When it comes to describing the components of a quality driving experience, the road condition is the first thing, which comes to our mind. A smooth and bump free driveway is necessary to ensure stable and safe drive. A flat track means a comfortable ride however, if you still hear a loud noise, while driving on a quiet road, then you need to check the vehicle. The road in is not the single factor to deliver smooth and noise free ride. The condition of your car, tyre and driving habits are also vital to provide a quieter ride.
If your vehicle is fitted with tyres of a reliable brand like continental tyres in Dubai, you will not be experiencing noise and shiver. Suddenly, your car started producing abnormal sounds and squeaks while starting, running and braking. Don’t assume it a wind noise of passing vehicles. It can be due to engine issues or damaged tyres.
Why uneven tread wear causes noise?
Uneven tread damage is known to cause abnormal and severe damages to the tread of the tyre and makes your vehicle louder during the drive on highways. Irregular wear of tyre tread is the primary reason for excessive vibration and noise production. If you carefully observe the wear pattern of many tyres, you will find a variation in damage, which indicates that damage has happened due to a different reason. Here I am sharing few typical patterns of uneven tread wear with reasons to explain why and how they double the noise.
Under-inflation
This condition occurs when the tyre wears out at its edges and gets damaged from inside and outside. Whereas central part remains unaffected or less affected, tyre becomes underinflated. If you keep driving a vehicle on under-inflated tyres, it will flatten further and put more pressure on the outer edges. As a result, air produces noise when it passes between the tyre and tread and tyres generate loud squeal sound.
Over-inflation
Speedy damage to the tyre’s central part is a result of over-inflation which mainly occurs when central part is continuously receiving an excess of pressure. The best way to avoid stress related issues is to keep checking inflation of tyres after completing every 1000 miles.
Camber wear
Camber wear is another significant cause of uneven wear and not due to happen due to pressure issues. Misalignment is the primary cause of camber wear. Alignment problems are the consequence of damaged ball joint and wheels and suspension issues. Camber wear produce a typical uneven wear pattern. It is characterised by irregular damage of the one-shoulder of the tyre and minor damage on rest of tyre.
Feathering
Tyre becomes feathered when one edge of the ribs of the treads get round on one side and become sharper on the other side. You can quickly check it with your hands. Just run your hand over the footsteps to feel the changes in tyre dimensions. The primary cause of feathering is wrong toe-in setting, which is a wheel alignment issue. Besides this worn out bushings or front suspension are the secondary objectives of feathering.
Cupping
This damage is typified with scalloping of rubber. When you find scoops, across your vehicle tyre, you can call it tyre cupping. It happens due to worn out or bent suspension and imbalance of tyre. The irregular wear is also known as patch repair. Instead of producing noises, cupping is the most dangerous kind of uneven wear. It causes heavy vibration during a drive along with excessive sound, which makes driving risky.
Endnote: As soon as you find any of these uneven wear and sounds in your tyre, make sure to fix the cause as soon as possible with rotation or replacing tyres with continental tyres in Dubai.