What Causes the Friction Sound Between Tires and the Ground When Turning?
3 Answers
When a car turns, the abnormal sound from the tires is the friction noise between the rubber and the ground, which is a normal phenomenon. Car tires in contact with the ground will produce various levels of noise due to the type or unevenness of the road, the speed of the car, the type of tires, and the air pressure in the tires themselves. Other reasons for abnormal tire sounds when turning are introduced as follows: 1. Reason one: The sound of tires rubbing against the ground, alignment is needed. 2. Reason two: If it's a rattling sound, the CV joint is problematic and must be replaced. 3. Reason three: A metallic scraping sound could be the brake pad shield rubbing against the brake pad, which can be resolved by prying the shield with a screwdriver.
Last time I was driving and turning, the tires kept screeching non-stop, mainly because the tire tread was severely worn. When the tread is completely worn down, the tires can't grip the road properly during turns, causing them to slip and slide against the pavement, which produces that squealing sound. Additionally, if the tire pressure is either too low or too high, it affects the contact area, increasing friction and making the noise more noticeable during sharp turns. I remember using a certain brand of cheap tires that were extremely hard—they screeched like crazy on concrete roads during turns. Not only is this situation noisy, but it also affects driving stability, making it easier to skid or lose control when turning on wet or slippery roads. It's recommended to check tire pressure and tread depth every three months, ensuring the tread is at least 1.6 mm deep. Choosing tires with better grip when replacing them can significantly reduce noise while also improving fuel efficiency and safety.
The squealing noise when turning is mostly related to road conditions. If driving on slippery or waxed surfaces where tires have less grip, they tend to slide and make noise when accelerating during turns. I often hear tires screeching like they're protesting when turning on brick roads near parks. Excessive speed or sharp turns can amplify the friction noise, as weight transfer puts extra pressure on the tires. This worsens especially on icy winter roads, where even slight inattention during turns can cause skidding. Adjusting driving habits is crucial—slowing down to a reasonable speed before turning and avoiding abrupt steering can significantly reduce the noise. Additionally, keeping tires clean to prevent debris buildup and regularly checking their road feedback helps prevent unexpected issues.
