Will New Tires Make Noise? Only If You Want Them To!

April 18, 2022

Will New Tires Make Noise? Only If You Want Them To!

If you're like most people, you probably think that new tires will make noise. And you're right – they will, but only if you want them to! There are several things that you can do to minimize the amount of noise that your new tires will make. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ways to reduce tire noise.

What to do if you think your new tires are making too much noise

If you have aggressively treaded tires then you might be used to more noise but for others, worn tires sound loud at lower speeds on the highway. Loud tire noise can often be due to uneven wear or faulty wheel bearings. You can check your tires for uneven wear by looking at the tread.

If the tread is wearing down in certain spots more than others, it will cause a thumping noise when you drive. This can usually be fixed by rotating your tires or having them aligned. If you think your problem is with your wheel bearings, then you will need to have a local tire shop or mechanic check it out.

The best way to combat this is by rotating your tires every so often. This will help to even out the wear and tear on each tire, which will in turn help to reduce the amount of noise that they make. Some brand new tires with tread patterns will make the same noise as well. So unless it's excessive noise, it's probably normal when you buy tires.

If you are looking for a new set of tires and want to avoid any excess noise, then ask your tire dealer about the best options for you. They will be able to point you in the right direction based on the type of driving that you do and what kind of noise level you are comfortable with.

Another way to reduce tire noise is by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure levels. This will help to reduce the amount of contact that the tire has with the road, which will ultimately lead to less noise. Properly inflated tires wear down less quickly as well, so it's a win-win situation! To know how much PSI your tire's should be check out our other blog where we explain everything there is to know about tires. Over inflated tires will also make noise because they will have less contact with the road. So, if you want to avoid tire noise, be sure to keep an eye on your tire pressure!

Lastly, make sure to get your tires aligned and balanced regularly. This will help to keep them running smoothly, which will minimize the amount of noise that they make. Wheel alignment is so important for so many reasons, and noise reduction is just one of them. Have your car's tires proper alignment checked and tire balancing done every few months or so to help keep noise (and other problems) at bay.

By following these simple tips and necessary maintenance procedures your tires may last over a decade and will make less noise than when they were brand new!

How to measure the noise level of your tires and wheel bearings

If you are developing loud tire noise and you want to find the source of the problem, you will need to measure the noise level. The best way to do this is with a sound meter.

You can purchase a sound meter at most hardware stores or online. Once you have your sound meter, follow these steps to use it:

- Position the sound meter about three feet flat from the tire

- Measure the noise level while the car is idling

- Take note of the reading

- Drive the car at a speed of about 30 miles per hour and take another reading

- Compare the two readings to see if there is a difference in noise levels

Are you due for a tire rotation?

If you find that there is a significant difference in noise levels you can investigate the wheel bearing. Sometimes an improper wheel alignment will cause a wheel bearing to have a humming noise when you change lanes even if you don't have humming tires.

Try the penny trick to check for uneven wear!

If you don't want to spend the money on a sound meter, there is another way to tell if your tires are making too much noise. You can put a penny in between the treads of your tire. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, then your treads are too shallow and it's time for new tires. If you can't see the top of Lincoln's head, your treads are fine.

If you're still not sure whether or not your tires are making too much noise, take them to a professional and have them check it out. It's always better to be safe than sorry!

Causes of tire noise and how to fix them

Depending on the tire brands, most noise issues are a result of one or more of the following:

- Worn-out tires

If you are not sure how long you have had your tires or how many miles they have been driven, it's probably time for new ones. Worn-out tires will make noise because the treads are too shallow. Your tire wear doesn't necessarily mean you have noisy tires but in most cases, low speeds with low profile tires create a roaring noise. You can fix your worn-out tires by getting new ones.

- Improperly inflated tires

If your tires are not properly inflated, they will make noise. You can check your tire pressure with a tire gauge and inflate them to the recommended PSI. Most vehicles have a sticker on the driver's side door that lists the recommended PSI for your tires. You can also find more on your car or vehicle more information and you can fix your car tire on your own or go to the nearest gas station.

