The 10 Quitest Tires of 2020 (for Better Traction & Performance)

Scientific studies have proven that the human brain thrives in silence, so it’s no wonder that people prefer when their cars are at their quietest (Source).

While many think that pesky car noise comes from accelerating the engine, tires can play a huge role in determining the overall driving volume. The quietest tires have been designed to perform, but it’s their design that also dictates the volume.

Quiet tires are either designed as such purposely or as an unintended consequence. The best tires are made to enhance traction and repel the elements, so balancing these performance traits with volume is no small task for an engineer.

Whereas many tires are loud due the vibration of the rubber against the pavement, as well as how air flows through the tread of the tires, the quietest tires might achieve their volume by being constructed from soft compounds.

They can also have smaller shoulder slots and circumferential grooves, as well as other pitch reduction technologies (Source). 

The quietest tires are capable of making you feel at peace behind the wheel, especially if your cabin minimizes noise. They can also make your car feel more premium and smoother to drive.

Prior to purchasing quiet tires, you’ll want to consider if the tires perform equally well in the winter as they do in the summer. You’ll also want to consider their tread life, as well as traction in both wet and dry environments.

Turn down the volume on your ride with these top quietest tires.

What Makes For A Quiet Tire?

For years engineers have been trying to perfect tires so that they can be more efficient while staying as silent as possible. Experts have come up with several factors that help make tires quiet without disrupting the airflow and changing the harmonics.

Certain features in the design of a tire help make it quieter than others. Here are some of the factors that make them quiet.

• Such a tire should have consistently-enclosed ribs with linear grooves in the middle.
• Such a tire needs to be made of soft rubber to reduce noise.
• It should also have a narrow width.
• It should have tiny hash marks in the grooves to break the airflow.
• It needs to have a reinforced shoulder for the stability of the tire’s tread blocks.
• The blocks also need to be smaller.
• Such tire blocks should also be sculpted in various shapes for varying pitch patterns.

Several manufacturers have brought up with a range of their quietest tires as per the demands of customers.

Which Is The Quietest Tire? 

While several quiet tires are available in the market, but we choose the quietest one to be the Goodyear Eagle LS Radial Tire. This premium-quality tire is built for serving you throughout your journeys all season.

Not to mention the innovative tread block sequence that ensures you do not have a deal with irritating noises or vibrations from the tire or the road. Goodyear Eagle speaks of quality by keeping a premium sidewall for maintaining the same comfort the brand has been known to offer.

Furthermore, better traction on a wet road is offered through its four enclosing grooves that will keep the durability of this impressive tire for several years. The manufacturer surely has done its fair share of research to design this beauty so that you can enjoy your ride noiselessly.

Additionally, it offers such features at an affordable price.

Comparing The 10 Quietest Tires

1. Goodyear Wrangler Radial Tire – Best Overall

Goodyear is a world famous brand of top-quality tires, so we think it’s really not necessary to introduce it.

This type of tire is known for high-quality on and off-road traction while being very quiet when mounted on trucks and SUVs of all kinds. Compared to other tires on the market, Goodyear Wrangler’s radial tire provides outstanding traction in both wet and dry road conditions. That’s because of the optimized tread design which increases traction in different conditions.

Aside from all-terrain traction, these tires are also known for confident handling. There are big tread blocks which deliver a reliable handling and stable footprint.

2. Hankook Optimo H724 All-Season Tire

The Optimo H724 by Hankook is an all-season tire that features a low noise level among other things. It is all about the center rib block which improves stability and handling when changing direction. In addition, it also improves adherence on a variety of driving surfaces.

The pitch design technology considerably decreases tire noise by getting the tires to spin rapidly at even the very fast speeds. Plus, the jointless cover increases brake performance and overall durability. There is also a bead filler that makes sure the tire provides resistance in just about any weather. The bead wire actually makes the tire more responsive and enhances vehicle ride.

3. Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684 II All-Season Radial Tire – Best Tailormade Quiet Tire

This all-season radial tire is tailored for crossovers, SUV’s, and light trucks. As a matter of fact, the Bridgestone Dueler represents a good selection of equipment for sport-utility vehicles. It’s designed specifically to be extremely quiet at slow speeds while providing exceptional wet weather traction at the same time. That means you can drive with peace of mind even in bad weather.

Moreover, you can be certain that you’ll enjoy the quiet and smooth ride most of the times with these tires. Of course, this mostly depends on the road conditions. This is possible thanks to the rounded casting profile of the tire as well as crafty notches. Another tire we like from this brand is the Bridgestone Potenza.

