Tyre noise

[cs2009]

I have a Golf GT TSI 160 with 18" Vancouvers, and I find that tyre noise can be quite high on some road surfaces. (The tyre noise is always the dominant noise, as the engine is so incredibly quiet). It is fitted with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx's.

Does anyone else notice this, and if you have different tyres, are they any better with regard to noise levels ?

I once had an Audi A3 which came with Dunlop tyres, and they were also very noisy (although the whole car was much noisier than the Golf).

Chris.

[dieselduncmk6]

cs,

I have the GT TDI on the Vans - which are fitted with Bridgestone Potenzas. There is indeed some tyre noise, and it varies greatly depending on the road surface. It's not bad below 60, but quite noticable above that.

Although I've only had the car 2 weeks today, I have found that I've got used to it quite a bit, and as you say, a big part of it is due to rest of the car and wind noise etc being so very quiet.

Overall though - well pleased with it, and frankly don't undestand why so many folk seem to be focussing so hard on some of the perceived negatives - air con dials and door handles for instance, I think it's a really great car.

When my tyres need changing - I'll seek some opinions of others who've switched - but based on previous experience I'll probably try out Michelin (which I've always found particuarly quiet), or Contis.

Cheerio,
Dunc.

[dieselduncmk6]

forgot to add to the above,

I've since driven two other VWs and that made me realise that the noise isn't as bad as you first think when taking delivery - which again is due to overall noise being so good, and thus ears / brain tend to focus on the only noise coming through.

A friend had a MKV on 17's and the difference in tyre noise, although noticable, is not really that much.

[paul.mgrath]

My 18's are on Dunlops - no complaints even at motorway speeds.

Are very noisy on concrete motorway sections but so are all tyres but other than that very reasonable.

[SebbyMK6]

Good to know. Do you have ACC? Is the ride generally good on the 18s?

[icebun]

Would any SE owners on standard 16" wheels care to comment?

[cs2009]

Good to know. Do you have ACC? Is the ride generally good on the 18s?

Yes, I have ACC on my car.
I usually leave it set to 'Comfort' which gives a very comfortable ride, and good handling with minimal body roll.

Chris.