Why is there more noise after changing to winter tires?
3 Answers
Winter tires produce more noise because the tread pattern resonance of new tires is greater, resulting in increased tire noise. Other reasons: It could also be due to the difference in aspect ratio between the new tires and the old ones. New tires with a lower aspect ratio have a larger contact area with the ground, which increases tire noise. Another possibility is that the new tires have a harder rubber compound, leading to more noise. The relationship between tire pressure and tire noise: They are closely related. Tire pressure affects the level of tire noise. If the tire pressure is too high, the tire becomes more rigid, increasing noise. Conversely, if the tire pressure is too low, the contact area between the tire and the ground increases, raising the friction coefficient and resistance, which also leads to more noise and higher fuel consumption. Ways to reduce tire noise caused by non-tire issues: Regularly check and maintain tire pressure within the normal range; perform wheel balancing after changing tires to avoid uneven wear; ensure the new tires match the original ones in terms of specifications, tread pattern, and brand; note that asymmetric tread and directional tires have specific installation directions—incorrect installation can increase noise; it is recommended to replace both tires on the same axle simultaneously to avoid uneven force distribution and resulting noise.
I recently switched to winter tires too, and was startled by a humming noise as soon as I hit the road. There are a few main reasons for this: first, winter tires have deep, rugged treads that are more prone to creating sound echoes on dry roads; second, if the wheels weren’t properly balanced during installation or the tires are misaligned, the rotation can generate more noise; third, new tires need a break-in period—after driving a few hundred kilometers, the noise often decreases; fourth, incorrect tire pressure (either too high or too low) can also contribute, so it’s advisable to check if the pressure is within the standard range before driving. Additionally, if the winter tires are old or from different brands, rubber aging or design differences can amplify the noise. Since safety comes first, it’s best to take the car to a professional shop to check the installation and wheel balance to avoid future issues.
I was initially bothered by the increased noise after switching to snow tires, but as someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I know this is directly related to the tire structure. Snow tires have deep treads and numerous grooves, which easily generate friction noise with air when rolling on asphalt roads—a common issue with almost all winter tires, especially at higher speeds where decibel levels rise. The installation process is also crucial; if the technician didn't align the wheels properly or the balancing weights weren't correctly applied, the wheels can wobble and produce a humming sound. New tires often have a break-in period with noticeable noise. Improper tire pressure is another factor, with the standard values printed on the door frame, so regular checks are necessary. To address this, try driving for a few days to see if the noise diminishes, or consider switching to high-quality, low-noise snow tire brands—never overlook these details, as safety comes first.
