Noticing an unusual hum, buzz, or roar while driving? If the noise seems to be coming from the road beneath you, it might not be your engine—it could be your tires. Tires are a common source of road noise, and when they get loud, it’s usually your car’s way of signaling something is off. It may not be an emergency, but it’s not something to ignore, either.
Let’s see why tires can become loud, what it means, and when it’s time to have them checked.
Tire Tread Patterns and Road Contact
Some tires are just naturally louder than others due to their tread design. Aggressive tread patterns—especially those found on off-road or all-terrain tires—create more friction and noise as they roll across pavement. That’s because the blocky shapes slap against the road surface with each rotation, which can create a humming or droning sound at higher speeds.
Performance tires with wide tread blocks may also get louder as they wear. As the tread depth decreases, more surface area comes in direct contact with the road, amplifying the sound.
If your tires have always been loud, this may just be part of the tire design. But if the noise has gotten worse over time, there’s likely another issue at play.
Uneven Tire Wear
One of the most common reasons for increased tire noise is uneven wear. When tires wear down unevenly, the tread no longer makes uniform contact with the road. This creates a rhythmic thumping, whirring, or buzzing sound as the tire rotates.
What causes uneven wear? It can result from:
- Misalignment of the wheels
- Suspension issues
- Inconsistent tire pressure
- Failure to rotate tires at regular intervals
If you run your hand over the tire and feel high and low spots or feathering (a saw-tooth-like wear pattern), it’s a strong sign of uneven wear. This kind of damage not only increases noise but also shortens the life of the tire and can negatively affect handling.
Wheel Bearing or Suspension Problems
Sometimes, what sounds like tire noise is actually a failing wheel bearing. Bad wheel bearings can produce a growling or grinding sound that gets louder with speed or when turning. The sound can mimic that of worn tires, but the underlying issue is far more serious.
If the noise changes when you turn the steering wheel or shifts from side to side, it could be a wheel bearing or suspension issue—not the tires themselves.
Suspension components like shocks, struts, or bushings can also contribute to noise if they allow the tires to bounce or vibrate excessively.
Out-of-Balance Tires or Wheels
When your tires or wheels are out of balance, they create a vibration that can lead to extra noise—especially at higher speeds. This is often accompanied by a noticeable shake in the steering wheel or seat.
Balancing issues usually arise after hitting a pothole or curb or if weights fall off the wheel. Balancing your tires can quiet the ride and reduce wear on suspension components at the same time.
When Tires Are Just Too Old
Even if the tread looks okay, old tires can get hard, dry, and noisy. Rubber degrades over time due to heat, sun exposure, and age. As the rubber loses flexibility, it doesn’t absorb vibrations as well—and road noise becomes more noticeable.
Tires should typically be replaced every 6–10 years, regardless of mileage. If you’re still driving on a set that’s more than a few years old and you’re hearing more noise than usual, age may be to blame.
Signs It’s Time to Have Your Tires Checked
You don’t have to be a tire expert to know when something’s off. Here are signs that the noise isn’t normal and needs attention:
- A sudden increase in road noise over a short period
- Vibrations that increase with speed
- Thumping or humming that gets louder when turning
- Visible cupping, scalloping, or uneven tread wear
- Tires that look fine but haven’t been replaced in over six years
Even if the tires themselves aren’t the issue, a loud ride is often a warning sign that something in your wheel or suspension system needs to be addressed.
Gold Wing Motors – Tire and Suspension Inspections in Miami, FL
If your tires are making more noise than usual, don’t just turn up the radio—bring your car to
Gold Wing Motors in Miami. We’ll inspect your tires, alignment, wheel bearings, and suspension to get to the bottom of the problem and make your drive quieter and safer.
