-tier brand renowned for its exceptional quality, performance, and durability. Michelin tires are often praised for their long tread life, excellent handling, and quiet ride. For the Pilot Elite, the Michelin Premier LTX is a popular choice. This tire offers all-season performance with excellent wet and dry grip, as well as a comfortable and quiet ride. Michelin tires are a bit pricier, but their longevity and performance make them a worthwhile investment.

Bridgestone is another well-respected brand that offers a wide range of tires for various vehicles and driving conditions. Bridgestone tires are known for their reliability, good handling, and durability. A great option for the Pilot Elite is the Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia. This tire provides a smooth and comfortable ride, good fuel efficiency, and all-season performance. Bridgestone tires often strike a good balance between price and performance, making them a solid choice for many drivers.

Pirelli is an Italian brand known for its high-performance tires, often found on luxury and sports vehicles. Pirelli tires offer excellent handling, grip, and responsiveness. For the Pilot Elite, the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season is a fantastic option. This tire provides excellent all-season performance, precise handling, and a comfortable ride. Pirelli tires tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum but deliver top-notch performance.

Continental is a German brand that has gained a strong reputation for its quality and performance. Continental tires are known for their excellent handling, braking performance, and comfort. The Continental CrossContact LX20 is a good fit for the Pilot Elite. It offers a smooth and quiet ride, good all-season traction, and long tread life. Continental tires provide a good balance of performance and value, making them a popular choice among drivers.

Goodyear is an American brand with a long history of producing reliable and high-performing tires. Goodyear tires offer a range of options for different vehicles and driving needs. For the Pilot Elite, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is an excellent choice. This tire provides exceptional all-weather performance, including in snow and ice, along with a comfortable ride. Goodyear tires are known for their durability and performance in various conditions.

Maintaining Your Tires for Longevity

Proper tire maintenance is crucial for extending the life of your tires, ensuring your safety, and optimizing your 2017 Honda Pilot Elite's performance. By following a few key practices, you can significantly improve the lifespan and reliability of your tires. Let's discuss some essential tire maintenance tips.

Regular Tire Pressure Checks: Maintaining the correct tire pressure is one of the most important aspects of tire care. Underinflated tires can lead to premature wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased risk of blowouts. Overinflated tires can result in a harsh ride, uneven wear, and decreased traction. The recommended tire pressure for your 2017 Pilot Elite is typically found on a sticker inside the driver's side doorjamb or in your owner's manual. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and before any long trips. Use a reliable tire pressure gauge and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure when they are cold (i.e., before you've driven the vehicle). Tire pressure can fluctuate with temperature changes, so it's a good habit to check it regularly.

Regular Tire Rotations: Tire rotation involves changing the position of your tires on your vehicle to ensure even wear. Front tires tend to wear differently than rear tires, and rotating them helps to distribute the wear more evenly, extending their lifespan. The recommended rotation pattern and frequency can vary depending on your vehicle and tire type, but a good rule of thumb is to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Consult your owner's manual or a tire professional for specific recommendations. Rotating your tires can also help improve your vehicle's handling and stability.

Wheel Alignments: Proper wheel alignment is essential for maintaining even tire wear and optimal handling. Misalignment can cause your tires to wear unevenly, leading to premature replacement. Signs of misalignment include your vehicle pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, and a steering wheel that is not centered when driving straight. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to have your wheels aligned by a qualified technician. Regular wheel alignments, typically every one to two years, can help extend the life of your tires and improve your vehicle's overall performance.

Inspecting Tires for Wear and Damage: Regularly inspect your tires for signs of wear and damage. Check the tread depth using the