Best 205/40/17 tyres for road noise

[HBFS]

I've got a mk2 Fabia vRS on Uniroyal rainsport 2 tyres.

I've had it for about 22k miles, and in that time it's only ever been on the above tyres (Changed once)
I've always found the car noisy at motorway speeds, and have read reviews for my car where people have said it's quiet on the motorway...

So I'm either looking for people to confirm that Rainsport 2's are noisier that other tyres
OR
Tyres people have found to be much quieter than others

Budget is no more than £175 per corner.

Anyone?

[HBFS]

Anyone?

There must be some Ibiza/Fabia/A1 TSI owners on here?

[HBFS]

Last bump...

[HBFS]

The Crack Fox said:

Aaah, go on, I'll reply then.... have look at this site > http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/

I've been on there, thats how I bought the uniroyals, but I don't think they're up to much. This post was also to help me learn if others with the same car/ tyres have the same issue.
I'm aware of the reviews that are kicking around,(That particular site doesn't rate noise either.) but wanted to get some PH opinon.

doogz said:

Is road noise heard in the cabin relative to suspension stiffness? Is more noise transmitted to the cabin through stiffer suspension, or does that not really have an effect on what you hear from the tyres on the road?

I'm not sure, it's hard to differentiate. The thing that gets me, is other reviewers and owners(of my car) have said its very refined on the motorway. I think it's loud in conparison to Golfs, Octavias, Accords, Astr*s etc. I know it's only a supermini but it does seem loud to me.

Perhaps I'm being a bit pedantic, I think I'll just buy the most expensive Michelins I can find...

Edited by HBFS on Monday 28th May 13:14

[C.A.R.]

Same size tyres on my Focus, similar size on my previous Celica.

Used loads of brands throughout both ownerships and it appears you get the same amount of tyre roar from any tyre (at least all those I've tried) including Falkens, Michelins, the same Uniroyal Rainsport tyres you have and the budget tyres my Focus came on.

I think it must just be something you have to live with.

[BettySwollocks2]

Well I have the same car as yourself and after 12k on the standard continental sportcontact 3's I cant have any complaint about road noise, handling or wet handling, pretty much the best all round tyre I have had... will certainly not be changing to a different brand come changeover in case It ruins any particular part of the car.

[HBFS]

BettySwollocks2 said:

Well I have the same car as yourself and after 12k on the standard continental sportcontact 3's I cant have any complaint about road noise, handling or wet handling, pretty much the best all round tyre I have had... will certainly not be changing to a different brand come changeover in case It ruins any particular part of the car.

Interesting Betty, I may go for those continentals then. I wasn't sure what the OEM tyres where to be honest. But it makes sense thay they would be best suited to the car...

So you find noise levels fine on the motorway, at say 80/85 mph then?

[Caulkhead]

I've got Rainsport2's on and they are much quieter than the previous Bridgestone, Conti, Hankook or Falkens.

Perhaps your expectation of the refinement of a diesel supermini is a little high?

[HBFS]

Caulkhead said:

I've got Rainsport2's on and they are much quieter than the previous Bridgestone, Conti, Hankook or Falkens.

Perhaps your expectation of the refinement of a diesel supermini is a little high?

That's suprising, but perhaps you're right...
I have the mk2 though not mk1

[HustleRussell]

In my experience, circumferentially treaded tyres (e.g. Continental Sport Contact, Matador MP46) are the quietest. My theory is that tyres with lateral grooves or chevron patterns will allow more 'tread shuffle', even in a straight line.

[vrsmxtb]

I always found them pretty quiet tyres. Certainly much quieter than the P Zero Neros I now have on the front after tyre rotation which have a horrible drone and also poor wet grip.

[davepoth]

That said, going down to 16" wheels and a higher profile is likely to make a bigger difference.

[Al Weyman]

I have just fitted a pair of Uniroyals to a Colt CZC and the noise quiet frankly is appalling and I am amazed the comapny get away with this. I am going back to the garage that fitted them and see if I can get them changed. I wonder how you stand with something like this as they are an unacceptable product.

[s m]

On mytyres site looking at the noise ratings, your Uniroyals seem to rate about 72db and stuff like some of the Yokohamas seems to be around 76db.
Quieter tyres seem to be stuff like the Vredestein Ultrac Cento and Dunlop Sport Maxx at around 67/68 db

[HustleRussell]

The noise ratings on the labels aren't all they seem though.

[Matt UK]

HustleRussell said:

The noise ratings on the labels aren't all they seem though.

I'm sure the ratings are external noise to 'the environment' as opposed to noise inside the car.

[HustleRussell]

Indeed. In my experience one of the things you're paying for with a premium tyre is subjectively low noise on all surfaces. Michelin and Continental do this particularly well.

[mrnvh]

HustleRussell said:

The noise ratings on the labels aren't all they seem though.

I've mentioned this before in a much older thread - The noise label is good for if the noise is higher pitched, like a roaring noise as that's sound coming from the outside and back in. Usually through windows or seals, tread pattern has a greater bearing on the lower frequency rumble, but then again so does every suspension component and the body itself - the vRS will have stiffer components and therefore transmit more noise into the cabin.

To assist the OP more however, I find goodyears are quieter than dunlops, but I've only ever used SP Sports.

Edited by mrnvh on Sunday 15th December 18:59

[calibrax]

Matt UK said:

HustleRussell said:

The noise ratings on the labels aren't all they seem though.

I'm sure the ratings are external noise to 'the environment' as opposed to noise inside the car.

Of course, because any interior noise will vary with different car models, dependent upon soundproofing etc...