What Causes Excessive Tire Noise?
3 Answers
Tire noise is caused by the compression of air by the tires. Composition of tire noise: Air noise is formed by the airflow in the tread pattern gaps and the disturbance of air around the tires. Vibration noise is caused by the movement of the tire body and tread patterns, especially when the tire material is relatively hard, making road noise more noticeable to drivers. Road surface noise results from uneven roads, particularly when driving on bumpy surfaces, where friction and impact between the tread and the ground generate noise, which resonates and amplifies through vibrations of components like fenders and wheel wells before entering the cabin. Function of tire tread patterns: The primary purpose of tire tread patterns is to increase friction between the tread and the road surface to prevent wheel slippage, similar to the role of shoe sole patterns. Tread patterns enhance the elasticity of the tread's contact with the ground, allowing the tread blocks to undergo significant tangential elastic deformation under the influence of tangential forces between the tread and the road surface.
I've been noticing a loud humming noise from my tires while driving recently, especially on the highway, which is really annoying. At first, I thought it was due to the road surface, but even after switching to an asphalt road, the noise persisted. Upon inspection, I found that the tires were severely worn, with the tread almost smooth, indicating they're nearing the end of their lifespan. Additionally, incorrect tire pressure—either too high or too low—can exacerbate the noise. For instance, overinflated tires are harder and produce louder impacts with the road. I also realized that improper tire installation, such as imbalance or a warped wheel hub, can double the noise when the car shakes. Different road surfaces also play a significant role; rough roads transmit vibrations into the cabin, creating a rumbling sensation. It's advisable to pay attention to noise changes while driving and get regular tire balance checks at a shop. Choosing tires with a quiet design can significantly improve the driving experience, making it more comfortable and peaceful. After replacing my tires with new ones, the noise reduced noticeably, turning driving into a much more enjoyable experience.
As someone who regularly maintains their car, I believe there are several common reasons for excessive tire noise. Firstly, it could be due to tire wear – if the tread depth is insufficient, the increased vibration during rolling leads to higher noise levels, which you can check yourself with a simple tool. Secondly, tire pressure plays a role: overinflation makes tires harder, while underinflation increases deformation and friction, both causing additional whooshing sounds. Additionally, check if the tires are balanced, as unbalanced tires produce humming vibrations when rotating. Road surface type also matters; for example, gravel roads are noisier than smooth pavement. To reduce noise, I recommend using a tire pressure gauge monthly to maintain the manufacturer's recommended pressure and scheduling regular wheel alignments to ensure even tire wear. Opting for low rolling resistance tires can both lower noise and improve fuel efficiency, killing two birds with one stone. Long-term neglect of these issues is not only annoying but may also shorten tire lifespan, leading to unnecessary expenses.
