Does Tire Noise Mainly Come from the Front or Rear Wheels?
2 Answers
Tire noise primarily originates from both the front and rear wheels. Here are the specific reasons: 1. Since the model and tread pattern of all four tires on a car are the same, the noise levels generated during driving are also identical. Only in cases where individual tires have irregular wear or damage leading to uneven tread surfaces will excessive noise occur. 2. Tire noise is caused by the friction between the tires and the road surface, constituting a major component of chassis noise. Generally, tire noise consists of three main components: 1. Air noise resulting from airflow through the gaps in the tire tread and the disturbance of air around the tires; 2. Vibration noise caused by the movement of the tire body and tread patterns; 3. Road noise due to uneven road surfaces. Under special driving conditions, tires may also produce humming sounds and splashing noises. The unevenness at the lower part of the wheel well causes airflow separation, generating stronger noise. The induced wind from the rotating wheels inside the wheel well and the wind noise expelled from the engine compartment are the primary sources of noise in the lower part of the wheel well.
To be honest, I think the tire noise mainly comes from the front wheels, because I often notice a buzzing sound under the driver's seat when accelerating or turning. This is primarily because the front wheels are closer to the cabin, and the sound travels directly through the suspension and body. Additionally, the front wheels are usually the driven wheels, which bear more pressure during acceleration or climbing, amplifying the noise from tire-road friction. However, the rear wheels also produce noise, but it's less noticeable due to the damping effect of the rear suspension and soundproofing materials in the trunk. Actually, the level of tire noise also depends on the tire type, tire pressure, and speed—it gets louder at high speeds. I recommend regularly checking tire pressure for uniformity and opting for tires with quiet designs, which can significantly reduce noise. On rough surfaces like gravel roads, the front wheels tend to produce squeaky sounds first, affecting comfort. That's why I often recommend front-wheel-drive models with soundproofing packages when helping friends choose a car.
