How to Identify the Sound of Tire Cupping?
2 Answers
Tire cupping usually produces a humming sound when it becomes severe. Here are the causes of tire cupping: 1. Inaccurate four-wheel alignment data: If the four tires are not aligned on the standard horizontal and vertical lines, the two tires on the same side will experience cupping while driving. This happens because the vehicle self-corrects, causing abnormal increase in friction on a specific part of a tire, leading to cupping. 2. Uneven or deformed chassis frame: This can result in uneven tire pressure distribution, leading to cupping, which often occurs in some accident-damaged vehicles. 3. Overinflated or underinflated tire pressure: Overinflation accelerates wear on the center of the tire while the sides remain normal; underinflation accelerates wear on the sides of the tire while the center remains normal.
I once experienced tire cupping while driving, which sounded like a low humming noise, especially noticeable at high speeds—kind of like the car was droning. To identify this sound, pay attention to speed changes: it gets louder when accelerating and fades when decelerating. Also, the noise usually comes from underneath the car or around the wheels, not the normal rolling sound of tires. I tried turning off the music on an empty road to listen more clearly. Worn tires can cause vibrations, and you might even feel a slight shake by placing your hand on the steering wheel. Remember, cupping often results from low tire pressure or misaligned wheels, so I recommend checking tire pressure and tread patterns promptly to prevent further wear and safety risks. Regular maintenance can avoid such issues and save you from unnecessary expenses on new tires.