- Worn Wheel Bearings

Another common reason for noisy tires is worn wheel bearings. The bearings help the wheels rotate smoothly and if they are worn, they will create a grinding noise. You can have your mechanic check your bearings and replace them if necessary.

Tips for reducing excessive tire noise

Aside from obvious suspension parts and hard braking being the cause of road noise, there are a few other things you can do to help reduce excessive tire noise.

-Sometimes Less Is More:

More rubber doesn't always mean better tires. Sometimes tread design and having an aggressive tread pattern will make the tires noisier.

-Too Much Road Noise:

If you're looking for a tire that will help reduce road noise, try to find one that has a solid center rib. This will help minimize tread movement and will also provide a smoother ride.

-Compound Tread Matters:

Another thing to keep in mind is that tires with softer compounds tend to be quieter than those with harder compounds. So, if you're looking for a quiet tire, make sure to ask about the compound.

-That's Not In Season:

Also, keep in mind that certain sizes and types of tires will be noisier than others. For example, all-season tires tend to be quieter than summer or winter tires. Larger diameter for winter or snow tires sounds loudest of all.

So, if you're looking for a tire that will make noise, you'll want to look for one with a hard compound and a smaller diameter. But, if you're looking for a quiet tire, make sure to ask about the compound and look for a larger diameter.

The benefits of using quieter tires

Depending on the tire type you are looking for like off-road tires or touring tires, you will find that there are benefits to having a quieter tire. Brand new tires sound loud because they have yet to be “broken in.” The sound will dissipate some as the tire is used more, but a hard compound will make noise no matter how much you use it.

What compound tread does your tire have?

Softer compounds will give you a quieter ride but may not last as long as a harder compound. All-season tires are designed to give your vehicle a quiet ride while still providing good tread life and traction. If you are looking for a tire that will give you a quiet ride, make sure to ask about the compound and look for a larger diameter.

Sometimes bigger is better

A larger diameter will also help to absorb some of the noise as well. When it comes to new tires, there are a lot of options available and each brand is different but some are known for their quality with tread depth, tread surface, and tread blocks. Here are a few other tires we offer for our top three categories: all-season, touring, and winter.

Continental All Season Tires: The Vancontact A/S has a tread depth of 11/32” and is an all-season tire that will give you a comfortable and quiet ride. This tire has a silica-enhanced tread compound which will give you good traction in wet or dry conditions. The tread compound of this tire is also designed to resist cracking, chipping, and tearing.

Michelin Touring Tires: The Michelin Latitude Tour has a tread depth of 11/32” and is a touring tire that will give you a quiet and comfortable ride. If you're looking for a quality tread compound, this tire has one that is designed to resist chipping, cracking, and tearing. The Latitude Tour also has a silica-enhanced tread compound which will give you good traction in wet or dry conditions.

Goodyear Winter Tires: Goodyear Eagle Enforcer Winter has a tread depth of 12/32” and is a winter tire that will give you good traction in all types of winter weather. This tire has a unique tread design that provides good traction in both icy and snowy conditions. The tread compound for this tire is made with a special rubber compound that will resist cracking, chipping, and tearing.

Always double check

Whenever you choose to change tires, you want to be sure of the tire size that you need. If you bought tires before and had trouble later with your wheel wells and steering wheel then chances are you got the wrong size. New tires will not only give you better traction but can also improve your gas mileage.

Tires that are just a few years old can already be worn down and not have as much tread. Remember to get your tires rotated a few times a year to avoid creating a wind noise with your car. A humming noise can occur if tire rotation isn't properly done and can potentially run-flat tires.

Ask for help!

Don't forget that new tires sound loud when you first get them on your vehicle. If you notice uneven wear or different tire wear then your tires may be the wrong type for your car. It's important to make an informed decision when choosing one tire over another. If you have any questions, consult your tire professional. They will help you choose the best type of tire for both your vehicle and driving habits.

Now that you know a little more about tires, don't be afraid to ask questions the next time you're in the market for a new set! With the right information, you can make the best decision for yourself and your vehicle.

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