Does tire noise mainly come from the front or rear wheels?
2 Answers
Tire noise mainly comes from the front wheels. Tire noise generally consists of three parts: 1. Air noise caused by the airflow in the tire tread gaps and the air disturbance around the tires; 2. Tire vibration noise caused by the vibration of the tire body and tread patterns; 3. Road noise caused by uneven road surfaces, especially when driving on bumpy roads, where the friction and impact between the tire tread and the ground generate noise, which resonates with the vibration of components such as fenders and wheel arches, amplifying the noise inside the car. Tire noise is produced by the friction between the tires and the road surface when the vehicle is driving at high speeds. The level of tire noise depends on road conditions, vehicle conditions, and the type of vehicle. For example, passenger cars and trucks will have different noise levels, and the worse the road conditions, the greater the tire noise. Additionally, there is a significant difference in tire noise between asphalt roads and concrete roads.
I've driven many different types of cars and feel that tire noise is more likely to come from the front wheels, but that's not to say the rear wheels are silent. The front wheels are closer to the driver's seat, just like how music sounds clearer in the front row than in the back. The friction sounds from the road surface are transmitted directly into the cabin through the suspension. This noise is mainly determined by the tire tread pattern, material, and road conditions; for example, on rough roads or with old tires, front-wheel noise is particularly noticeable. The rear wheels also contribute, especially when accelerating in rear-wheel-drive cars where tire slip occurs. To reduce tire noise, I recommend choosing quiet tires, maintaining proper tire pressure, and regularly rotating the tires to ensure even wear. After switching to better tires once, the interior became much quieter, making long drives feel more comfortable. Overall, the front wheels are often the main source, but don't overlook the overall impact of the rear wheels either.
