While driving a car, different sounds are heard: how the engine rumbles, how the transmission clicks. And even tires create a certain noise effect. To prevent it, you need to choose the quietest summer tires. Note that there are a huge number of brands offering products, so it is important to make the right choice.
About the main parameters
The task of tires is to ensure the safety and comfort of road users. The achievement of these characteristics directly depends on the degree of noise generated by the tires in contact with the road surface. But how to understand that the tires are perfect, and they are selected correctly? Before choosing the quietest summer tires, it is worth clarifying the parameters by which the noiselessness indicator is determined:
- The softness of rubber. The quietness of the tires directly depends on the softness of the tread - the softer it is, the quieter the vehicle will drive. It should be understood that soft rubber wears out faster under heavy braking, so it is important that the braking distance is short to maintain noiselessness. It is also important that soft rubber is not resistant to sudden braking and heavy loads.
- Tread width is the second important parameter. The wider the width, the more noise there will be when driving, especially at high speed.
To choose the quietest and most comfortable summer tires, you need to choose models with moderate hardness and the correct tire tread pattern. He plays important role, as it affects the quality of adhesion of the wheels to the road surface. Subject to moderate speed limit and operation of the car in the city, you can pick up tires with. If you like speed and sharp turns, tires should have an asymmetric tread pattern - it also affects the low noise level.
We have described the main characteristics that play a role in choosing silent tires. Now we offer to evaluate which are the quietest summer tires R16 (2017) and get acquainted with the list of the most popular brands.
Michelin
One of the world's most popular brands offers a wide range of tires that give a feeling of comfort when riding on any surface. Among the distinguishing features summer tires this brand can be distinguished by excellent grip, easy handling of cars even when skidding, driving economy and smoothness of movement. One of the new products of the brand is Michelin Primacy LC rubber, which pleases with acoustic comfort and fuel economy. If you make a rating of the quietest R16 summer tires, then these tires can definitely be recorded as leaders:
- acoustic comfort is ensured by using modern technologies in production using innovative rubber compound;
- an optimized tread profile is responsible for quiet operation;
- tires can be used on high-speed cars.
Another popular tire model among drivers is the Pilot Sport 3. Due to the reduced weight of the tires, maneuverability is increased and the vehicle's handling is improved.
good year
The summer line pleases with several tire models at once, which have good acoustic properties. At the same time, they combine high wear resistance, low level noise, good road grip. If you decide which summer tires are the quietest in the line of this brand, you can first of all note the Eagle F1 Asymmetric. High-performance tires are based on the design of high-performance sports tires. And this affects the achievement of several important advantages:
- good car handling;
- low probability of aquaplaning;
- uniform load transfer to the tires.
UltraGripIce 2 tires are characterized by a low noise level. They show their effectiveness at high speeds in any road surface condition.
Nokian
The quietest summer tires can be found among the products of the Finnish manufacturer. Any summer models of this brand are characterized by impeccable movement on any road surface, a high level of comfort and noiselessness. Both on dry and wet surfaces, the rubber behaves equally smoothly, stably, providing a good one of the popular models - Nokian Hakka Blue 2. Among its features stand out:
- good handling due to the DRY TOUCH concept;
- safety of behavior on a wet road;
- minimal driving noise.
Many drivers note that even when making maneuvers, the car keeps confidently, as the tires are able to withstand an aggressive driving style.
Pirelli
The quietest summer tires for crossovers are produced under the Pirelli brand. Eco-friendly tires are suitable for SUVs and any models of crossovers. In addition to safety, they are distinguished by acoustic comfort and fuel economy, which is achieved by using environmentally friendly materials. Scorpion Verde tires are considered innovative, which differ minimum level impact on environment, fuel economy and clean air. The optimal set of characteristics affects the low noise level: it complies with the EURO 2012 standards, which affects the high level of acoustic comfort.
