Tyre Squeal: All You Need to Know About It
Driving is an enjoyable experience, but only when your vehicle and tyres are performing well. Sometimes, you can hear unexpected sounds while driving that quickly turn into a source of concern. While some noises are harmless, others could hint at deeper issues with your vehicle’s performance or safety features.
Among these, high-pitched noises like tyre squealing often catch drivers’ attention and can be a major concern. Understanding the reasons behind tyre squeals and addressing them promptly is essential for maintaining a smooth driving experience.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this problem, including its causes, effects, and the best ways to resolve it.
What is Tyre Squeal?
Tyre squeal is a high-pitched sound produced when your vehicle’s tyres lose traction with the road surface. It typically happens while turning or braking. This sound occurs when the tyres rub against the road at an angle, creating friction that exceeds their ability to grip.
While squealing can sometimes happen during hard braking or sharp cornering, it’s often a sign of an underlying issue that requires attention. The noise either be momentary or persistent. If it persists, it indicates serious problems that may affect the overall performance of your automobile.
Reasons Behind Tyre Squeal
Understanding the reasons behind this issue is the key to diagnosing and fixing it. Some common reasons include:
Worn-out tyres
Over time, the tread on your tyres wears down, reducing their ability to grip the road. They may struggle to maintain traction, especially during hard braking or sharp turns. This can cause them to slip, leading to squealing.
Incorrect Tyre Pressure
Both underinflated and overinflated tyres can cause squealing. Underinflated ones have more surface area in contact with the road, which increases the friction and can cause the tyres to squeal. On the other hand, overinflated tyres have less contact with the road. It leads to decreased traction, increasing the risk of squealing.
Improper Wheel Alignment
Misaligned wheels can cause uneven wear and put additional strain on tyres. If left unnoticed, this might result in squealing. Poor alignment can also lead tyres to make contact with the road at improper angles, ultimately increasing friction and causing the squealing sound.
Effects of Tyre Squeal
Reduced Traction and Control
The squealing sound is often a warning sign of reduced traction. When tyres do not grip the road properly, your vehicle’s handling can be compromised. This ultimately increases the risks of skidding, especially on wet roads.
Increased Tyre Wear
If the squealing is caused by improper alignment or uneven pressure, it can accelerate tyre wear. Worn-out tyres not only contribute to squealing but also affect safety, as the risk of blowouts is higher.
Annoyance and Discomfort
Tyre squeal can be loud and distracting, especially during sharp turns and while braking in traffic. This noise can be uncomfortable for both the driver and passengers and can even be embarrassing in public and residential areas.
How to Fix Tyre Squeal?
The following are some effective approaches to fix this issue.
Check and Replace Worn-out tyres.
If your tyres are worn, replacing them with new ones is one of the most effective solutions to fix this issue. Make sure you choose branded options, such as Pirelli, Bridgestone, Kumho, and Zeetex tyres as they last longer and perform better.
Apart from that, you should choose the right type based on weather conditions, driving style, and vehicle model. You should always replace all four tyres at the same time for balanced performance.
Maintain Tyre Pressure
You should regularly check the tyre pressure using a reliable gauge and ensure that it is within the manufacturer’s recommended range. Maintaining pressure will improve grip, enhance fuel efficiency, and reduce the risks of squealing.
Get Your Alignment and Suspension Checked
Misaligned wheels and suspension issues not only cause squealing but also risk your safety while driving. Therefore, you should have them inspected and corrected by professional mechanics. It ensures that tyres make even contact with the road, reducing friction and preventing squealing.
Avoid Hard Braking
Whenever possible, avoid sudden and harsh braking. Driving smoothly, especially when approaching turns or stopping at traffic lights, can help a lot regarding this. It will prevent the excessive stress on tyres and brakes. Investing in high-performance brake pads that offer quieter operation can also reduce squealing.
Mindful of the Road Conditions
You can’t change the condition of the roads you drive on. However, being mindful of the road conditions can help reduce this issue. For instance, when you know you’re driving on slippery roads, you will adjust your driving habits accordingly.
Bottom Line
Tyre squealing might seem like a minor issue. However, if left unnoticed, it can lead to accelerated and uneven wear and affect your driving experience. Therefore, you should pay attention to this issue and take proactive steps to avoid this.
