The EU Tire Label Only Accounts for One Type of Tire Noise

As consumers shop for new tires, it is very difficult to know which of the available options would be the quietest on their vehicle. Tire noise is affected by several factors, such as the model and type of the vehicle, the rims, rubber compound, road, driving speed, and even the weather. There are even differences between similar cars, making exact comparisons only possible in situations where the same car is used under identical conditions.

Some general assumptions can be made, however: The softer the tire’s tread compound, the more it is likely to reduce noise. High-profile tires are also generally more comfortable and quiet to drive than low-profile alternatives.

Summer and winter tires have the EU tire label that indicates the noise level. This label, however, only covers external rolling noise. External rolling noise and interior noise may even be polar opposites, and reducing one may increase the other. …

Source: Nokian Tyres