What Causes the Regular Humming Sound from Tires?
3 Answers
The main reasons for a humming sound during vehicle driving are as follows: 1. Abnormal noise due to excessive tire pressure: Daily driving requires adjusting tire pressure within the standard range (usually 2.3bar-2.5bar). Overinflated tires can cause severe wear on the tread, reducing the tire's shock absorption and buffering performance, and significantly increasing tire noise. 2. Abnormal noise due to uneven tire wear: The tread area of the tire contacts and rubs against the ground. If the tread wears unevenly with bumps or irregularities, it can produce a humming sound. 3. Abnormal noise from damaged wheel hub bearings: Worn wheel hub bearings can generate a humming sound, primarily due to long-term use leading to wear and looseness. To protect wheel hub bearings, avoid harsh impacts on the wheels and prolonged driving through water during daily use.
I've encountered this issue of tires making a rhythmic humming noise quite a few times, usually related to tire wear. If the tire tread wears unevenly, it will produce a humming sound at specific speeds, such as 60 kilometers per hour. It could also be a tire dynamic balance issue—when the small counterweight blocks on the wheel hub fall off, the tire becomes unbalanced during rotation, creating a rhythmic noise. Additionally, check if there are small stones or nails embedded in the tire surface, as those can also cause regular noises. If left unfixed, not only is the noise annoying, but it can also accelerate tire wear and affect vehicle stability. I recommend first inspecting the tire's appearance yourself and feeling for any dents or foreign objects with your hand. If the noise persists, it's best to visit a professional shop early for a four-wheel alignment and dynamic balance adjustment.
When I hear a humming noise from the tires while driving, my first instinct is to check the tire pressure. If the pressure is too low or too high, the tire deforms and produces a humming sound when rolling, especially on highways. Another common cause is a damaged wheel hub bearing—those bearings emit a rhythmic hum when rotating. I've also noticed the sound is more pronounced on rough roads, but don't ignore it. I once delayed addressing it, and it ended up ruining one of my tires. Now, I regularly check the tire pressure myself, using a mobile app weekly to ensure it stays within the recommended range (as indicated on the door frame). If the humming persists, I ask a friend to inspect the wheel hub or take it to a repair shop. Remember, timely maintenance can save you a lot of trouble.