What Causes Abnormal Tire Noise?

[Arlene]

Here are the reasons for abnormal tire noise: Nails or gravel stuck in the tire: The noise occurs once per tire rotation, sounding like something is tapping the ground with a "click" or "clack" sound, and the rhythm speeds up as the vehicle accelerates. If it's a stone, simply pry it out. If it's a nail and the tire pressure is still adequate, you can drive directly to a repair shop for a tire patch while in the city. Brake pads are too thin: Front brake pads on cars usually have electronic sensors, while rear ones often have mechanical warning tabs. When the brake disc wears too thin, it produces a metallic scraping sound like "screech" or "scrape." The noise is faint when not braking but becomes louder and more piercing when braking. In this case, drive slowly to replace the brake pads. Generally, the thickness of the brake pads can be observed through the gaps in the wheel rim. If the estimated thickness is less than 3 millimeters, they must be replaced. Uneven tire tread: This type of noise sounds like the tire is constantly rolling over something, producing a "rumbling" sound, often accompanied by steering wheel vibration and erratic left-right movement. In such cases, it's best to replace the tire. Wheel bearing noise: The sound is a "humming" noise that gradually increases with speed. If you suspect a bearing is noisy, you can jack up the wheel and inspect it as shown in the image below. If it is indeed the tire bearing, it is recommended to go to a repair shop for inspection and replacement as soon as possible to avoid damage to the axle or vehicle body. Abnormal noise due to excessive tire pressure: For most cars, the tire pressure should be around 2.4 bar (front and rear) when unloaded, and around 2.6 bar (front) and 2.7 bar (rear) when fully loaded. Each vehicle may vary, so refer to your car's manual for specific accurate values.

[StSarah]

Last time I went out for a drive, the tires kept making a creaking sound, which was quite alarming. Upon closer inspection, I found many small stones stuck in the tire treads, causing friction noise when driving. Another time, the tire pressure was too low, causing tire deformation and noise. If there's a continuous humming sound, be wary of wheel bearing wear—this is quite common. I didn't pay attention to it before, and my car almost had an accident. It's advisable to check the tire tread for foreign objects and remove stones after parking. Then, use a simple tire pressure gauge to check if the pressure is within the normal range (around 2.3-2.5 for regular cars). If the noise persists, take the car to a repair shop immediately for a thorough inspection of the bearings or suspension system. Don't delay, as it could lead to a risk of tire blowout. Safety first—I've made it a habit to check my tires weekly, and it has saved me a lot of trouble.

[MaliaMarie]

I've been driving for twenty or thirty years and have encountered countless cases of tire noise. Most of the time, it's the friction sound caused by stones or nails stuck in the tread, but sometimes the problem goes deeper, like when the wheel hub bearings are worn out, causing a humming sound, or when the suspension system is loose, which may result in noise accompanied by shaking. I remember one time on the highway, the noise was due to uneven wear caused by low tire pressure, which almost made me lose control. I recommend drivers to immediately pull over and check for foreign objects and tire pressure, as simple DIY solutions can often fix the issue; persistent noise requires professional inspection. Regular maintenance of the wheel hub and tire rotation can prevent noise—never overlook these small details, as they can lead to major hazards. Safety first—I always advise new drivers to develop good habits.

[JaylaLynn]

As a mom with kids at home, I'm particularly concerned about car safety, and my heart skips a beat whenever there's abnormal tire noise. Common issues include noise caused by embedded stones or insufficient tire pressure, with debris more likely to stick after summer rains. If winter snow tires don't match, the friction noise becomes more noticeable. Regularly rotating tires to reduce uneven wear noise is key. I've found that checking tire tread and pressure before weekend family outings saves a lot of hassle—once I forgot to clean out stones, and the noise woke the baby, which was truly regrettable. Addressing simple issues promptly is enough, and a quick check at a professional shop brings peace of mind. Never compromise on safety.