Tyre noise guide
Why do tyres make noise?
Tyre noise has four main sources: tread-pattern noise (tread blocks striking the road at regular frequency), road surface resonance (tyre amplifying texture noise from coarse tarmac), tyre cavity resonance (a standing wave at 200–250 Hz inside the air column), and wear-related noise (cupping, feathering, flat spots). Different noise types sound different: a droning hum at a consistent pitch is usually tread pattern; a rhythmic thump is often cupping; a metallic rumble can indicate a damaged internal structure or wheel bearing. Noise amplified in a specific speed range suggests tyre-cavity resonance.
- Tyre noise has four main sources: tread-pattern noise (tread blocks striking the road at regular frequency), road surface resonance (tyre amplifying texture noise from coarse tarmac), tyre cavity resonance (a standing wave at 200–250 Hz inside the air column), and wear-related noise (cupping, feathering, flat spots).
- Different noise types sound different: a droning hum at a consistent pitch is usually tread pattern; a rhythmic thump is often cupping; a metallic rumble can indicate a damaged internal structure or wheel bearing.
- Noise amplified in a specific speed range suggests tyre-cavity resonance.
FAQ
- Why do tyres make noise?
- Tyre noise has four main sources: tread-pattern noise (tread blocks striking the road at regular frequency), road surface resonance (tyre amplifying texture noise from coarse tarmac), tyre cavity resonance (a standing wave at 200–250 Hz inside the air column), and wear-related noise (cupping, feathering, flat spots). Different noise types sound different: a droning hum at a consistent pitch is usually tread pattern; a rhythmic thump is often cupping; a metallic rumble can indicate a damaged internal structure or wheel bearing. Noise amplified in a specific speed range suggests tyre-cavity resonance.
- What should I verify before using this information?
- Use TireFitLab values as a sizing reference, then verify the vehicle handbook, tire placard, rim compatibility, load rating, and physical clearance before fitting.
Types of tyre noise and their fixes
| Noise type | What it sounds like | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tread-pattern hum | Consistent drone or hum; pitch changes with speed | Tread blocks striking road at regular intervals; affects all tyres | Low-noise tyre pattern (variable pitch design); reduced speed |
| Road surface resonance | Loud on coarse motorway tarmac; quieter on smooth roads | Tyre amplifies texture noise from open-graded or mastic asphalt | Cannot eliminate; low-noise tyres help; EV drivers notice this most |
| Tyre cavity resonance | Boom or drone at specific speed range (typically 80–120 km/h) | Standing wave at 200–250 Hz inside the air column in the tyre | Foam-lined tyres (e.g. Continental ContiSilent, Michelin Acoustic); rim dampers |
| Cupping (scalloping) | Rhythmic thumping or helicopter-like noise; speed-dependent | Worn patches every 100–200 mm around the tyre from imbalance or worn shock absorbers | Balance wheels; replace worn shock absorbers; replace tyre if cupping is deep |
| Feathering (sawtooth wear) | Directional hissing that changes when steering angle changes | Incorrect toe alignment causes blocks to wear on one edge at an angle | Wheel alignment; rotate tyres (if safe depth remains) |
| Flat spots | Rhythmic thump once per revolution | Locking brakes, emergency stop, or sitting stationary for a long time (especially in cold weather) | Usually disappear after driving 10–20 km; if persistent, replace tyre |
| Internal damage / belt separation | Irregular thumping; metallic or hollow sound; does not match rotation | Impact damage, aged tyres, overloading | Inspect immediately; replace — structural damage is a safety risk |
Why new tyres can be noisier than old ones
Counterintuitively, new tyres are sometimes noisier than partially worn ones. The reason is that some tread compounds stiffen slightly after a few thousand kilometres of use, and brand-new tread blocks have their full height — more contact area means more noise for certain patterns. This usually settles within 500–1,000 km.
However: if a new tyre is significantly noisier than the tyre it replaced, and the noise does not reduce after running-in, the tyre may have a manufacturing defect. Report this to your retailer.
Tyre cavity resonance and foam-lined tyres
The air column inside a mounted tyre behaves like a resonance chamber. When the tread excites it at a frequency close to its natural resonance (typically 200–250 Hz, corresponding to roughly 80–120 km/h on most tyre sizes), the sound transmitted into the cabin peaks dramatically — drivers describe it as a "boom" or deep drone.
Several manufacturers now offer foam-lined tyres that suppress this resonance:
- Continental ContiSilent — polyurethane foam bonded inside the tyre.
- Michelin Acoustic — foam insert bonded inside.
- Pirelli Noise Cancelling System (NCS) — foam insert.
- Bridgestone B-Silent — internal foam.
These tyres typically cost 10–15% more than standard versions. They are particularly popular on EVs (where drivetrain noise is absent and tyre noise becomes the dominant sound).
How to diagnose which tyre is causing the noise
- Note at what speed the noise is loudest — Cavity resonance peaks at a specific speed; wear noise is constant or increases with speed.
- Change lanes (if safe) — Road surface changes between the lanes on some motorways. If noise changes, it is surface-related.
- Gently steer left and right (a few degrees) — Feathering noise changes with steering angle. Cupping noise does not.
- Swap the noisiest tyre to a different axle — If the noise follows the tyre, it is tyre-related. If it stays in the same corner, check wheel bearing.
- Inspect the tread surface by hand and eye — Run fingers across the tread — cupping creates a scalloped surface; feathering creates a saw pattern.
EU tyre noise label
Since 2021, EU tyre labels include an exterior noise rating in dB(A) and a 1–3 wave symbol. One wave = quietest, three waves = loudest. This measures tyre noise on the road outside the car (pass-by noise), not inside-cabin noise — the two are related but not identical.
A 1-dB(A) difference in exterior tyre noise corresponds to roughly a 26% difference in sound energy. Choosing a 1-wave (low-noise) rated tyre over a 3-wave can reduce exterior noise by several dB(A).
When tyre noise means replace immediately
- Irregular thumping that does not match tyre rotation frequency — inspect for internal damage.
- Metallic or grinding noise — could be tyre belt or rim contact; do not drive further.
- Noise accompanied by vibration that cannot be balanced away — check for structural damage.
- Cupping deeper than 1–2 mm — the tyre is unevenly loaded each revolution; replace and fix the cause (shock absorbers, balance).
More tools
- Wheel balancing guide
- Wheel alignment guide
- Tire tread depth guide
- Tire rotation guide
- Tire size calculator
- Tire & wheel reference guides
Seasonal check
Planning a long summer drive?
Use the budget and running-cost tools before a trip, especially if the current tyres are worn or the replacement size changes diameter.
What changed
- Reviewed deterministic geometry, load/speed references, sitemap inclusion and localized page shell.