How we create quiet tyres to reduce noise in the car

Why do we hear noise in the cabin?

To fully understand the effectiveness of our solution, it is useful to explain the source of the perceived noise. The noise you hear in the cabin is not generated by the tyres. It's actually the indentations of the road that beat against the tyre tread, generating vibrations of varying degrees depending on the quality of the road, the speed and the vehicle.

Because a tyre is hollow and contains compressed air, it acts as a resonance chamber, somewhat like a drum with a stretched skin. As a result, the sound of vibrations is amplified and people inside the car hear an unpleasant buzzing noise, especially when the vehicle is electric, as the engine is silent.

A special technology for quiet tyres

We have developed a solution to design quiet tyres in order to improve acoustic comfort in the cabin. The solution, MICHELIN Acoustic Technology which effectively reduces noise in the car caused by the road.

The result is a significant reduction of interior noise by approximately 20%⁽¹⁾.

A foam solution to muffle noise

A custom designed polyurethane foam solution reduces noise in the car by muffling its resonance, which allows the drivers and passengers to benefit fully from hands-free communication devices while lessening driver fatigue on long drives. MICHELIN Acoustic Technology even dampens interior noise when driving on changing road conditions.

A tread pattern to make tyres quieter

Not only does this special foam muffle road noise, but the tread pattern is also designed to make tyres quieter. To do this, we use a simulation tool (Piano Noise Reduction), prior to development, which enables us to study the correct arrangement of the structural blocks of the tyre tread pattern.

Why?
Because a tread pattern with blocks of the same width generates a frequency, and therefore noise, when rolling. So, to avoid noise generated by the repetition of the tread pattern, we make sure that the blocks of the tread pattern are of different widths without compromising the tyre's performance.

Which MICHELIN tyres have acoustic technology?

The quantity of foam varies according to the type of frequencies to be suppressed. And these are closely linked to the vehicle. That's why this technology is designed in co-development with vehicle manufacturers. In other words, tyres equipped with MICHELIN Acoustic Technology are exclusively designed as OE (Original Equipment), i.e. they are already fitted to vehicles at the time of purchase, to ensure optimum efficiency for the related frequencies. All to make your journeys more enjoyable and less tiring.

You may also be interested in our article: "Car noise: are electric cars quieter than petrol cars?"

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Reduce noise in your car with Michelin acoustic technology