4. Goodyear Fortera HL Radial Tire – Most Durable

This is a durable and decent serrated radial tire that can be surprisingly quiet; however, this is not a case at considerable speeds. Even though it isn’t as tranquil as some other models on this list, the Goodyear Fortera is surely one of the best types of tires in terms of quality and durability.

While you should not expect it to maintain the calm nature at higher speeds, you can expect a smooth and comfortable ride otherwise. With a load index of 107, tire aspect ratio of 50, and a T-118 speed rating, this tire is meant to offer a warranty of approximately 60,000 miles. By most standards, this is quite impressive.

5. Cooper Discoverer H/T Plus All-Season Tire – Best Crossover Tire

Although primarily intended for light trucks and SUVs, the Cooper Discoverer performs well on many crossovers and cars as well. A great adherence power and rigid design make it perfect for dirt roads.

Employing a non-directional tread construction, this all-season tire provides a quiet driving experience. This is especially true when the vehicle is moving in straight motions. It also features a rounded mold profile and rubber rim protector. Not only that this improves traction but also prolongs tread life. That’s why the tire offers better durability and traction in all weather conditions.

6. Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 All-Season Tire – The Most Uniform

Constructed from dimensionally stable polyester which ensures the tire uniformity, the Dunlop Grandtrek is smoother than other all-season tires in its price range and class. What’s more, it can even play in the same league with higher-end pricey models.

It boasts a VersaLoad technology whereby the tire retains stability in various weather conditions. Likewise, the variable tread blocks ensure a remarkably quiet ride. Besides, the powerful adherence makes the tire useful for traction purpose. Given the affordable price, it’s regarded as a good deal. Yes, it is unquestionably a good value for the money.

7. Goodyear Eagle LS Radial Tire – Most Efficient

Here’s another amazing tire from Goodyear. Do not think that we want to favorize this brand. We just think that it would be unfair not to mention this model because it truly deserves to be on this list.

With 4 circumference grooves, the Goodyear Eagle tire facilitates handling whilst increasing traction adherence in wet conditions. Furthermore, the premium sidewall style adds to aesthetics and modern appearance.

With regard to noise, the tire is fitted with a tread block sequence that lessens the noise levels and makes the tire run much smoother. That contributes to the better overall driving experience.

8. Continental PureContact Radial Tire – High-Quality Quiet Tire

The Continental’s PureContact is one of the newest all-season models from this company. It is also one of the quietest tires in its class.

With high-quality materials and the latest tire technology that involves an optimized tread pattern, this radial tire reduces road noise with ease. Additionally, it provides year-round performance and superior traction alike.

In fact, the construction combines jointless polyamide with two steel belts to improve the durability and stability of the tire. The tire is engineered with increased fuel efficiency and comfortable ride in mind. Note that it is designed for minivans, crossovers, coupes, and sedans.

9. General AltiMAX RT43 Radial Tire – Most Innovative

What sets AltiMAX RT apart from the rest is the Acoustic Modulations Sound Technology (AMST). It makes the General AltiMAX more responsive and quiet than average tires. It’s coupled with the reactive contour technology for the best results.

When it comes to general capabilities, this tire is designed to meet almost all standard requirements for a good radial tire. That said, it features excellent traction performance in different driving conditions, visual alignment indicators, as well as a replacement tire monitor. As a result, you get a reliable and sturdy tire that fits the bill.

10. Michelin Defender All-Season Radial Tire – Best Quiet Tire For Control

If you are looking for an all-season tire that ensures a quiet ride and crisp steering, the Michelin Defender is a good choice.

To make the ride as quiet as possible, Michelin has adjusted the tread pattern in such a way to enhance quietness and comfort. You’ll find a polyester cord body and two steel belts inside the tire. Such a construction provides added durability and strength at all speeds.

Another admirable benefit you will also reap with this tire is the impressive 90,000-mile tread guarantee. That means a longer treadlife and even tire wear.

Things You Must Know Before Buying Tires

With new tire models constantly being launched, it is pretty difficult to give specific recommendations and advice. Instead, we’ve put together a checklist of things to consider when selecting tires for your automobile.

If you are looking for tire safety you should consider buying the right TPMS tools. Using a TPMS helps to maintain good tire health, fuel efficiency, and improve vehicle safety. Let’s dig in to see how we can choose the right set of quiet tires.

