When you have to keep turning up the radio to hear it, you know something is wrong. But it might not be the muffler.
Louder and Louder the Car Noise Becomes. What Is It?
Of course, an old muffler is the first thing that comes to mind when your car keeps getting noisier and noisier. Maybe you’ve recently replaced the muffler, so you’re pretty sure it isn’t that. Well, here is the top reason for cars to become louder over time.
Tires.
Yes, tires are often the culprit. Sometimes, with cheap off-brand radial tires the noise can start in as little as 10,000 miles. The car starts out just fine, then as some mileage stacks up it starts getting louder. You notice you have to keep turning up the radio and start wondering what in the heck is wrong with your car!
Another way your tires can begin making noise is the tread is wearing away. You can do the penny test to see if you have enough tread to be driving around with those tires.
Tire Penny Test
Turn your front wheels so the tires are easily accessed. Put a penny in between the treads, with Lincoln upside down.
Is the top of Lincoln’s covered with tire tread?
If not much or none at all of Lincoln’s head is covered, you’re down to 2/32” of tread. So, go buy some tires right away. Your car isn’t hugging the road like it should and might slip in the rain. Make replacing the tires a priority.
Check the tread for every tire on your vehicle. They might vary dramatically if there is something wrong with your alignment, suspension, wheel bearings or other mechanical problem.
If you need some help deciding what’s making all that noise in your car, make an appointment with us at A1 Performance Auto Repair. We’re happy to give it a thorough inspection to discover the cause.
