Understanding tyre noise and why it matters

Next time you're driving, pay attention to the sound coming from beneath your car. That hum, whir, or rumble isn't just background noise, but an indicator of your tyres' performance and condition. The sound, also called Tyre-Pavement Interaction Noise (TPIN), can reveal information about your vehicle's health and safety. With today's quieter powertrains, especially in electric vehicles, tyre noise has become more noticeable, making it easier for you to identify potential issues.

While some level of tyre noise when driving is normal, excessive or unusual sounds can indicate potential safety or performance issues. Paying attention to these sounds is important for your safety, your vehicle's health, and your comfort.

Safety

Loud road noise can reduce your focus and might even mask important external sounds, like the sirens of an emergency vehicle. More importantly, a sudden change in tyre sound can signal a serious safety issue, such as uneven wear, wheel misalignment, or structural damage. If left unchecked, these problems could affect your car's handling and overall safety.

Vehicle health

Persistent sounds from your tyres can also be an early warning sign of underlying mechanical issues. Problems with your suspension, wheel alignment, or bearings often first appear as abnormal sounds. Addressing these early can help you avoid more expensive repairs in the future.

Comfort

A noisy cabin can make driving unpleasant and tiring, especially on long journeys. Constant road noise contributes to driver fatigue, which can impact concentration.

If you're wondering what causes tyre noise, it is caused by a combination of factors related to your tyres, your vehicle, and the road itself.

Tyre design and condition

• A tyre's tread pattern has a significant effect on sound produced. Tyres with deep, widely-spaced tread blocks, like those for off-road use, trap and release more air as they roll, which creates more sound. Summer tyres with finer tread patterns are generally quieter.
  
  

• Tread depth also influences sounds levels, as tyres often become noisier when they wear down.
  
  

• Tyre profile affects sound. Low-profile tyres generally have shorter, stiffer sidewalls. This can mean there is less rubber to cushion vibrations from the road, potentially allowing more noise to transfer into the car's interior.
  
  

• The age and compound of your tyres are also factors. Over time, the rubber compound in tyres hardens, making them less able to absorb road imperfections and creating more noise. Softer rubber compounds tend to offer a quieter ride.
  
  

Maintenance and wear issues

• Uneven wear can add to the sound. When tyres wear unevenly, their contact with the road becomes inconsistent, leading to noisy tyres and reduced driving comfort. This wear pattern is often a symptom of wheel misalignment, improper tyre pressure, or aggressive braking habits.
  
  

• Improper tyre pressure is another cause. Underinflated tyres, especially on the front wheels, may produce a distinct squealing sound when cornering sharply.
  
  

• Wheel imbalance can lead to noise. If a tyre's weight isn't distributed evenly, it can cause vibrations at higher speeds, often heard as a rhythmic thumping or vibration.
  
  

• Damaged tyres are a common source of new sounds. Hitting a pothole or curb can cause internal damage, such as tread separation, that results in new or unusual sounds.
  
  

Vehicle and external factors

• Worn components in your vehicle can be a potential cause. A constant rumbling or humming that gets louder with speed could point to worn wheel bearings, not just the tyres themselves. Similarly, worn suspension parts can't absorb road vibrations effectively, which increases road chatter.
  
  

• The road surface is also a significant factor. Driving on rough, cracked concrete or unsealed rural roads will naturally generate more sound than smooth asphalt highways.
  
  

• Driving behaviour affects what you hear. Noise levels generally increase with speed. Aggressive habits like sudden braking and hard acceleration also contribute to louder driving.
  
  

• Foreign objects can get stuck in the tread. Sometimes, the cause is as simple as a rock, screw, or nail, which will create a rhythmic clicking sound as the wheel turns.

If you're looking for ways of reducing tyre noise, there are several practical steps you can take.

Start with an inspection

If you notice your tyres getting louder, or a new sound appears, check whether they are worn out, or visit a professional. They can perform a thorough diagnosis to check for damage and inspect your wheel alignment and balance, ensuring that any underlying mechanical issues are identified and repaired properly.

Follow a simple maintenance routine

• Maintain proper tyre pressure. Check your tyre pressure regularly and keep it at the manufacturer's recommended level. Proper pressure helps your tyres wear evenly and reduces noise.
  
  

• Rotate your tyres. Regular rotation encourages even tread wear across all four tyres, which can prevent noise issues from developing over time.
  
  

• Avoid overloading. Be mindful of your vehicle's load limits. Overloading puts extra stress on your tyres, increasing both noise and wear.
  
  

Adjust your driving style

Smooth driving habits are essential for a quieter ride. Try to avoid aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and sharp turns. Driving at a moderate speed will also help reduce noise levels.

Choose the right tyres

When choosing new tyres, consider models designed specifically for a quiet ride. Some tyres use special tread patterns and compounds to minimise road hum and improve driving comfort.

If a quiet, comfortable ride is your priority,  MICHELIN Primacy 5 tyres are recommended. Featuring a specialised architecture and tread design, these tyres are engineered with MICHELIN Acoustic Technology to deliver exceptional comfort by reducing road noise. At the same time, they offer the safety and confidence you expect from MICHELIN on both wet and dry road surfaces.

Don't forget to check our promotions to see if there are any ongoing deals to help you save some budget on purchasing new tyres!