What Causes Loud Car Tire Noise?
2 Answers
Car tire noise is primarily caused by design factors and usage factors. Design factors mainly include tire structural design and tread pattern design, while usage factors mainly involve vehicle speed, tire load and pressure, road surface conditions, and tire wear. Among these, tread pattern design and road surface conditions are the main factors affecting tire noise. Tire noise is the sound produced when the tire comes into contact with the road surface. The causes and mechanisms of tire noise are relatively complex. Although there are many factors that contribute to noise excitation, all tire noise originates from the interaction between the tire and the road, tire deformation, and the interaction between the tire and air.
I used to experience extremely loud tire noise while driving, which made me feel very uncomfortable. There are quite a few reasons for this, mainly due to daily wear issues like worn-out tire treads—when they flatten, the noise becomes as loud as driving on a gravel road. Another factor is incorrect tire pressure; if the tires are underinflated, the increased friction while driving causes the noise to spike. Road conditions also play a key role—driving on bumpy surfaces naturally amplifies the noise. Additionally, if the suspension system is loose or the bearings are damaged, the tires vibrate and produce a buzzing sound with every bump. This issue needs to be addressed early, or else driving on the highway becomes nerve-wracking. I recommend regularly checking the tire tread depth—if it’s shallower than the safety line, replace the tires immediately. Check the tire pressure weekly to ensure it’s at the right level, and avoid rough roads when possible to reduce noise. Excessive noise is not only mentally exhausting while driving, affecting safety, but also ruins the mood. Fixing it early is the best approach.
