What Causes Noisy Tyres? 7 Sounds You Shouldn’t Ignore

Some tyre noise is harmless and may simply come from a coarse road surface. Other sounds can point to low pressure, uneven tread wear, wheel imbalance or damage. The tricky part is working out where the noise is coming from. A noise that appears to come from a tyre may actually be caused by a wheel bearing, brake or suspension component. 

 

 

Is some tyre noise normal? 

Yes. As the tread meets the road, it traps and releases air while the rubber moves over the surface. Tread pattern, tyre width, compound and pressure can all affect how loud that interaction sounds. 

The road itself makes a difference too. A tyre may be quiet on smooth tarmac but noticeably louder on concrete or a rough, freshly resurfaced road. Weather, speed and the amount of sound insulation in the car can also change what you hear. 

Tyres designed for electric vehicles prioritise low-noise emissions because EVs are so quiet that tyre noise is more noticeable. If you drive an EV, tyres developed for the additional weight, instant torque and quieter powertrain may improve comfort. Explore Merityre’s range of electric car tyres to learn more. 

Normal road noise should remain fairly consistent and change with the road surface. A new sound that persists, gets louder, produces vibration or changes when you steer or brake deserves further investigation. 

Here are seven noises you should never ignore, read on to see what issues they might relate to: 

 

1. A humming noise that gets louder as you drive faster 

A low humming noise when driving is easy to dismiss, particularly when it only becomes obvious at higher speeds. It could come from uneven or heavily worn tyre tread, incorrect tyre pressure, poor alignment or an unbalanced wheel. 

However, humming, growling or rumbling that grows louder with speed can also indicate a worn wheel bearing. The noise may change as the vehicle turns and its weight shifts from one side to the other, but diagnosing the exact source is a job for a professional. 

Start by checking all four tyres for low pressure, visible damage and unusual wear. If the tyres appear fine but the hum continues, or you also notice vibration, loose steering or uneven wear, arrange an inspection rather than turning up the radio. 

 

2. A rhythmic thumping or slapping sound 

A repetitive thump that speeds up with the car usually means something is rotating with the wheel.  

Possible causes include: 

• a flat spot caused by the vehicle standing for a long time 

• a tyre that has worn unevenly 

• tread or internal tyre damage 

• a bulge or other deformation 

• an object lodged in the tyre 

• a loose or damaged wheel component 

A slight flat spot may even out once the tyre warms and regains its shape. A heavy thump, visible bulge or slapping sound is more serious. Slow down and stop somewhere safe to inspect the tyre. If it looks damaged or the car feels unstable, do not continue driving; contact a breakdown service. 

Merityre’s tyre safety advice explains how to check tyre pressure, tread depth and general condition. 

 

3. Clicking or ticking from one wheel 

Before imagining an expensive repair, check whether a stone is trapped in the tread. A small piece of gravel can create a surprisingly clear tick each time the tyre rotates, particularly at lower speeds. 

A nail or screw may produce a similar sound. Even if the tyre is not visibly flat, the object could be causing a slow puncture. Do not pull it out yourself, as it may be temporarily limiting the loss of air. 

If there is no obvious object in the tread, clicking while turning could come from a worn CV joint or another wheel or suspension component. Persistent clicking should therefore be checked, especially if it is accompanied by vibration or changes in steering. 

 

4. Squealing when turning corners 

Tyres can briefly squeal during an abrupt manoeuvre, but regular squealing at sensible speeds is not something to shrug off. 

Underinflated tyres can flex more than intended and may squeal as the car corners. Misaligned wheels can also change how the tread meets the road, causing the tyres to scrub, make noise and wear unevenly. Driving too quickly into bends can create squealing as well, so consider when and how the sound occurs. 

Check the pressures against the vehicle manufacturer’s figures while the tyres are cold. If the car pulls to one side, the steering wheel sits off-centre or the tread is wearing unevenly, book a free wheel alignment check. 

 

5. A vibration accompanied by a rumbling noise 

Noise you can feel as well as hear often points towards a wheel or tyre problem. An unbalanced wheel may cause vibration through the steering wheel, seat or floor, particularly within a certain speed range. Uneven tyre wear, a damaged tyre, a bent wheel or a worn suspension component could create similar symptoms. 

Wheel balancing distributes weight evenly around the tyre and wheel assembly so it can rotate smoothly. Merityre offers wheel balancing services if you notice vibration, rumbling or uneven wear. 

Do not assume balancing is always the answer, though. If the vibration begins suddenly, becomes severe or makes the car difficult to control, pull over safely and seek assistance. 

