Noisy tires are a common problem but they could point to a serious issue that may put you in danger. Even if there’s not a dangerous problem causing it, the noise can reduce your enjoyment of driving. In today’s guide, I’ll reveal how to reduce road noise from tires.
There are several potential causes of noisy tires, and the way you resolve the issue will depend on what is creating the noise.
Let’s learn more about this here.
Key Takeaways
- The first thing you should do is check whether your tires are inflated to the right PSI. Underinflated tires are noisy.
- You can find tires that are made to be quieter. Think about installing those on your vehicle.
- Replace old and/or worn-down tires. Remember that you should never drive on tires that are older than six years old.
Ways to Reduce the Noise from Your Tires
When you start to notice your tires are getting noisy, there are a few options you try to quiet them down.
Here is my list of things to try if you notice too much noise from your tires:
- Fill the tires
- Rotate and balance the tires
- Get new tires that are advertised as being quiet
- Drive at slower speeds
- Replace tires that are too old
Let’s take a detailed look at these below.
Fill the Tires
Underinflated tires are more likely to be noisy. This is because they have a larger contact patch with the road.
Taking the time to check the PSI of your tires and keeping them properly inflated is a simple way to reduce the amount of noise they make on the road.
It also helps increase your gas mileage, which is an added bonus.
A good way to make sure your tires don’t get underinflated is to check them once a month. Wait until the tires are “cold” before measuring the PSI.
This means letting the tires cool down for at least a few hours after driving.
If you notice that the tire pressure seems low, check to find out what the recommended PSI is for the tire model and then fill them up to that level.
Rotate and Balance the Tires
Rotating your tires is the process where you switch the tires around in a specific sequence to help them wear out evenly.
This is something that you should do every 5000 to 6000 miles, which is about every four to six months for most drivers.
The pattern you use for the changes will depend on the type of drive on the car (all-wheel, rear-wheel, or front-wheel drive).
Choose Quieter Tires
There are some types of tires that are built with technology that keeps them quieter on the road, and others (like All Terrain Tires) which are notoriously loud.
Tires designed for quietness also often provide a smoother ride.
Do your research and see which tires offer a quiet ride while still keeping you safe on the road.
Keep in mind that these tires tend to be a little pricier. But if you frequently drive on the highway, they may be worth the investment.
Drive at Lower Speeds
Tires tend to make more noise when you drive at faster than average speeds. This is because there is more air that circulates in the treads.
This is why you may notice that the tires are louder when you go on the highway or the interstate compared to driving through town.
To reduce the noise from your tires, try driving at slower speeds. Even if you reduce your speed by a few miles an hour it can help.
Replace the Tires
Tires that are so old and/or worn that they need to be replaced will cause extra noise. You should replace them as soon as possible.
Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing your tires after six years. Even tires that haven’t been used will still get too old to use by that point.
Check your tires for wear and any damage on a regular basis. Look for obvious damage like missing tread, dry rot, crocks, and anything that may be stuck inside of your tire.
Having the tires rotated and balanced regularly and keeping them inflated at the appropriate PSI will do wonders for helping them last longer.
How Do I Look for a Quiet Tire?
Here are some tire characteristics that tend to create a quiet ride. You should look for these when you go tire shopping.
Narrow
The amount of the tire that touches the ground will be known as the contact patch. The larger this is, the more noise you will hear from the tire.
If you want a quiet ride, you should pick a tire that is relatively narrow (but not too narrow for your vehicle).
Fewer Voids
Voids are the spaces that show up between the tread blocks. Voids that are smaller in width and fewer voids overall can be important when a quiet ride is your priority.
Semi-Closed Shoulder
All-terrain and off-road tires often come with tread knobs on the shoulders to help increase the traction.
This helps with cornering but will create too much road noise. To make the ride quieter, you can go with semi-closed treads on the shoulders.
Smaller and Varied Tread Blocks
Having the tread blocks come in at different sizes can help to reduce the tread noise.
You want to avoid tires that have uniform tread patterns because these tend to make the ride noisier overall.
Circumferential Channel
These are the two small grooves that will run the entire circumference of the tire to enclose the tread pattern. They will just be there to help reduce the noise of the tire.
As you shop for new tires, consider some of these features to help you get a good brand that doesn’t make as much noise.
Final Thoughts: How to Reduce Road Noise from Tires
Many times your tires will start to make a lot of noise because they are getting old and no longer able to perform their job well.
If you notice excessive noise from your tires, you should bring your vehicle to the professionals. Find out if it’s time to replace your tires.
Remember, you’re putting your safety at risk if you drive on old tires, especially if the tread is worn down.