What Causes the Loud Noise of Winter Tires?

[BlakelyMarie]

Reasons for loud noise in winter tires: Foreign objects in tire treads: If foreign objects are stuck in the tire treads, they can be checked and removed. Tire pressure issues: The tire pressure may be too high, or the pressure may be uneven among the tires. Uneven tire load: If a four-wheel alignment is not performed properly after changing tires, it can lead to uneven load distribution among the tires, causing 'tire scrubbing' phenomenon. Tire quality and road conditions: Tire noise is related to the quality of the tires themselves and the road surface. To reduce noise, consider switching to higher-quality brand winter tires and choose better road surfaces for driving.

[VonLeah]

I've noticed that winter tires are noisier on dry roads, primarily due to their deep tread patterns and softer rubber compound designed for better traction on snow and ice. These deep grooves cause the tread blocks to vibrate and collide violently with the road surface at high speeds on dry pavement, creating a noticeable hum. Having driven in snowy conditions for over a decade, I always find cabin noise noticeably louder after switching to winter tires, especially during city driving, with the noise becoming even more pronounced on long highway trips. The noise level also depends on tire pressure and wear conditions: lower pressure or uneven tread wear will amplify the noise. I recommend regularly checking and maintaining proper tire pressure, and switching to all-season tires in summer can effectively reduce noise discomfort. While annoying, safety comes first – it's a small sacrifice worth making.

[MaxMarie]

Recently, after switching to snow tires, the driving noise has become particularly noticeable, especially that rumbling sound on hard surfaces. I asked friends about it, and they all said it's because the tire tread is deep and designed to grip snow, causing more friction and vibration noise on dry roads. My daily commute is half an hour each way, and the noise makes my ears ache. The noise level is also related to speed—it buzzes nonstop on the highway. On the other hand, safety in winter is much more important than comfort. When installing the tires, make sure they're properly mounted. If you notice unusual noises, check the tread depth and tire pressure. Switching back to regular tires in summer will be much quieter—the noise is a minor issue.

[JonathanLee]

The reason for the loud noise of winter tires is simple: their tread is too deep and the material is too soft, specifically designed to increase friction on snow. However, on dry roads, they collide and produce loud noises. The faster the speed, the louder the noise. This is not a defect, but a safety compromise. When driving daily, if the tires are on snow, they tend to be quieter because the tread is filled with snow. Regularly changing tires and avoiding using them in summer can prevent long-term noise issues.