Wheel Size

As a general rule of thumb, the smaller wheels generate less road noise. For instance, 15-inch tires are quieter than 20-inch ones. That’s because the larger tires come with more rubber that hit the road, thereby making more noise. In the case of smaller models, there’s less rubber to roll on the road, which reduces the noise level.

For that reason, it’s wise to take the car manual and check out what wheel sizes fit your own vehicle. While the larger wheels are visually more appealing for most car owners, you should forego the appearance and concentrate on the overall driving experience instead. After all, only you decide what’s more important – less noise or looks.

Tire Width

Tire width has an influence on the road noise in the same vein with wheel size. Narrow tires have a smaller rubber area rolling on the roads, which produces less noise. Therefore, we recommend choosing the narrowest models possible for your vehicle. Be sure to look in your vehicle owner’s manual in order to determine how narrow tires can be installed on your vehicle.

Materials & Patterns

There’s a diverse range of tire patterns and rubber compositions that give a quiet ride and little peace on your drive home. But how to know which ones are the quietest?

You can find information on the noise levels and ratings from different sources, such as:

• Manufacturer’s tests based on noise rating systems
• Tire reviews
• Local tire and car dealers

Generally speaking, softer rubber compositions are quieter. Some patterns are quieter than others likewise. However, it is difficult to draw general conclusions with regard to tire patterns without comparing several different types of tires and judging the relative noisiness or quietness.

As a car owner, you may want to do some trial-and-error experiments on your own. Even better, get in touch with industry experts to gather collective insights and opinions. That will give you a better idea of which tires are the best to go for.

Weight & Speed Specifications

When choosing new tires for their vehicles, most car owners are inclined to disregard the fact that the tires are differently designed for specific weight specifications and maximum speeds.

This is a bit tricky though. If you’ll be driving at high speeds most of the time, make sure to pick tires that are specially created for that. Keep in mind that these tires are notably thicker, which means somewhat noisier ride. Tires designed for lower speeds, on the other hand, provide a quieter driving experience.

The tire description may look like this: 205/55R16. The first number ‘205’ is the tire width (205 millimeters), while the second number ’55’ relates to the aspect ratio. The lower the aspect ratio, the thinner the rubber layer rolling on the road.

The ‘R’ refers to the radial construction, whereas the last number ’16’ means the rim diameter (in this case, it means a 16-inch wheel size). After this main section, there’s usually an additional identity. It may look like this: 91T. The ’91’ refers to the load index while the ‘T’ is the max speed that the certain tire is built for.

We recommend looking for a chart of maximum speed and load index respectively. Be sure to select a tire according to your driving habits and particular load size. The higher load and speed a tire is manufactured for, the noisier it’s likely to be. That’s because such a tire is typically sturdier and harder.

Weather & Road Conditions

Tires intended for harsh weather conditions are usually noisier because of the safety aspects. This being said, winter tires like the Sumitomo HTR Z III obviously produce more noise. By contrast, summer tires are quieter since they come with fewer safety features.

With that in mind, make sure to purchase a tire that fits the weather conditions you’ll be utilizing it in. Your best bet would be to go for all-season tires as they rate very well in respect of noise and can be used in both summer and winter conditions.

The asphalt smoothness or roughness and road conditions differ widely across the country. So you should find out which tires tend to quietly roll in your surroundings. Your choice also depends on the fact if you need a tire for on- or off-road surfaces.

Winter is the most dangerous time to drive and many accidents occur around this time. This is because during snowfalls it affects your visibility when driving and the buildup of snow also affects your car’s traction. To be on the safe side, you must invest in a quality snow chain for tires. These accessories provide the required traction and grip when driving.

Ready To Buy The Best Quietest Tires?

For the vast majority of drivers, having the SUV tires that roll down the roads in a civilized and quiet manner is a must. This is particularly important for those who log countless miles cruising along in their vehicles on interstate highways.

If you are one of those people who often make long-haul routes, it is critical to find tires that can remain quiet over a long period of time.

Noisy tires can completely ruin your driving experience, which is why you should try to find a quiet set of tires. Now that you know which are the quietest tires, it’s much easier to make the right choice.

All these tires can bring serenity to driving experience while offering top-notch durability and adherence.

Would you like to repair or service your car at home? Consider buying quality car ramps.  Also, it is wise to keep a tire inflator around.

Finally, if you are looking for something handy when changing tires or undertaking any form of maintenance on your vehicle, consider buying the best electric tongue jacks.