We’re all familiar with the sound of squealing tires for high-performance cars that peel out or come to a sudden stop. But if you hear your tires squealing throughout normal driving, that could be a serious problem in your car. Below, we’ll cover the most common causes of tire squealing to help you pinpoint the source of the obnoxious noise.
Underinflated Tires
The first thing drivers should check if they hear their tires squealing is the tire pressure. When tires are underinflated, more of the rubber’s sidewall flexes around corners or curves. This flexing compromises the tire’s grip on the road and can cause tire squeal. Even if your vehicle has a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that says the tires are in good condition, you should check them manually with a tire gauge. The TPMS can sometimes be wrong. Also, ensure the tires are within the recommended PSI range outlined in the owner’s manual.
Worn Tires
If the tires aren’t underinflated, they could simply be old and worn down. We all understand that over time, even with proper maintenance like tire rotations, the rubber on the tires will eventually fade and lose tread depth. When a tire loses the teeth of its tread and becomes bald, it’ll squeal on the road. If your tires are worn enough to squeal on the road, you should replace them with new ones immediately.
Wheel Misalignment
Another common cause of tire squealing is wheel misalignment. The tires squealing during acceleration or cornering is a clear sign of alignment issues in your vehicle. The squealing is due to the misalignment of the wheels, causing the tires to wear down unevenly. Wheel misalignment can occur from sudden, jarring impacts like driving over large potholes or accidentally hitting a curb. Ideally, you should get a wheel alignment every time you change your car’s oil or at least once a year.
Faulty Wheel Bearing
The squealing may not be coming from your tires but from the wheels. In such cases, the wheel bearings are often the culprit, as they can make squeaking and grinding noises at low speeds. If you also feel a slight wobble in your car’s steering, it’s almost assuredly the wheel bearing. A bad bearing is dangerous to drive on, and drivers should have them replaced immediately if they suspect their car’s bearings are wobbly or wearing down.
If you notice that your car tires are squealing, it’s likely due to one of these problems. Regardless of the reason, you shouldn’t ignore the squealing, as the issue will only worsen until you address it. If you hear your tires or wheels squealing, bring your vehicle into the shop and explain the problem immediately.
