Driving for some people is a relaxing experience that allows us to escape from a long day at work, however, when tyre noise starts taking over the peace and quiet on long journeys, it’s important to do something about it. There can be many reasons as to why your tyres are sounding louder than usual. Sometimes you can blame it on your tread or road conditions, but other times can indicate that your tyres may have underlying problems which need addressing. It’s always important to listen to your tyres so you can understand what’s going wrong and how to resolve it.
How to reduce tyre noise
By discovering the reasons behind your tyre noise, you can figure out the actions you need to take to bring back peaceful driving. There are a few ways in which you can eliminate excessive tyre noise, and it doesn’t have to be difficult; sometimes it’s as easy as replacing old tyres, but there are many ways to diagnose and fix the problem:
- Air pressure – Make sure your tyres are always inflated to the recommended tyre pressures. This is to avoid not only tyre noise but also the likely event of having to replace your tyres sooner than you expected owing to uneven wear.
- Vehicle weight – A heavier vehicle will push the bottom of the tyre flatter into the road surface, resulting in a similar effect on tyre noise as underinflation would. It is important to remember that if your car requires XL (extra-load) tyres, that your current tyres also meet this standard.
- Choosing quieter tyres – Manufacturers like Goodyear, Michelin and Bridgestone have designed low noise tyres which have built-in technology, allowing you to experience a smoother ride. Whilst browsing for quiet tyres, don’t forget to make sure you’re getting the right type of tyre for your vehicle and driving conditions.
Different tyre noises to listen out for
Your vehicle can make a number of different noises whilst you are driving, with some being a normal part of the driving experience. Other noises can be more of a warning sign, meaning you should check your tyres for any potential damage. The most common tyre noises you’re likely to hear are:
- Squeaking – If you have an aggressive driving style you’re likely to encounter many squeaking noises, maybe you’re taking a corner too quickly or you’ve come to a stop without slowing your car down first. Although this is an indication that your tyres are performing as expected, it also highlights that your driving style may lead to premature wear of your tyres, especially on the front in regards to aggressive cornering.
- Humming – This is arguably the most common type of tyre noise, it doesn’t usually mean there’s anything wrong with your tyres. However, if the humming begins to increase in volume, to the point where it doesn’t sound normal, you may want to get your tyres checked out.
- Thundering – This dreaded noise goes without saying, and it tends to mean that something serious has happened with one or more of your tyres. This type of noise is abrupt and gives you a sign that your tyres or their structural supports have been damaged. If you start to hear a thundering noise from your tyres while you’re driving, you should pull over and check for a puncture, or damage to the tyre sidewall.
If you are looking for a new set of low-noise tyres, we have a wide range available from our premium tyre manufacturers. All tyres listed on the site use a DB rating system and give you a good indication of average road noise whilst driving. You can browse by tyre manufacturer, by car make & model, or via our vehicle registration search.