Introduction
Driving is a tiring and exhausting experience, and anything that adds more discomfort can be annoying. Tire noise is one such factor that contributes to the annoyance and discomfort you feel— especially when driving on an asphalt highway for long hours. Therefore, reducing tire noise or choosing quiet tires for smooth rides is essential for most drivers.
Having said that, choosing quiet performance tires is not as simple as it looks! Multiple factors can influence your decision—from tire design to tread patterns. This guide will focus on all the tips and tricks for choosing the quietest all terrain tires for your vehicle without any hassle. Let’s delve into further details to help you make an informed decision.
The Science Behind Tire Noise
Your vehicle generates multiple types of sounds while riding on the road. The noise can come from the engine, suspension, and transmission. These sounds must not be confused with the noise generated by the tires rolling on the road.
For the tires, the noise is much more than a simple sound, and there is a complete science behind this phenomenon. Multiple factors contribute to the tire noise, such as tread pattern, airflow, air particle vibrations, tire material, road texture, and more.
Fundamentals of Tire Noise
Once you’re familiar with the fundamentals of tire noise, it’ll be easier for you to choose the quiet tires for a smooth ride for your vehicle while keeping in mind those responsible factors.
· Tire Material and Degradation
First, tire material and composition play a significant role in deciding whether the tire will be quiet or noisy. Tires are made of rubber material, which can be soft or hard. The softer rubber compounds tend to produce less noise than the hard ones.
Moreover, there are two types of deterioration a tire faces over the years, i.e., mechanical or chemical. The chemical degradation of tires can increase the tire noise by 6-7 dB. It has also been observed that the tire noise increases by 1.2 to 1.5 dB every year due to rubber hardness.
· Air Chamber Inside Tire
Another important factor that is responsible for noisy tires is the air chamber inside the tires. The tires act like an empty drum with ample empty space, and as it roll, you can hear a humming sound produced by the air chamber.
· Airflow through Treads
Do you know that even the segments or portions between the tire grooves can produce a sound? That’s called a whining sound produced by the air flowing through the tread blocks. For example, tires with a firm grip and traction usually have large grooves and tall tread blocks and tend to produce more noise than other categories.
Tips For Choosing Quiet Tires
Now that you’re aware of the factors that cause noise and the science behind the phenomenon, it’s time to explore the tips for choosing quiet tires.
· Choose a Symmetrical Tread Design
The first and foremost factor to look for while choosing quiet tires is the tread design. The tread design can be symmetrical or non-directional and aggressive. The symmetrical pattern produces less noise than the aggressive one, which is usually designed for off-roading.
· Consider Low Profile Tires
Usually, the low-profile tires tend to be quieter as compared to the ones with a higher aspect ratio. The science behind this is simple! The low-profile tires have greater sidewall flex, which helps reduce road noise and absorb road roughness.
· Look for Sound-absorbing Rubber
Sometimes, tire material is responsible for the noise. Make sure to choose a tire with advanced rubber compounds that can absorb excessive vibrations and hence produce less noise. Silica-infused tires are an example of quiet tires that offer excellent grip, longevity, and a balance between comfort and noise.
· Check Tire Noise Rating
Always check the tire noise rating before buying the tires for your vehicle. These tire noise ratings are an excellent measure of noise level and how quiet your new set of tires can be! The manufacturer itself often provides these ratings and hence serves as a valuable tool to check the noise emission level.
You must be wondering what numerical value of noise rating is satisfactory. It all depends on your needs and choices. However, a noise rating of 60 dB and lower is considered the quietest. A noise rating from 60 dB to 70 dB is considered mid-range noise emission level for a tire.
· Speed Rating Matters
Most of you must be thinking about whether the speed rating has to do with the noise level. Well, it does! The lower the speed rating of the tire, the lesser the noise it will produce. This is because the tires with lower speed ratings are soft and, hence, generate less noise due to friction with the road surface.
Note: It is not recommended to install the lower speed rating tires for the sake of low noise levels. Always follow the guidelines of the vehicle manufacturer for a safe ride.
· Consider Tires with Noise Reduction Technology
With the advancement in technology, the tire industry is also getting innovations in the production and choice of raw materials. Research and invest in tires with newer noise reduction technologies, such as foam inserts or specialized rubber compounds that can absorb the vibrations and help minimize the noise level.
Conclusion
Noise from the tires can irritate the driver as well as the passengers, especially during the long rides. Therefore, choosing quiet tires has become a must-have. However, due to the availability of multiple brands and tire models, it’s not easy to opt for the right quiet performance tires. We have compiled everything you need to know about the noise-causing factors, tire noise rating, and tips for choosing quiet tires for a smooth ride.
