What Causes the Clicking Sound When Turning with Winter Tires?
3 Answers
The reason for the clicking sound when turning with winter tires is: Low temperatures cause the tires to harden, reducing the grip limit. When turning, the tire exceeds its grip limit, resulting in slipping. The unusual noise is the sound of friction between the tire and the ground. Methods for maintaining car tires: 1. Regularly check tire pressure; 2. Remove debris from tire treads; 3. Inspect tire wear and replace them promptly if necessary; 4. Perform tire rotation. Tire rotation ensures even wear across all four tires, preventing excessive wear. The functions of tires are: 1. Supporting the entire weight of the vehicle and bearing the load; 2. Transmitting traction and braking torque to ensure adhesion between the wheels and the road surface.
I've encountered the situation several times where my car tires make a clicking sound when turning in winter. At first, I thought it was a road surface issue, but it only happens during turns, which felt strange. After getting out to check, I found ice chunks and small stones stuck in the tire treads - this tends to happen after driving a lot in snowy conditions. The noise reduced somewhat after cleaning them out. If cleaning doesn't help, it might be due to wear in the suspension system's ball joints, where looseness causes rattling during turns. Some also say it could be missing tire studs - winter tires being harder makes the noise more noticeable. I suggest first checking and cleaning the tires yourself; don't ignore it for safety, as it could affect steering control. Last time I neglected it, the sound kept getting worse, and the mechanic said the suspension components were nearly ruined, costing quite a bit to replace. Regular maintenance is important - remember to clean the wheels promptly after snow.
I understand there are several key reasons for the clicking sound when turning with winter tires. First, winter tires are designed with deep treads or studs for anti-slip purposes, but they tend to trap snow, ice, or small stones, causing noise when rubbing during turns. Second, low temperatures make the tire material harder, amplifying noise transmission. Third, worn suspension components like ball joints or bearings can produce clicking sounds under turning pressure. I've tried using a small hook to clean the tire grooves, which improved the situation; if the noise persists, it's best to have the suspension checked at a professional shop. A friend's car had to replace parts due to this issue. Proper maintenance can save a lot of trouble.
