Different Tyre Noises On The Road And How It Can Be Reduced
Some car tyres are noisier than others. In some cases, the noisiness of the tyre comes from its design. In this regard, the motorist must understand what type of tyre sounds are expected and which ones portray the issue at hand.
What is tyre noise?
Your car tyres Reading can produce a whole spate of different sounds when driving. Some of these sounds are quite normal, while others can be very indicative that your tyres are damaged. The most common tyre noises you might hear include:
- Squealing
Your tyres could be squealing because you drive like a maniac. For instance, when you accelerate at an insane rate, take corners very harshly or apply brakes forcefully. Usually, this sound does not imply worn-out tyres, but if they squeak crazily, then it might be time for replacements even when they are still good.
- Humming
It’s quite normal to get a humming noise from driving on tyres. There’s usually nothing wrong with it. However, if it gets louder or changes pitch, then you need to get your tyres checked.
- Thundering or “whomping”
A very loud, shuddering noise from your tyres means that something has gone wrong. This is usually a sudden sound that tells you that your tyre is damaged or probably has some other structural defect. If you hear this, pull off and check the tyres immediately.
When should tyre noises worry you?
It doesn’t mean that you should always be worried if there is a noise coming from your tyres. Most of the time, tyre noise is a problem when it is accompanied by tyre noise:
- The car is hard to steer
- The car drifts towards one side
- There are other clanking noises
- The tyre tread is worn down
What causes tyre noise?
Your tyre isn’t invariably damaged when it makes some noise. Here are some fairly common causes for this:
- Air compression
As your tyres travel on the ground, the air gets sandwiched under the treads and produces vibrations and the usual humming sounds you hear while moving.
- Irregular wear of tread
Sometimes, tyres wear down more on one side than another. Such uneven wear makes the tyre less stable and can result in a rougher and noisier ride.
- Alignment problems
After numerous lengthy drives, your car’s tyres might become misaligned. Misalignment causes the ride to be bumpier and raises the noise from the tyres.
- A damaged tyre
Many new modern-day cars come with caution lights that turn on whenever tyres are in the air. Nonetheless, when a tyre is damaged or bursts, it creates a loud “whomping” sound, which is pretty hard to overlook and also makes the car much more difficult to drive.
The quietest tyres
What is the permissible noise level for a tyre?
Tyre manufacturers generally do not have any problem fulfilling the requirements regarding the noise level, which is demanded for type approval. During the tests, the differences in noise level between tyres normally lie between 6 and 8 decibels (dB).
Many tyre models, especially the quieter summer tyres, are 4 to 6 dB below the noise limit, while some are only 2 dB below the limit.
The noise limits are defined in UNECE Regulation No. 117, which defines tyre approval concerning noise levels and grip on wet surfaces.
For tyres reinforced (XL) or of type M+S (mud and snow), the noise limits are 1 dB higher.
Currently, one wave is awarded to tyres generating 67 dB of noise, the very best noise rating on tyre labels. Tyres generating 68 dB of noise also belong to a high rating and are still marked with a one-wave symbol.
How are tyre noise and comfort tested?
In noise testing, most of the methods used are similar to those used when the tyre was first approved for sale. A simple explanation of how tests are conducted:
- Testing area
Setting up a square area of 20 metres by 20 metres.
- Microphone location
The microphones are situated midway along this zone, 7.5 metres from where the car will pass.
- Surface of the track
The surface of the track shall be composed of stones no greater than 8 mm each.
How could tyre noise be reduced?
Making annoying tyre noise a thing of the past can be easy. Sometimes, the replacement of cheap tyres Calcot or the installation of tyres with special tread patterns suffice. However, if this annoying noise is the result of some serious problem in the structure of your car, then it is tough to rectify.
If the tyres are too noisy and they are also damaging your car, then it’s time to have your car properly checked inside a garage. Recording what is heard from your tyres is a good way to show mechanics what exactly is happening.
With the recording, the mechanics can understand the problem better and may adjust your tyres, inflate them correctly, and check other parts of your car to ensure everything is in the right place.