
If the tire tread wears unevenly, it will increase the vibration and noise of the tires. Avoid poor road surfaces. Stones embedded in the tread blocks. This design makes the tires more similar to slick tires and effectively blocks the propagation of sound waves, reducing both external and internal perceived noise levels.

I think the most direct way to reduce tire noise in the XRV is to switch to quiet tires. I used to be really bothered by the constant humming noise when driving on the highway, but after switching to Michelin Primacy 4, the tire noise was immediately cut in half. These tires have a softer rubber compound and tread patterns specifically designed for noise reduction. Additionally, soundproofing the wheel arches is crucial. The technician applied a double-layer material inside the wheel arches, with vibration-damping panels underneath and soundproofing foam on top. This setup absorbs a lot of the vibrations and noise coming from the tires. I also regularly check the tire pressure, keeping it between 2.3-2.5 Bar, as noise becomes particularly noticeable when the pressure is too high. Combined, these modifications have made a huge difference, and now long drives are much more comfortable for my ears.

To reduce tire noise in the XRV, I have several practical suggestions. First, choose quiet tires like Bridgestone Turanza or Continental CC6, which feature special tread designs to minimize friction noise. Additionally, wheel alignment is crucial as uneven tire wear can cause extra noise. Don't underestimate wheel arch soundproofing—professional shops can do it for around a thousand yuan, reducing noise by 30% after installing sound-absorbing materials on the wheel arch liners. I usually avoid gravel roads and poor-quality asphalt roads as they significantly increase tire noise. Playing music in the car can mask some noise, but the fundamental solution lies in tires and soundproofing.

I tackle the tire noise issue in my XRV with three main strategies: changing tires, soundproofing, and regular maintenance. For quiet tires, Michelin is my top choice—much quieter than the factory tires. Wheel arch soundproofing can even be a DIY project; just buy soundproofing foam and vibration damping sheets online and stick them on yourself, saving hundreds in just two hours. Keep an eye on tire pressure—don't exceed 2.5, as higher pressure makes tires harder and noisier. Remember to rotate the tires every 8,000 kilometers to prevent uneven wear. All these combined don't cost much but make a significant difference in noise reduction.