If you are looking for not only the quietest summer tires, but also the highest quality ones, take a look at the Pirelli PZero Asimmetrico tires. It is recommended for powerful sports cars. Tires meet the requirements of high reliability, comfort. Fundamentally new type tread affects better grip, better dynamics and manageability. It is also important that the tires have an amazingly low noise level. More often this model tires are put on premium cars.
Continental
The Continental brand also produces the quietest and softest summer tires. Solving the problem of silent tires, the brand has introduced a completely new ContiSilent technology. Its task is to reduce tire noise that appears in the car. It is achieved by applying to the tread special coating- a special layer of foam that dampens the sound waves that occur during the movement of the wheels. The effect of silence will be achieved on any road surface, which will increase the comfort of passengers. This technology is used to produce ContiSportContact 5 and ContiVikingContact 6 tires. According to both drivers and experts, they deserve attention as the quietest tires for use in summer.
In aggregate technical properties Continental's Premium Contact tires are noteworthy. In addition to good handling, they perfectly show themselves as smoothly and clearly passing any obstacles on the road. At the same time, the acoustic background remains calm, which guarantees the convenience of being in the car. With such tires, you can safely go on a long journey and be sure of the comfort of the entire trip!
Bridgestone
Many drivers, when deciding for themselves which summer tires are the quietest and softest, prefer products from trusted brands. One of them is Bridgestone. The lowest noise level in this line trademark boasts Potenza S001. Innovative tires are created on the basis of Run Flat technology, thanks to which the car will continue safe movement even after a puncture. Achieve unique technical parameters The brand succeeded due to several production features:
- the use of polyethylene terephthalate affects the best grip due to the strengthening of the sidewalls;
- the Silent AC unit affects noise reduction and helps to achieve a compromise between sporty parameters and comfort indicators for the driver and passengers;
- Reinforcement of the outer blocks helps maintain an optimal trajectory even during sharp turns.
Due to the effective balance of the tires of this brand, they have become one of the best in their price category. In addition, the tires are balanced specifications, which is sufficient to ensure good vehicle handling and maintain its stability on any road surface.
Looking for the perfect solution
We have described the most popular tires famous brands who create high-quality and reliable products with good performance noiselessness. Most tires are used for basic configuration leading brands from Audi to Aston Martin. Of course, brand products also differ in cost, but it’s still not worth saving. To really choose silent tires take into account the following characteristics:
- tread pattern;
- length stopping distance;
- wear resistance of the rubber itself;
- rolling resistance.
It is also worth understanding that low-noise tires are not resistant to external influences if you like an aggressive driving style. This is especially true for sports and off-road vehicles.
conclusions
Summing up, we can say the following: good silent tires should combine a variety of characteristics. Safety, reliable grip road surface, resistance to moisture, proven tread pattern - all this plays an important role in improving both the safety of tire operation and their noise performance. And not always a low acoustic background indicates that the quality of the rubber is at its best, and the tread is perfectly matched. So, when making a choice, consider all the important functional characteristics of tires.
So, if we are talking about the quietest summer tires, then we immediately run into what this noise creates - the tread pattern. Ideally, rubber should not have transverse grooves at all, but you are unlikely to agree to go back to the 30s, when clincher tires with such a pattern could be seen on cars.
Therefore, while maintaining resistance to hydroplaning (and some kind of cross-country ability will not hurt), a low-noise tire should ideally have the softest tread with a “rectangular” cut and wide longitudinal grooves. These tires show best level acoustic comfort, but the angular "checkers", although they are definitely advantageous in terms of water drainage and patency, will make more noise. Narrow, but deep grooves are preferable, while they should alternate with deeper ones - this way you get the most optimal combination of noise and "water flow".
The more cross-country ability is required from tires, the more acoustics will have to be sacrificed. Wide, angled grooves will inevitably increase the noise level even on soft rubber grades. This is especially pronounced on Mud-Terrain tires with their aggressive tread. So maybe if acoustic comfort on the pavement is so important, you should think about two different sets of wheels, and not just one "universal" one?
