Why Are My Tires Making Noise?

Do you notice a screeching sound coming from your tires when you’re driving, braking or turning?

Some tires may also skid while driving, producing a high-pitch squeal when you change your car’s velocity. Tire squealing and screeching is common, especially with older cars, and that can be very annoying — not to mention alarming — for the driver and passenger.

It’s not always a sign that there’s something wrong with your tires or car; on the other hand, it might be a symptom of a much greater problem. Pay close attention to when and how your tires are squealing to help diagnose the issue. Figuring out why your tires are making noise will prevent potential tire damage. 

This article will explain why tires squeal and screech, as well as why they make noise in certain situations. 

Why Do Tires Squeal Or Screech?

Tires make a squealing noise when their tire rubs against the road in a direction that the tire isn’t rotating in. 

As you drive your car, the rotation of the tires drives your vehicle forward. Tires only turn in two intended directions, which won’t normally produce squealing or screeching. However, if your tires slide on the road as they turn or break, it’s a sign that your treads are rubbing against the road (“against the grain,” so to speak), which produces a squeal. 

This doesn’t always mean something is wrong with your car! On slippery surfaces (especially on smooth concrete or paint), tires can squeal slightly when you turn, especially if you make a very sharp turn. This is because the turn pulls your car suddenly in a different direction, which drags your tires across the road. Braking on a slippery surface may also cause your tire to slide against the road as it struggles to slow down. This, of course, results in a squeak. 

However, if your tires often squeal, it can be a sign that something is wrong with them. Remember that tires squealing are just a sign that they’re rubbing against the road. Here are some other common causes of tire squealing:

• Low tire pressure: Often produces a squealing when you turn or break as the tire struggles to gain traction on the road. 
• Worn treads: If your tire tread is worn, the tire may be struggling to grip the road as it smooths out from regular wear. 
• Wheels misaligned: Wheels may need to be realigned, so your car can distribute its weight evenly across all four tires. Misaligned wheels can sometimes make your tires squeal. 
• Tires unbalanced: Similar to wheel alignment, balancing your tires ensures that their treads are rolling evenly across the road. 
• Brake pad wear: Brake pads wear down as you drive. Sometimes the screeching has nothing to do with your tires and everything to do with your braking!
• Damaged engine belt: If your vehicle makes a screeching sound when you accelerate, it may be a sign that your car’s engine belt needs replacement. You’ll be able to tell if your car feels like it’s difficult to steer. 

A large part of diagnosing why your tires are squealing is identifying when it happens. 

Why Does My Car Screech When Braking?

• Check your tire’s inflation, as an under-inflated tire can result in more friction between your tire and the road under any driving circumstance.
• Look closely at the treads of your tires. Try measuring your tire’s tread depth to see if your tires need to be replaced. 
• Inspect your brake pad wear indicator. A worn down brake pad will produce a loud metallic screech when you brake. You can also check your brake rotors to see if they are worn down. (Better yet: Take it to a trusted mechanic.)
• Have your car’s braking system inspected for damage or wear, as the noise may be from something else in your vehicle.
• Brake gradually. If you have a tendency to brake hard when you come to a stop, your car may squeal as the tires slide against the road. Brake softer during normal driving, as hard braking can put a lot of stress on your tires and vehicle.
• Anticipate stops. Vehicles will almost always squeak if you try to stop them over too short a distance. 

Why Do My Tires Squeak When Turning?

• Always start with your tire’s inflation, as this is the most common cause. Especially check your tire pressure during the season changes!
• Misaligned wheels can make your tires squeal during turns as the tire slides unevenly across the road. 
• Tread damage or wear — the tire can’t grip on the road during the sudden turn, resulting in a loud screeching noise. 
• Slippery surfaces, especially in winter, will make your tires squeal. There may be nothing wrong with your vehicle!
• Something else if your car makes strange noises while turning, take it to your mechanic for inspection. They can rule out wheel and tire issues and evaluate potential problems with your steering components or suspension.

If you’re taking extremely sharp turns, you may get very loud screeching or squealing. This can be even worse when you’re turning at high speeds, as your tires will inevitably slide against the road as your car struggles with the sudden change in momentum. Try to take softer, wider turns where possible to avoid damage to your tires. 

Why Do My Tires Squeal While Driving?

If you’re driving on the road normally and your car is screeching, you should immediately have your tires and vehicle inspected. This could be a sign that there’s serious damage to your tires or inside your vehicle. It could also be a worn down component of your vehicle. 

Regardless, if your tires are screeching while driving normally, it’s a sign they’re unable to maintain traction on the road. If you’re driving on a slippery surface like a wet or icy road, you may need to get all-weather tires that can handle extreme weather conditions. You may also need to adjust your driving style to accommodate weather conditions!

Otherwise, check your tires pressure. If you can’t identify immediate issues with your tires, bring your car into the shop for maintenance. 

Why Are My Tires So Loud?

If your tires are new, newer or have excellent tread depth, yet they’re loud, there are a few explanations.

Some tread types are innately louder than others. All-terrain, mud terrain and rugged terrain tires are louder than all-season tires because of their aggressive treads. 

Some tread compounds are louder than others. Tire makers develop quiet tires for commuters and electric vehicle drivers, and these noise-reduction tires tend to use more expensive materials and incorporate more sophisticated technology. 

Sometimes, it’s just the pavement! Even brand-new, noise-cancelling tires make noise on certain types of road surfaces. For example, flexible pavements that use asphalt tend to be quieter than concrete. 

Need New Tires?

When you’re ready to replace your tires, shop Tire Agent online. We offer tires from over 80 brands and have options to fit your budget, lifestyle and climate.  

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