What is the reason for the buzzing sound at 120 km/h?
4 Answers
The reasons for the buzzing sound at 120 km/h are as follows: 1. Excessive tire pressure: When using the car, the tire pressure should be adjusted within the standard range (usually 2.3bar-2.5bar). If the tire pressure is too high, it will cause severe wear on the tire tread, reduce the tire's shock absorption performance, and make the tire noise more noticeable. 2. Abnormal tire wear: The tire tread comes into contact and friction with the ground. If the tread wears unevenly and has bumps, it will produce a buzzing sound. 3. Damaged wheel hub bearing: Worn wheel hub bearings will cause a buzzing sound due to long-term use leading to wear and looseness. To protect the wheel hub bearings, avoid violent impacts on the wheels and prolonged driving through water during normal use.
When I drive at 120, there's a humming noise, which is quite common and usually related to tire issues. Unbalanced tires or uneven wear can cause vibrations and noise at high speeds. It could also be a damaged wheel bearing—once the bearing wears out, the noise becomes more noticeable and louder as speed increases. Additionally, wind noise might be mistaken for humming, especially if the window seals are loose or there's a design issue with the car body. Problems in the drivetrain, such as the driveshaft or differential, can also cause noise. I recommend starting with the simple checks: ensure the tire pressure is correct and look for uneven wear. If the noise persists, take the car to a repair shop immediately to inspect the bearings or the entire suspension system. Abnormal noises at high speeds are dangerous—don’t delay, as losing control could be disastrous. Safety first—address the issue as soon as possible.
My car once made a humming noise at exactly 120 km/h on the highway. The sound wasn't loud but extremely annoying. I thought it was an engine issue, but the mechanic diagnosed it as unbalanced tires. I've experienced this before with another car - turned out to be worn wheel bearings, and replacing them solved the problem. Sometimes strong wind noise can also be mistaken for this humming sound. Don't ignore such noises as they can distract drivers and increase fatigue risk. Get it checked at a trusted auto shop - a small investment to prevent bigger issues. Timely repairs ensure safer journeys, especially on highways where concentration is already challenging.
Having driven for decades, I've encountered humming noises multiple times. At 120 km/h, there are two common causes: first, poor tire dynamic balance, which easily leads to vibrations and noise at high speeds; second, aging or loose bearings or transmission components. A simple solution is to start with tire balancing. If that doesn't work, check the bearing lubrication. Don't underestimate this issue—it affects handling stability. Address it early to avoid accidents. Safety is far more important than saving money.
