While I will not go over every facet of tire construction in one post, there are several traits that I look for that are more likely to lead to a pleasant and quiet driving experience. When looking for a quiet tire, I try to avoid tires that have large tread blocks with spacing far apart. This pattern, which is commonly seen in aggressive all-terrain and off-road truck tires, offers a huge amount of biting edges. It also tends to produce a roar as the tire travels along the road surface. A tire doesn't have to be overly aggressive to be an effective all-season option. In most cases, finding a tire with balance is best.
Even though directional tires serve their purpose at evacuating water effectively, they also tend to have a negative effect on noise quality. This type of tread pattern also reduces your ability to effectively rotate the tire. With symmetrical or asymmetric tires, you're able to rotate front-to-back and side-to-side. With a directional tire, you may only rotate front-to-back.
Consider the following options when looking for a tire that provides a quiet ride.
 Michelin Defender |
 Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 |
 Kumho Ecsta 4X |
Passenger All-Season and Standard Touring All-Season:
Grand Touring All-Season:
Ultra High Performance All-Season:
Take a look at our Tire Survey Results to compare options and find the tire that's right for you.
Quietest Tires???
Take a look at the Continental Cross Contact LX20. -Marshall@tirerack.com