Sometimes tire noise isn’t an issue, but there are a lot of times when tire noise can be something much more, and the biggest concern for a driver should be finding out what is making that noise.
Therefore, if you think your vehicle is making too much tire noise at low speeds, you may be curious as to what’s causing it. If so, keep reading to see what I found out on this topic!
What Causes Tire Noise At Low Speeds?
Low-speed tire noise can happen when you go around a corner, hit the brakes, go over bumps, etc., and can be caused by new tires, an underinflated tire, and other similar issues. While this noise could be caused by a common problem that can be fixed easily, it could also be a problem caused by a front-end alignment problem.
If you’d like more information about what causes tire noise at low speeds, such as new tires, underinflated tires and more, keep reading for more facts!
Can New Tires Cause Humming Noises At Low Speeds?
A set of new tires, especially snow or off-road tires, can definitely cause some humming noises both at low and high speeds. Additionally, the heavy tread pattern can make a lot of noise as they’re getting worn in.
With most tires, it takes a few miles for them to find a comfort zone and quiet down, but depending on how course the thread pattern is on your tires, they could just remain loud, meaning you may prefer to switch them out if the noise is distracting.
What Does An Underinflated Tire Sound Like At Low Speeds?
If your tire is low, you should be able to visually see the problem. If not, however, you will possibly hear something like a crackling or popping noise when your vehicle is driving at low speeds.
When you speed up, that noise may go away, but that doesn’t mean you should disregard having your tire pressure checked and filled if needed.
How Do I Fix Tire Noises At Low Speeds?
If you’re hearing tire noise, these are a few things that can help you fix the problem, such as going with a different type of tire that is known to have less noise at both low and high speeds.
Often, tire noise can be caused by a front-end alignment problem, and getting that fixed may help out your tire noise. Rotating your tires more often can also help keep tire noise down.
Why Do My Tires Sound So Loud?
Your tires could be making more noise than normal if you have a big treaded type of tire, such as an off-road tire.
The big spaces between the tread tend to make more noise than normal tires like a grinding noise. At high speeds, this grinding noise will end up turning into more of a constant drone or a hollow sound.
Do Bad Wheel Bearings Make Noise At Low Speed?
Wheel bearings can be a source of what may seem like a noisy tire. If your vehicle does more of a vibrating at low speeds and then it turns into a hum at high speeds, you could very well have a bad wheel bearing rather than a noisy tire.
How Do You Fix Tire Noise?
There are a few things that you can do to fix noises at low speeds without getting a new pair of tires.
One option is to soundproof or add weight to your wheel wells, which are the thin steel covering that stops dirt and road debris from getting into your engine bay or the insides of the rear portion of your vehicle.
Soundproofing or adding weight to your wheel well will help keep the noise down in the cabin made by noisy tires.
You may also want to go with new or more weather striping and door sills. This would help not only keep tire noise down, but it would also help keep road noise down in general.
How Can You Tell The Difference Between Tire Noise And A Wheel Bearing?
You most likely will have a wheel bearing problem if your tire noise changes to a louder or quieter pitch when you’re turning.
If you hear a noise coming from your tire while driving straight at a low speed and it changes to a more consistent sped-up noise, this is probably just your tires making normal tire noise.
To find out more, you can also see our posts on what is tire rotation, tires noise after rotation, and how to reduce road noise from tires.
Conclusion
Your tires could make noise at low speeds for a couple of different reasons, such as your vehicle needing a front-end alignment, a new wheel bearing or some other suspension repairs, or you may need a tire rotation.
However, if your tires alone are loud because they’re noisy tires, then you may consider switching them out if you find the sound too distracting.