 

6. Grinding or scraping near a wheel 

Grinding is less likely to be ordinary tyre noise and should be taken seriously. If it happens while braking, worn brake pads or damaged discs may be responsible. A trapped stone, damaged wheel bearing, bent brake shield or another wheel assembly problem could also create a scraping sound. 

If braking performance has changed, the car pulls to one side when you brake, a warning light appears or you hear metal-on-metal grinding, stop driving as soon as it is safe. Merityre provides a free brake check to assess the condition of the braking system. 

 

7. Hissing from a tyre 

A hiss when the car is stationary is one of the clearest warning sounds: air may be escaping through a puncture, damaged valve or split in the tyre. 

Do not place your face or hands close to a visibly damaged or bulging tyre. If it is safe to inspect the tyre, check for an embedded object and use a pressure gauge to compare the tyre's pressure with the recommended figure. A tyre pressure monitoring system light is another warning sign, although not every leak will trigger it immediately. 

If the tyre is losing air, avoid driving on it. Continuing could damage the tyre beyond repair, harm the wheel and affect the vehicle’s handling. Arrange professional assistance instead. 

 

Why have my tyres suddenly become noisy? 

When you notice a new noise, think about what changed just before the sound began. Did you hit a pothole or kerb? Has the pressure warning light appeared? Were the tyres recently replaced? Does the sound only occur on one stretch of road, at one speed or while braking? 

Sudden tyre noise may be linked to: 

• pressure loss or a puncture 

• impact damage from a pothole or kerb 

• a change in wheel alignment or balance 

• tread wear becoming more pronounced 

• a stone or other object caught in the tread 

• a wheel bearing, brake or suspension fault 

These details can help a technician narrow down the cause, so make a note of when the noise starts, how it changes and whether you feel vibration through the steering wheel, pedals or seat. Contact Merityre today, book a service with us or find your local branch.  

 

Can different tyres make more noise? 

Yes. Tread design, rubber compound, tyre width and construction all influence noise. Chunkier tread patterns may be louder on tarmac, while some touring tyres are designed to prioritise a quiet, comfortable drive. 

The tyre label includes an external rolling noise figure in decibels and a noise class. This measures sound outside the vehicle, so it does not guarantee how quiet the tyre will feel inside the cabin, but it is useful when comparing similar options. 

Browse Merityre’s range of tyre manufacturers and compare suitable tyres for your vehicle before deciding. If your current tyres are worn or damaged, you can also buy tyres online by entering your registration or tyre size. 

 

When should you stop driving because of tyre noise? 

Pull over somewhere safe and stop driving if the noise is accompanied by: 

• a sudden loss of pressure 

• a bulge, split or exposed tyre cords 

• severe shaking or unstable handling 

• smoke or a burning smell 

• metal-on-metal grinding 

• reduced braking performance 

• a tyre visibly coming apart 

Do not stop in a live traffic lane unless the vehicle cannot move. On a motorway, follow current breakdown guidance and move to a safer location if the vehicle can be driven there safely. 

For a persistent sound without those immediate warning signs, arrange an inspection promptly. Discovering incorrect pressure, uneven wear or misalignment early may prevent further tyre damage and an expensive repair. 

 

Turn down the radio and listen to the noise coming from your tyres 

Not every hum or rumble means something is wrong, but a new or changing sound is your cue to investigate. Check the tyre pressures and condition, notice when the noise occurs and avoid making a diagnosis based on sound alone. 

At Merityre, our trained technicians can inspect your tyres and help identify whether the noise relates to tyre condition, pressure, balance or alignment. Find your nearest Merityre branch for a free tyre check and advice on the next step. 

 

FAQs 

Why are my tyres making a humming noise? 

A tyre-related hum may be caused by uneven tread wear, incorrect pressure, wheel imbalance or misalignment. A worn wheel bearing can make a similar noise, particularly if it becomes louder with speed or changes while turning, so arrange a professional inspection if it persists. 

Do worn tyres become noisier? 

Yes, they can become noisier as they age. Especially if wear is uneven - the way the tyre meets the road changes and may create more humming or droning. Noise alone cannot confirm the condition, so check the tread and have the tyre inspected. 

Can low tyre pressure cause noise? 

Yes. Underinflation changes the shape of the tyre and how much rubber contacts the road, which may create extra noise, heat and uneven wear. Always use the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for the load being carried and inflate your tyres if necessary.  

Why are my new tyres louder than the old ones? 

New tyres may have a different tread pattern, compound or construction from the previous set. Their noise can also vary with the road surface and pressure. Check that they are the correct specification and have been inflated properly; if the noise is excessive or comes with vibration, ask a Merityre specialist to inspect them.