Noise level is one of the many characteristics of tires. It does not affect the level of grip with the road surface, the reliability of control, the length of the braking distance and driving safety. Affects the comfort of the driver and passengers in the vehicle, general level noise, the presence / absence of extraneous annoying sounds in the cabin.
Despite the seeming insignificance of the characteristic, tires with an annoying rumble and a strong “rustling” of the tread can unbalance even the most calm person. Turn a trip without the included multimedia system into a real nightmare. Therefore, learn to recognize tires that are prone to increased noise, and identify tires with good performance acoustic comfort.
What affects tire noise levels?
1. Tread features (softness, width, pattern structure)
The softer tread makes for a quieter ride, but wears off faster with aggressive driving. Width - second important indicator. Tires with a wider tread are more noisy, but have better traction. And the structure of the tread pattern affects the acoustic comfort.
2. Design of spikes and lamellas (for studded and friction tires).
Summer tires have better acoustic comfort compared to car "shoes" for winter. Recently, however, tire manufacturers have been more actively implementing noise reduction technologies in winter tires, especially in studded tires.
About marking
To simplify the selection of tires in terms of noise, a special classification. Divides tires into 3 categories. During the test, the characteristic is measured in decibels. Refers the tire model to a particular class. The result is applied to the sidewall in the form of a graphic designation.
- 1 wave - the quietest;
- 2 waves - average noise level;
- 3 waves - with low acoustic comfort (6 dB louder compared to tires with applied "one wave").
The best low noise summer tires A
Low-noise eco-class tires designed with maximum attention to mileage and reduced rolling resistance for fuel efficiency.
These Michelin brand tires are an improved version of the Energy Saver model. Compared to its predecessor, the area of the contact spot has increased by 10%. This favorably affected the grip on dry and wet roads.
Another significant advantage of tires is a rubber compound with special fixing components to strengthen molecular bonds. They provide a long tire life.
Michelin did not use special proprietary technologies to reduce noise as such. However, Energy Saver + turned out to be softer compared to its predecessor, which favorably affected this characteristic.
In doing so, consider one important detail. The Energy Saver+ doesn't perform well on broken roads with lots of potholes and temporary patches. They become stiff and uncomfortable. They are able to show themselves in all their glory only on high quality asphalt surfaces.
Conclusion: noiseless and comfortable tires only on high-quality asphalt surfaces.
Video: How to choose quiet and soft summer tires
Pirelli Cinturato P7
Eco-friendly premium tire designed for passenger cars and off-road vehicles. Received many high marks according to the test results of Russian and foreign publications (Autoreview, AutoBild), etc. In addition to the main characteristics such as reliable grip on dry pavement and stability on wet roads, it has low noise. Pirelli employees have achieved this result thanks to a special tread pattern with an optimized block pitch.
The tread of the Cinturato P7 tire has 4 longitudinal grooves of increased width. They are used to improve the car's behavior on wet roads and increase hydroplaning resistance.
For precision control when cornering and stable exchange rate stability meet the central blocks and shoulders with an increased stiffness index.
Conclusion: balanced tires with a "balanced character". They have improved indicators of comfort and stability of behavior to the detriment of sporty precise and reckless control, minimal braking distance.
Another low-noise premium summer tire that replaces the ER300 in model range Bridgestone. It is positioned by the manufacturer as a reliable, maneuverable and highly comfortable travel tire. The technology used by the Japanese tire company to improve acoustic comfort is the appearance of a different groove design in the tread. With the help of them, the noise level is reduced according to the Helmholtz principle, the “whistling” of the tread pattern is removed.
Another unique technological solution in Bridgestone tires became the NanoPro-Tech system, which made it possible to create a flat contact profile. Due to this, tire wear is more even. The number of kilometers that a car travels on one set of rubber has increased.
Conclusion: they are distinguished by low noise on high and medium quality roads, an efficient drainage system and even wear.
Rating of winter tires with high acoustic comfort
The new flagship model line Nokian. Winter tires of the latest generation with double stud technology, which has metal lugs. Differs in high adaptability to road and climatic conditions.
