Every vehicle is fitted with a braking system that works to slow down the turn of the wheels. As the wheels reach the turning radius, they will apply pressure on the brakes thereby slowing them down. However, it can also be the cause of a tire squeal. Each sound will carry its own message for the driver to be aware of the problem. So, you must keep an eye on the vehicle carefully while driving to prevent unfortunate incidents.
Possible Causes of Tire Squealing
- Poor rubber
The common noise that drivers often hear and complain about is the tires squeal when turning corners. This is mainly because the rubber degrades in its performance as the tread loses contact with the road. The rubber also gets stretched out due to uneven weight distribution. Due to all these factors, the vehicle starts to corner less efficiently.
Although many drivers are looking for low-quality tires to improve handling and performance, high-performance tires are the best when it comes to squealing. As you drive, the engine transmits information to the tires, telling them how to grip the road. High-performance tires are firmer and are capable of withstanding more weight than low-quality tires.
- Wet road
The squealing noises caused by the tires can occur at any time while driving on wet roads. They usually happen when passing small curves on wetter surfaces. The size of the wheels and the angle of the suspension affect the behavior of the tires while turning corners. For instance, long, wide wheels get dragged down when the vehicle is turning corners at high speeds.
To solve the problem, you must drain the fluid from the brakes and the tires. If you are using a power steering pump, check the fluid level. If you find that the level is low, drain it as well. Now, you must locate the source of the squeal. To do so, you must first identify the source of the noise and then follow the path of the fluid through the vehicle.
- Poorly inflated tires
Another common cause of tires squeal is excessive air pressure. Squealing tires are typically caused by an underinflated tire or by an improperly installed air filter. If you think that your vehicle’s air pressure is too low, then change it as soon as possible. This is especially true if you live in areas where winter is commonly experienced.
- Brake system problems or incorrect wheel alignment
On occasions when the tires squeal when turning, it can be a sign of an improperly assembled brake system. Sometimes, the noise is caused by the brake pads.
Over time, the pads wear out due to constant wearing and chipping. If you notice that the noise is coming from the brake system when you accelerate, then you should replace the brake pads.
Another common cause of squealing is wheel alignment. With poorly aligned wheels, there will be insufficient space between the center of the wheel and the outer edges of the rims.
This will result in poor steering control and poor handling. Drivers can correct this by adjusting the tire balance. When the alignment is off, the tires will squeal. Changing your wheel alignment should be a part of your regular tire maintenance routine.
- Tread wear
Sometimes, the tires become noisy when they are driven uphill. This can be attributed to uneven tire wear caused by too much tread. As you drive uphill, the tire tread gets worn down more. However, if the tread is uneven, then the tire can also be worn unevenly. Increasing the tread can help remedy the problem.
- Engine problem
Poorly maintained engines can also contribute to squealing tires. The engine’s oil, antifreeze, and other fluids can all cause excessive wear on the rotors and cylinder liners.
If these fluids are left unwrinkled and unchecked, the friction between the piston rings and rotors will wear them down faster. To avoid squealing, make sure you have your engine tuned and checked regularly.
The problem is the driver
Another reason for squealing tires is not having enough traction on the road. With less traction, you will not be able to stop quickly when traveling at high speeds. This can be frustrating, especially when you have a lot of money on you want to get to your destination as quickly as possible.
Therefore, it’s best to always start small. The problem might not be the car or even the tires. You should be careful about your car and consistently check all possible causes.
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