stupidity..

[sadkorean34]

Is it stupid of me if I want some kind of quiet driving from low profiles? I currently run 235/35/19 front and 265/30/19 in the rear, but somehow, I've been missing some quiet driving inside of the car. Or more to say, I wanted less road noise from the tire. Recently, slapped on the Proxy ST's on X5 4.4i with 255/55/18, and can't resist to say the ride has been alot quieter. So, guide me. ;)
Can I expect low road noise from low profiles or no?
If yes, suggest me the good rubbers.

[samger2]

I wouldn't go as far as to say it's stupid of you.

Basically, it's somewhat the nature of the beast...the lower the profile and the wider you go...the more opportunity for road noise and uncomfortable ride.

Think of what you have in a 255/55/18. First off you very possibly have a Michelin Energy MXV4..at least that's what came OEM on the vehicle. The tread pattern is a very standard...straight tread design geared toward all season performance. Plus you have a 55 series sidewall with an H performance rating...much more sidewall and a lesser performance rating to absorb the impact of the road and any imperfections in the road.


On the flip side, many low profile tires are directional which at times are more prone to cupping and therefore causing road noise. Also given the fact that you have wider tires in the rear, you can't rotate them and that also can cause uneven tire wear.

Basically imagine driving with rubber bands as tires...there's nothing to absorb the noise of the road, therefore the potential for road noise is much higher.