In the arsenal of the ninth Hakka, an improved technology for planting spikes Eco Stud, unique systems siping and drainage, an updated design of the V-shaped tread pattern and new solutions in the composition of the rubber compound. Last changes aimed at improving acoustic comfort characteristics and optimizing fuel consumption.
Finnish experts "taught" the spikes to make less noise and reduce their negative impact on the road through the use of external chamfers and a cushion layer of soft rubber. These elements expand the contact area of the metal hook, but soften the pressure on pavement. As a result, the new studding technology slows down the wear of the asphalt. Allows the tire to generate less noise.
Conclusion: expected quality winter tires for different weather conditions. It has become less “toothy” (with fewer anti-skid spikes) compared to its predecessor, but has grown in terms of comfort and smoothness. One of the best studded premium tires with high traction in terms of noise level.
ContiWinterContact TS 810 from Continental
Comfortable winter tire for medium and business class cars, featuring long term service, good traction and good braking on snowy and icy roads. Asymmetric tread pattern with special sipes. The sipes are 20% thicker on the inside of the tire compared to the sidewalls.
It contains a polymer (active carbon black) that improves traction in wet winter weather, and reactive softeners. The latter contribute to an optimal balance between tire life and the softness of the rubber compound for a more comfortable ride. As a result, the winter tire from Continental is devoid of excessive stiffness while maintaining the necessary wear resistance and strength, which is a tangible help for good acoustic comfort.
Conclusion: Velcro tires of the German manufacturer. They do not support the newfangled ContiSilent technology, which is aimed at reducing noise levels, but they have sufficient comfort characteristics, good mileage and confident grip on winter road surfaces.
Studless tire with V-shaped tread pattern, increased number of blocks. Features effective sludge removal, wet snow from the contact patch due to the channels expanding laterally.
The tread pattern provides a combination of special structural elements - Z-shaped sipes, microscopic pumps, sawtooth edges. Together they work to improve traction and braking properties.
With all its advantages, the tire has a good ride and exemplary acoustic comfort. However, it is more sensitive and demanding on the quality of the roadway compared to Nokian and Continental. Harder and noisier on broken tracks.
Conclusion:low noise friction tires developed by Michelin back in 2012. Despite its venerable age, one of the best in the field of acoustic comfort in the Velcro class. Suitable for owners of passenger cars and crossovers who like to use vehicles, and most of their route runs along asphalt roads.
Video: TEST REVIEW: TOP 5 winter tires 2017-18. What tires are best?
What tires to buy?
The presented models of tires please with high characteristics of acoustic comfort. Individual tires are able to show the best qualities on overhauled and new road surfaces.
Absolutely silent tires does not happen, which is due to the laws of physics and proven in practice Russian roads with a lot of "pleasant surprises" like pits, cracks, potholes. Therefore, do not expect too much from tires, some fantastic results that are unattainable for average tires of good quality. German autobahns and Russian country roads are not the same thing. Premium tires with high acoustic comfort are designed just for the first.
Do not forget about another component of a quiet trip - the soundproofing of the car. This applies to how engine compartment, arches and wings, and the cabin itself. In the case of mediocre performance or the complete absence of “Shumka”, no Michelin or Continental will save the day.
In winter, the operating conditions of the car are more difficult than in summer. In addition, drivers become less comfortable to drive due to the appearance of noise that is created by tires. Winter tires are often noisier, but there are exceptions. What are the quietest tires for winter? Let's consider them below.
Usually studded tires are the noisiest. This is due to the contact of the spikes with the road. However, by changing their shape and material of manufacture, noise can be reduced. Tires without studs are always quieter than with them. But among them there are also more and less noisy models. Helps to understand the issue small rating silent winter tires.
Quietest tires for winter
Continental ContiVikingContact 6
Friction tires Continental Conti Viking Contact 6 are in the first place in this rating. The tread is divided into central and lateral parts. The central one provides good directional stability, and the side ones are necessary for grip and patency.
