Road noise is among the most annoying things we experience when we drive. This loud noise can sometimes change the overall driving experience. So, the most commonly asked question is: Can you reduce the noise from your tires?
You can reduce the cabin noise you hear through modifications and enhancements such as improving your door seals, soundproofing the vehicle’s interior, massing up your wheel wells, or switching to a less noisy tire.
Cabin noise reduction prevents the tire noise from entering the vehicle. It is not a modification that you do on the tire itself. If the tire’s design produces disturbing noise, you can’t alter the tire to quiet it.
Stick around and learn about ways to minimize the noise you hear from your tires.
Causes of Road Noise
Before we talk about reducing road noise, let us first know the common causes of the noise.
Knobby tread
Knobby tread patterns of a tire are a common cause of road noise. Off-road tires are roaring when you drive them on the highway. This behavior is because of their tread design.
Wider tires
Wider tires are also known to make unwanted road noises because they have a wider contact surface with the ground.
Unbalanced tires or uneven tread wear
Unbalanced tires or uneven tread wear can also produce an inevitable road noise. This is because unbalanced tires make vibrations, and vibrations convert directly to noise.
Underinflating your tires
Underinflating your tires can also create road noise because the contact patch with the road becomes wider. As explained, a wider road patch can produce more noise.
Debris or rubbles
Debris or rubbles on the tire’s tread can also be a reason for a noisy ride. As your tire rotates when you take your usual drive, the tiny debris stuck on your tire’s tread can repeatedly hit the ground and produce a disturbing noise.
How to Reduce Road Noise from Tires
Repairing or Replacing Your Door Seals
Your vehicle’s door is where the noise from your tires naturally passes through. If your door seals are loose, you will bear all the road noise entering the car.
Your door seals will likely lose their functionality over time due to being repeatedly crushed by the door. It is right that you check your door seals to find out if they need replacement. You can return to the quiet experience when you install new rubber seals. You can find a lot of these on Amazon.
You can do the job yourself if you are confident in doing it. It should not be a challenging job to do. However, if you want to ensure a good result, you can always hire a professional to do it.
Soundproofing Your Vehicle
Nothing beats a soundproof car. However, it sounds like a hell of a job. Is it complicated to do? What steps are involved? Those who have done this report that it may sound like a difficult task, but it is not.
This process will only involve installing vehicle sound deadening mats. These mats feature a particular type of rubber that is dense and heavy. They can effectively block the sound that is likely to enter your vehicle while driving. On top of their primary purpose, these mats can also act as thermal insulators.
Although this job is said to be easy, I would say that this can require help from an expert. Part of the process is to remove the car’s exterior to install them. You don’t want to damage your vehicle because of this. Thus, getting help from a professional is always best.
When you do this to your car, you’ll be surprised how quiet your driving experience will become.
Massing Up Your Wheel Wells
Road noises are like immigrants trying to enter a country illegally. Some countries build a wall to protect this from happening. We can apply the same concept when we talk about reducing road noise.
The immigrants in this scenario are the road noises. To stop them from entering our country (our vehicle), we need to install something to block them. This situation is where installing sound deadening materials on the plastic material covering the wheel wells is useful.
The plastic materials covering the wheel wells do not usually reduce the noise effectively. Their primary role is to avoid dirt and debris from hitting the car’s body and not suppress the noise. However, you can modify them so that they will function as one.
All you need to do is attach sound reduction materials to the plastic covers. They are not very hard to install because they usually have an adhesive back that makes them easy to connect.
You may also use some soundproofing sprays on the wheel well inserters and apply them in multiple layers. This technique is also very effective as it cannot affect how the inserter handles pebbles and debris.
If you decide to do this, make sure that it will not interfere with the movement of your tires.
Switching to a Quieter Tire
If you can’t modify your vehicle to make it soundproof, you can consider trying out a quieter tire. You need to research the market for tires that are known to be quiet.
I would suggest you read plenty of tire reviews to make a sound decision. Generally, quiet tires feature continuous circumferential ribs, varied tread blocks that create multiple pitch patterns, smaller blocks, softer rubber composition, etc.
You can also ask around for tire recommendations from people with experience with a particular tire.
Also, please read our review on outstanding all-season tires: Michelin Energy Saver A/S
FAQ
What are quiet tires?
Quiet tires have been specially designed to minimize the amount of noise they create when used.
There are a few different ways that manufacturers can reduce noise levels. One is by changing the tread pattern. This can help reduce the amount of noise created as the tire rolls over the road’s surface. Another way is by using unique compounds in the construction of the tire. These can help absorb sound and prevent it from being emitted into the air.
There are a few key benefits associated with quiet tires. One is that they can help make your drive more relaxing and enjoyable. If you’re not constantly bombarded by loud tire noise, it can be easier to focus on the road and pay attention to your surroundings. This can lead to a safer driving experience overall. Quiet tires can also help to reduce fatigue on long drives. When you do not have to listen to loud tire noise, you can feel more relaxed and rested, which can help you stay alert behind the wheel.
How do I cancel freeway noise?
There are a few ways to cancel freeway noise. One way is to install sound-absorbing materials in the car. Another way is to use a noise-canceling device. You can also try driving slower or changing your route. Finally, you can reduce the road noise from your tires.
You can also buy “quiet” tires. These are tires that have been specifically designed to reduce road noise. They usually have a particular tread pattern and are made from materials that dampen sound.
If you’re not ready to buy new tires, there are some things you can do to reduce the road noise from your existing tires. One thing you can do is to make sure your tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Under-inflated tires will create more road noise than properly inflated tires.
Finally, you can reduce the road noise from your car by keeping it clean. A clean car is a more aerodynamic car, which will reduce the amount of noise it makes.
So there are a few ways to reduce road noise from your car. Some of these methods will require you to spend some money, but others are free. Try a few of them and see which ones work best for you.
Why are my tires making a roaring sound?
There are a few reasons your tires might be making a roaring sound. One possibility is that your tires are under-inflated. Another possibility is that you have a tire tread wear issue. You might also have a loose object caught in your tire, or your tires might be hitting something while driving. If you’re not sure what’s causing the noise, take your car to a mechanic and have them take a look.
What does a bad tire sound like?
A bad tire usually makes a squealing sound. If you hear this noise, your tires need to be replaced. You can also tell that your tires are bad by how they feel when driving. If your car seems to be bouncing more than usual, or if it pulls to one side, then your tires probably need to be replaced.
Does tire pressure affect road noise?
Yes, tire pressure can affect road noise. If your tires are under-inflated, they will create more road noise than properly inflated tires. Therefore, you should check your tire pressure regularly to ensure that your tires are inflated to the correct pressure. You can find the correct pressure for your car in the owner’s manual.
Conclusion
Road noise can be unbearable, and it is just best to find ways to reduce it for a more comfortable ride.
You cannot modify your tire to make it less noisy, but there are some techniques you can use to effectively reduce the cabin noise that you hear as you drive your vehicle.
These techniques include repairing your door seals, soundproofing your vehicle’s interior, or switching to a much quieter tire. Whatever you decide on, you can do it yourself or get help from a professional.
My best bet is to ensure the door seals are fixed and add mass to the wheel wells.