Hey guys, 

 

over the the weekend I fitted a set of Audi A1 alloys. They fit perfectly and sit in the arches nicely.

 

My only concern is that the road noise has gone from a dull roar to being really loud. The tyres are continentals (no idea how old) and asymmetrical and the wheels are all on the right sides. My thought is that it’s the profile of tyres as they are 45. If I get new tyres with 55 profile this might reduce the noise? 

 

 

Edited 10 June, 20197 yr by mikey362

I assume they're 16" wheels, in which case 205/45/16 is the correct size. I have 195/50/15 so I cannot imagine what size would suit a 55 profile tyre.

I was just thinking of what would help reduce the noise a bit. I’ve got the rear shocks to change and the anti roll bar rubbers to do then I’ll be looking at fresh tyres.

 

The tyres that are on are 215/45r16 

Those tyres are too big already, a 55 profile will make the situation even worse, are you sure the tyres aren't fouling the arch liner slightly making the extra noise, you'll see a shiny spot on the plastic if that's the case.

I did check as I took them back off after going for a run as it seemed quite loud. There is no evidence on contact anywhere. I am possibly being paranoid as I haven’t had any wheels on this lower profile for about 10 years.

 

are you suggesting when I get new tyres to get them at 205 instead of 215? They should fit the rim fine so would that be better?

Yes 205.

Been out and double checked, there’s no rubbing going on but I’ll get some at 205/45r16 when I go for new tyres. Thanks 😀

Tyre noise is now included in new EU labelling. This is supposedly external noise and not internal but I would have thought an indicator of cabin noise. I doubt there is a big difference in noise with same brand but different sizes. Much more likely that continentals fitted are noisier than what whatever brand was on there before.

Talk to your tyre dealer and tell him/her that noise is an important factor in your purchase. See what he/she says.

Edited 10 June, 20197 yr by LB123

@mikey362 - Tyre noise is at least partly related to make and model, and also to how worn the tyres are (more worn tyres are often noisier than new ones of the same make and model).

Not too long ago cars were so noisy that the last thing you could hear was the tyres - what I would have given to just have tyre noise in my Skoda Estelle 105S  Now they are so quiet that tyre noise is often the loudest sound.

I remember my mini was the loudest thing in the world mainly the wind drag over the panels lol 

7 minutes ago, mikey362 said:

I remember my mini was the loudest thing in the world mainly the wind drag over the panels lol 

 

@mikey362  you can check the tyres age, there is a 4 digit number usually near the rim,  2 digits of week number and 2 digits of year, eg 2513 would be week 25 (June) in 2013

 

If you copy the manufacturer and types/names  and size codes from the sidewall, it will be easier for others to help you and give recommendations, or advise possible quieter solutions

 

Edited 11 June, 20197 yr by SurreyJohn
spelling error

Just now, SurreyJohn said:

@mikey362  you can check the tyres age, there is a 4 digit number usually near the rim,  2 digits of week number and 2 digits of year, eg 2513 would be week 25 (June) in 2013

 

If you give the copy the manufactiurer and types/names  and size codes from the sidewall, it will be easier for others to help you and give recomendations

 

@SurreyJohn thanks wasn’t aware of the date on tyres 

On 11/06/2019 at 09:24, KenONeill said:

Tyre noise is at least partly related to make and model, and also to how worn the tyres are (more worn tyres are often noisier than new ones of the same make and model

Those alloys from Audi specify 'Audi approval' on the tyres fitted. I think Michelin carry this approval. How important this is I don't know. I've been in an A1 with those same alloys and it is quiet. 

 

If the tyres are cupped , worn more one side of width of tyre then you will get a drumming / resonance noise , even at certain speeds. You mention rear shocks might have gone. This lead to my rear tyres cupping before I realised the rear shocks had seized.