More: Comparison Yokohama tire with global brands
The tread has lamellas in an increased number and different shapes, which further improve grip. Thanks to the modified composition of the rubber, the tires remain soft in the cold.
A small level of noise is achieved here thanks to the grooves that change the wind flow.
Nokian Nordman 5
The low noise level of Nokian Nordman 5 is achieved due to the modified shape of the spikes - they are rounded. Made with Bear Claw technology, they will grip the surface as you move, providing superior traction.
The tread pattern is directional, and its grooves change the flow of wind, which is why the noise level is further reduced.
Continental ContiIceContact 2
The third place, perhaps, can be given to studded tires Continental Conti Ice Contact 2. Noise reduction is provided thanks to the modified form of the spikes, or rather, the carbide insert.
Due to it, the efficiency of spikes has increased, besides, it practically does not spoil the road surface.
The number of spikes is increased by 1.5 times. They are attached more securely, so they do not fall out for a long time. Tires also became less noisy due to the non-standard arrangement of tread blocks.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2
The company is always special attention related to the development of new models, because of which they had high performance. Almost all models from a well-known Finnish manufacturer have high performance and low noise levels.
More: Overview of the best stamped wheels on the VAZ
Many technologies of Velcro Nokian Hakapelita R2 are the same as those of studded ones, due to which they are adapted to harsh conditions operation.
However, due to the lack of spikes, the rubber turned out to be even less noisy. Because of this, another advantage also appeared - on asphalt, the grip properties are preserved, and you should not worry about the safety of the spikes, since they are not.
Michelin X-Ice North 3
In studded Michelin X Ice Nord 3, the low noise level is ensured not by the changed shape of the studs, but by their fastening. The bottom layer that holds them is made from a different compound. It is able to change physical properties depending on the air temperature.
When the temperature approaches zero and above, the rubber becomes softer and the studs are pressed inward without contact with the road, and in cold weather the material hardens and the studs firmly hook on the road surface. This explains the low noise level.
Recently, all tires in our country have begun to be marked special icons on stickers that characterize the consumer properties of the tire. In this article, we will analyze what exactly is encrypted in these stickers and which tires are quieter.
Previously, such stickers contained only the brand, tire model, dimension, and speed and load indices. Tires can currently be read with information about tire comfort, braking distance, noise level and index. wet clutch. And if earlier, the seller could cheat and say incorrect consumer information referring to - for example, now you can check it by reading the information from the sticker.
So far, the consumer characteristics of tires are determined on the basis of the ISO 28580 standard and are most true only for summer tires. Therefore, the depicted properties of winter tires will lose to summer ones. IN soon this nuance will be finalized for winter tires.
Which tire brands are softer and more comfortable
Recently, there has been a trend in the tire market that manufacturers are moving away from "pseudo-sport" hard tires in their softer performance. What properties of a tire affect its softness and comfort? First of all, this is the composition of the rubber compound - the softer the composition, the better the tire will "swallow" small bumps in the road and the less these bumps will be transmitted to the car. The second significant nuance for comfort is the height of the tire profile. The lower the profile, the more rigid the tire will seem to you, while not forgetting that too much high profile adversely affects the handling of the vehicle.
It is believed that Michelin, Nokian and Continental have the softest tires. At the same time, the entire Bridgestone line is considered tougher in comparison with them.
Quiet tyres. Which ones to choose?
Every experienced motorist has more than once encountered the fact that having bought new tires and installed them on a car, there was a feeling that you were driving not a car, but a supersonic aircraft. But no matter how ridiculous it may seem, about 20% of motorists are unhappy with new tires precisely because of their noise. What affects tire noise and how to choose quiet tires, we will be prompted by the test of the Tire-Darom site.
