What Causes Abnormal Noise from Car Tires?
2 Answers
Abnormal noise from car tires can be caused by nails or debris puncturing the tire, or brake pads being too thin. Nails or debris puncturing the tire: The noise occurs once per tire rotation, resembling something tapping the ground, with the rhythm accelerating as the vehicle speed increases. If it's a stone, simply prying it off will suffice. If it's a nail, you can drive directly to a repair shop for a tire patch as long as the tire pressure remains stable in urban areas. Brake pads being too thin: Front wheel brake pads on cars generally have electronic sensors, while rear wheels typically do not, but most have mechanical warning indicators. When the brake discs become too thin, they produce a metallic grinding sound. The noise is slight when not braking but becomes louder and more piercing when the brakes are applied. In such cases, you must drive slowly to replace the brake pads. For most wheels, the thickness of the brake pads can be observed through the gaps in the rim. When the estimated thickness is less than 3 millimeters, they must be replaced.
When encountering tire noise, I have to say this is a very common issue that can often be resolved with a simple self-check. For example, when tire pressure is insufficient, the tire deforms and creates excessive friction with the ground, producing a humming or clicking sound. Old and severely worn tires with uneven tread patterns can make a loud whooshing noise at higher speeds. Sometimes, small stones get stuck in the tread grooves, causing a rattling sound as the wheel rotates. It's also not uncommon for wheel bearings to fail, resulting in an annoying squeaking noise. Problems with the suspension system can also lead to excessive tire vibration. Every time this happens, I first pull over to inspect the tire surface for nails or bulges, use a tire pressure gauge to check if the pressure is adequate, and clean out any debris stuck in the tire grooves. For prevention, I inflate the tires once a month and rotate them seasonally, which significantly reduces noise. Safety comes first—if you can't fix it yourself, don't hesitate to consult a professional mechanic. Don't skimp on small expenses and risk a major accident.
