What Are the Causes of Loud Noise in Cars at High Speeds?
4 Answers
Loud noise in cars at high speeds is caused by factors such as engine noise, tire noise, and wind noise. You can try soundproofing and noise reduction treatments for the entire vehicle, paying attention to selecting sound-absorbing materials with high fire resistance and heat resistance levels and lightweight properties. Below is relevant information about car noise: 1. Wind noise: The level of noise is related to the shape of the car body, which is influenced by design and does not change suddenly. If the wind noise of a car suddenly increases, it is mostly due to local deformation of the car body or significant damage. 2. Tire noise: The level of tire noise is most directly affected by speed, load, and tire tread patterns. 70% of tire noise in passenger cars comes from the design of the tread patterns. When tire noise is loud, the first step is to ensure that the tire pressure is within the appropriate range, the tires are not damaged or excessively worn, and the vehicle is not significantly overloaded.
When driving on the highway, the cabin noise resembling a bustling market is usually related to four aspects. My first thought would definitely be tire issues—worn-out hard tires after four or five years of use create a loud rumbling noise, while newly installed wide or high-grip tires are naturally noisier. Another possibility is loose underbody panels or deformed engine guards, which produce drum-like sounds once the speed hits 80 km/h—my car had this issue last time. Additionally, aged door seals can cause wind leaks, especially around the driver’s side door frame, where the whooshing sound is most noticeable. If the exhaust pipe gasket is worn out, a buzzing resonance can travel from the rear floor up to the steering wheel. I recommend first checking tire pressure and tread wear, then using a lit cigarette to trace wind leaks along door seams.
A high-speed humming noise can be really annoying. Based on my own experience, there are mainly three culprits. The most typical one is worn wheel bearings—those low-frequency hums above 70 km/h that get louder, especially common in older cars aged four to five years. Next is aging or cracked windshield sealant, which causes a whistle-like air leak at 120 km/h. Additionally, cars with poorly designed side mirrors can generate loud whooshing noises on both sides at high speeds, even drowning out the music. If the engine bay firewall insulation falls off, high-RPM engine noise will directly enter the cabin. The first thing to check is the front wheel bearings—if you feel a gritty resistance when spinning the wheel by hand or notice play when wobbling it side to side, it’s time for a replacement.
Highway noise primarily stems from three sources. Tire noise takes the lead, as drivers who have rotated their tires know all too well—worn tires can sound like a tractor. Wind noise is particularly noticeable, with aging sunroof seals or poorly installed roof racks producing a whooshing sound comparable to a hairdryer. Mechanical noise is often overlooked; worn engine mounts can transmit vibrations throughout the vehicle, and insufficient transmission fluid can make gear whine more pronounced. Modified car owners should especially watch out for the combination of low-profile tires and oversized rims, as the hard contact between tread and road naturally amplifies noise. My usual advice is to start with cost-effective solutions—try switching to a set of quiet tires first to gauge the improvement.
