What Are the Causes of Abnormal Noises from Car Tires?

[Maximilian]

Abnormal noises from car tires may be caused by foreign objects attached to the tire surface, excessively thin brake pads, excessive tire pressure, loose tire bolts, etc. Below is a detailed introduction about car tires: 1. Overview: Car tires are one of the important components of a vehicle, directly in contact with the road surface. Together with the car suspension, they help absorb shocks during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth operation. 2. Function: They ensure good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface; improve the vehicle's traction, braking, and off-road capability; and bear the weight of the car. The important role tires play in a vehicle is increasingly being recognized by people.

[LaEmilia]

Pay extra attention if you hear strange noises from your tires while driving. Last time I was on the highway, I noticed a thumping sound from the tire. When I stopped at a service area, I found a nail had punctured it, causing unstable tire pressure. There are several common causes of unusual noises: for example, if a tire is punctured by a nail or glass shard, the metal rubbing against the road will produce a sizzling sound; small stones stuck in the tire tread will create a rhythmic tapping noise while driving; the most dangerous is a tire bulge, where hitting a pothole at high speed breaks the cord layers, resulting in a dull thudding sound. Also, worn-out brake pads can cause a sharp screech when the metal backing plate grinds directly against the brake disc, which is often mistaken for a tire issue. Oh, and never ignore tire pressure problems—last time, the pressure difference between my car's four tires was too large, and the creaking sound during turns made me worry about the wheel bearings.

[OGemma]

I'm the most qualified to talk about tire noises. Just last week, I helped my neighbor check his car. The most common issue is small stones stuck in the tire treads—driving on concrete roads sounds like knocking on a wooden fish. Another serious problem is uneven tire wear; the inner side of his rear tires was nearly bald, making a distinct tearing sound when cornering. As for wheel issues, once after off-roading, my wheel rim was deformed and made a clunking noise when rotating. That whirring sound could mean a bad wheel bearing, like an old electric fan struggling to spin. My advice: pick out small stones from tire grooves every car wash, check tire wear at least monthly, and monitor tire pressure every two weeks.

[OJoel]

Listening to tire sounds can reveal many issues. Last time at the repair shop, I saw a case where the tire was worn into a jagged shape, making a sound like a tractor chugging when driven. The sound of a bad bearing is quite distinctive, resembling the buzzing of an airplane taking off, which changes with vehicle speed. If the tire isn't installed properly or the rim is deformed, there's a rhythmic tapping sound above 30km/h. If a metal fragment is stuck, the screeching friction noise can be downright hair-raising. Also, pay attention in cold weather—hardened tire rubber can amplify normal tire noise, but there's no need to worry as it will normalize after driving a few kilometers to warm up the tires.