June 2012: Choosing low noise tyres

New rules on tyre noise being introduced over the next few years will mean that drivers will need to ensure that their tyres comply with stricter standards.

Tyre noise is measured externally, i.e. the external noise created by the tyre, not noise heard by the driver from inside the car, and is measured in decibels (dB).

The new EU tyre regulations will make it mandatory for all standard passenger tyres sold in Europe to show a tyre label with a rating for noise as well as fuel efficiency and wet braking distances, the other categories being rated.

The new regulations mean quiet tyres, or tyres described as low noise tyres, with a low rating for noise will become an increasingly important factor in the buying process.

What are the benefits of choosing low noise tyres? Unlike the other categories on the label which help improve safety or cut your fuel usage and therefore save you money, noise seems to be less important. However quiet tyres are beneficial in a number of ways.

Choosing low noise tyres can help reduce traffic noise, a major environmental concern and general nuisance for the population at large.

Comfort is another concern for our customers as tyres with a blockier tread design and a noisier ride are sometimes attributed to giving a less comfortable ride as well. More modern patterns are designed to reduce noise regardless of design but it’s worth keeping this in mind.

Also it seems obvious but choosing tyres which are quieter externally also reduces internal noise levels too – the noisier the tyre outside, the noisier it will be inside. Some sportier tyre patterns tend to cause more noise due to the robust tread design but you won’t have any indication of this before you buy the tyre. However with the new labels, drivers will be able to tell at a glance how quiet the tyre has been rated before they buy it.

Read the full tyre labelling article here or search for low noise tyres online now. Any queries? Ask our online operators a question and get an instant response by clicking here.

This article is written by expert Chris J Dutton who has 17 years industry experience and writes news, content and press releases. If you would like to make contact with Chris then you can do so at Email and also see Chris's Google+ profile or contact customer services for any other query.