Quiet tires must answer the following characteristics. First, the rubber compound should be moderately soft. Rigid tires create sound waves, including resonant ones, due to the hard landing of the tread on the asphalt. Because of this, a strong low-frequency rumble appears, which most annoys motorists. Secondly, the tread pattern is responsible for the silence. The fewer transverse grooves and the closer their slope to 90 degrees, the more noise the tire makes. If you paid attention, then for the bulk of the tires, the tread is located at an angle of 45 degrees. Such a slope of the transverse grooves (drainage systems) allows the most efficient removal of water from the contact patch and creates a minimum of sound waves. Thirdly, the pitch of the transverse channels affects the acoustic comfort. Even a schoolboy knows that a sound with one frequency can cause a destructive resonance. That is why military units never cross bridges walking "toe to toe" - they go in a free style. At first glance, it is almost impossible to determine that tires are capable of causing sound resonance, therefore, when purchasing tires, do not try to determine the tread pitch, focus on the sticker indicating the consumer characteristics of the tires.
When it comes to quiet winter tires, then your choice should definitely be on the side. friction tires which are called Velcro. The difference between studded tires and Velcro can reach several tens of decibels.
Winter tire tests:
Well, we had to come to Sweden twice. The first time we sat for a week, skated the entire test program on snow and ice. And then, already in April, on roads that had just cleared of ice, they measured the braking distance on wet and dry pavement - and assessed the acoustic comfort and smoothness of the ride. Well, then, using the traditional system of translating results into points, they summed up the results.
In the next big test"studded" we collected six sets of 15-inch tires from Western and Eastern manufacturers. Some of the trump cards include experience and the latest technologies, while others have the will to win and affordable prices. Whose will take?
This time we have chosen one of the most popular sizes - 195/65 R15, which suits many small and inexpensive cars. Different markets, different understanding of the product, different design schools. What distinguishes tires from East and West from each other, what are their strengths and weak sides and what should the Russian buyer pay attention to?
If you are reading this article, then the words “winter is coming” are a call to action for you. Moreover, we have collected for you the best of 80 winter tires and invited you to vote for the best in our ranking. Check out the results. And so, we will make a rating of the TOP-20 tires winter 2018 and consider non-studded tires for crossovers and SUVs.
In the next comparative test of winter tires of the popular "crossover" dimension 215/65 R16, 23 models converged - absolute record mass in history tests Autoreview! Not only did we manage to embrace the immensity, but along the way, we also stopped the shipment of one of the consignments of Nokian tires ...
Summer tire tests:
Recently, the size of tires in the original equipment of cars has increased significantly. The time of tires R13 175/70 for Zhiguli has gone, now the priorities are "huge bast shoes". This is due to the latest trends in the world and the increased demand for SUV cars. Let's take a look at the test in which the Autoreview staff tested Tiguan's native sizes 215/65 R17 and 255/45 R19. In the first size, 6 models entered the starting grid, the second size was presented by 5 models.
Models in different sizes are different, because. most tires in large sizes are made in UHP format. These changes are dictated by the sporty style of the large wheel sizes.
The cheaper the tires, the easier the choice? No, harder! We tested twelve sets of 185/60 R14 summer tires for the most affordable cars. And not only put all the participants in their places, but also found out what an attempt to save money on a purchase could result in.
Tires 185/60 R14 are bought, as a rule, by owners of Lada cars and older foreign cars. For tire manufacturers, small sizes are not of great interest due to low profitability. Worthy novelties in this segment - a rarity. However, tire manufacturers, who seriously care about the image, try from year to year to improve even though they have become familiar, but quite successful models.
We test 195/65 R15 summer tires for relatively inexpensive cars and see how their performance has changed dramatically over the past ten years.
Nowadays, even small and inexpensive cars roll off the assembly line on 15-inch wheels. Many Russians and quite expensive cars they put “tags” with a higher profile - they are preferable on our roads. Tire manufacturers, for which income depends more on the sizes of tires sold than on their number, are indifferent to budget dimensions. New items are offered at least in the seventeen-inch segment, and small sizes are sluggishly updated, usually slightly reducing rolling resistance.
However, there are companies for which Russian market is very important, and they literally fight for the leading positions, annually “grinding” their products, trying to get ahead of competitors in grip properties on dry and wet surfaces. Therefore, there is always intrigue in our tests.
