Do new tires make noise until broken in? Yes, new tires often make more noise during the break-in period due to factors like mold release compounds, deep treads, and fresh rubber. This noise usually decreases after the first 500 to 1,000 miles as the tires wear in and settle.
When you purchase a new set of tires, one of the most common experiences is an increase in road noise. For many drivers, this leads to questions about whether it’s normal for new tires to make noise until they are broken in. While this is a common issue, understanding the causes and solutions for the noise can help you manage the situation and improve your overall driving experience.
This guide will explain why new tires can be noisy, what factors contribute to this, how long it lasts, and how you can reduce tire noise during the break-in period.
Contents
Why Do New Tires Make Noise?
When you first install new tires, it’s common to notice an increase in road noise. This is primarily due to factors like mold release agents, deep treads, and fresh rubber, all of which contribute to a noisier ride during the initial break-in period.
1. Mold Release Compounds
Tires are made in molds, and during the manufacturing process, tire manufacturers use specific release agents to help the tires come out of the mold easily. These compounds can linger on the surface of the tire. The release agents make the tire surface slightly slippery, and this can result in additional noise when the tires first hit the road. As the tires are used and the surface compounds wear off, the noise usually decreases. This initial noise is entirely normal and temporary.
2. Tread Depth and Pattern
One of the key factors that contribute to the noise of new tires is their tread pattern and depth. New tires typically come with deep treads designed to provide optimal grip, especially on wet or slippery roads. While these deeper treads are necessary for traction, they also make the tires noisier than worn tires with shallower tread patterns.
The deeper the treads, the more surface area is in contact with the road, causing increased friction and, thus, more road noise. As the tires wear and the tread depth decreases, the noise level typically drops.
3. Rubber Composition
Tires are made from a variety of rubber compounds that impact their performance and road noise. Softer compounds tend to produce less noise but wear out faster, while harder compounds are more durable but can be noisier. Most new tires are made from a balance of rubber compounds designed to offer good durability, performance, and handling. However, the harder compounds in certain tires, especially performance or all-terrain tires, can produce more road noise, particularly during the break-in period.
4. Tread Squirm and Breaking In
New tires often exhibit something known as tread squirm. This is the slight movement of the tread blocks as they contact the road. Tread squirm occurs because the rubber is not fully set yet, and the tire’s tread may shift slightly under pressure. This results in a higher level of noise as the tires are not fully settled into their shape.
As you drive and the tires wear in, this tread squirm diminishes, and the noise level reduces. The break-in period allows the tires to conform better to the road surface, leading to quieter operation.
5. Uneven Initial Wear
During the initial phase after installing new tires, they may not make perfect contact with the road surface due to manufacturing variances. Tires have different levels of flexibility, and until they are used enough to break in, this slight uneven wear can lead to noise. Over time, as the tires settle into their natural shape, this issue resolves itself, and the noise decreases.
How Long Does the Noise Last?
New tires typically make more noise during the break-in period, but this noise is temporary. Generally, the noise starts to subside after about 500 to 1,000 miles as the tires settle in and wear down.
Break-In Period Duration
The noise caused by new tires typically lasts for the first 500 to 1,000 miles. This period is considered the “break-in” period for tires, during which they settle into their optimal shape and the compounds on the surface wear off. During this time, you may notice more road noise than usual, but as the tires conform to the road surface and the tread wears down, the noise generally diminishes.
It’s important to note that the exact duration of this period can vary depending on factors such as the type of tire, the vehicle, and the driving conditions. For example, high-performance tires with aggressive tread patterns may take a bit longer to break in compared to all-season tires. Similarly, aggressive driving, such as sharp turns or rapid acceleration, may prolong the break-in period.
How to Minimize Tire Noise During the Break-In Period
While the noise during the break-in period is temporary, there are a few things you can do to reduce it and help the tires settle in more quickly:
1. Drive Gently
During the break-in period, avoid hard braking, quick acceleration, and sharp turns. These driving habits can increase wear and prolong the time it takes for your tires to break in. Instead, try to drive gently and allow the tires to gradually wear in. Smooth, steady driving helps the tires settle into their natural shape and reduces noise.
2. Keep Tires Properly Inflated
Tires that are under- or over-inflated can cause uneven wear, which can lead to increased noise and reduced performance. Ensure that your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) levels. Proper tire pressure promotes even wear, reduces friction, and helps maintain a quieter ride.
3. Avoid Wet or Rough Roads
Driving on wet roads or rough terrain during the break-in period can increase tire noise. Wet roads often result in increased rolling resistance and can exacerbate the noise caused by deep treads. Similarly, rough or uneven road surfaces can further contribute to tire noise. It’s advisable to avoid these conditions, if possible, until your tires have settled in.
4. Rotate Tires Regularly
Tire rotation is crucial for even wear and helps prevent uneven tread wear that could lead to excessive noise. Ensure that your tires are rotated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular rotation can help ensure that the wear is evenly distributed across all four tires, which in turn can reduce the noise during the break-in period.
When to Consult a Professional
If the noise continues beyond the break-in period or is excessively loud, it could be a sign of an underlying issue. Here are some potential problems to watch out for:
- Imbalanced Tires: If your tires are not balanced correctly, they can produce more noise and cause vibrations.
- Misalignment: A misaligned vehicle can cause uneven tire wear and lead to excessive road noise.
- Suspension Issues: If your suspension system is worn out, it can affect the performance of the tires and increase noise.
If you experience any of these issues, it’s a good idea to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic to get it checked out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about new tires and noise –
1. Do new tires always make noise?
Yes, new tires generally make more noise than worn-out tires due to the fresh rubber, deeper treads, and mold release compounds. This noise is usually temporary and decreases after the break-in period.
2. How long does the break-in period for new tires last?
The break-in period typically lasts around 500 to 1,000 miles. During this time, the noise will gradually diminish as the tires wear in.
3. Can tire noise indicate a problem?
In most cases, tire noise is normal during the break-in period. However, if the noise persists after the break-in period or is accompanied by other issues such as vibrations, it may indicate a problem like misalignment, imbalance, or suspension issues.
4. How can I reduce tire noise during the break-in period?
To reduce noise, drive gently, maintain proper tire pressure, avoid wet or rough roads, and rotate your tires regularly to ensure even wear.
5. Will the noise from new tires go away completely?
Yes, in most cases, the noise from new tires will subside after the break-in period as the tread wears down, mold release agents wear off, and the tires settle into their optimal shape.
Conclusion
This noise is a normal part of the break-in process and usually diminishes after the first 500 to 1,000 miles. The noise is caused by several factors, including mold release compounds, deep treads, and rubber composition. With proper care, such as driving gently and maintaining correct tire pressure, the noise will reduce over time. If the noise persists beyond the break-in period or becomes bothersome, it could be a sign of an underlying issue, in which case a visit to a mechanic is recommended.