Tires: 2007 Honda Odyssey - R15 vs R16, proper inflation pressure, 2007 honda odyssey

Question
My 2007 Honda Odyssey EX-L came with 235/65R16 tires and I want to buy winter tires and rims. My local tire store does not carry any winter tires of that size but suggested that I change to 235/70R15 tires and 15" rims to save money and for better winter handling.

Is this change in rim and tire size acceptable? How would the new rims affect the tire-pressure monitoring in the van?

Thanks.

Answer
Roger,

Provided the rims will clear the brake calipers, and the rim offset is chosen so the tires will not rub against structural parts of the car, then this ought to be OK.  There is sufficient load carrying capacity and the proper inflation pressure will be the same.  That means the TPMS will work as Honda designed it, but you have to get another set of sensors for these rims and reprogram the car when the rims get applied.