Do you hear a squeaking noise while driving but not when applying the brakes? If so, it could be a warning of a serious problem that shouldn’t be ignored. Tires are one of the most important components of your vehicle, and if they start making noise, it’s time to take action. Here are some of the most common causes of tire squeaking and how to fix them.
Underinflated or Overinflated Tires
Under- or overinflated tires are the most obvious cause of tire squeaking, especially when turning. When tires are under- or overinflated, the tread area contacting the road surface is greatly reduced, causing the tires to deform, slide sideways and squeak. To avoid this, follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended specifications for tire inflation and check your tire pressure regularly.
Pro Tip: Tires that are under or overinflated are prone to blowouts, negatively impacting fuel economy, braking, and steering responsiveness. Pick up a tread depth gauge and air pressure gauge online or at your local parts store and use them regularly. Replace any tire that has tread measuring 4/32-in. or less.
Uneven Tread Wear
If your suspension system is out of alignment, your tires will be dragged instead of rolling smoothly, resulting in uneven tire tread wear. This can cause a squeaking sound when driving, braking, and turning. A professional mechanic should check your suspension system alignment.
Pro Tip: A vehicle needing an alignment may also experience reduced steering response, decreased tire life, and compromised braking and traction. In addition to having your tire shop perform an alignment, rotate your tires every six months or 6,000 to 8,000 miles to even out normal wear patterns, making your tires run quieter and last longer.
Abnormal Tire Wear
Worn, damaged, or bent suspension parts, wheels or wheel hub bearings caused by an accident or hitting a pothole or curb can cause tread cupping, feathering, or scalloped wear, resulting in tires that squeak. Take your vehicle to a repair shop for diagnosis and correction of abnormal tire wear.
Brakes
Is it possible the squeaking you hear is coming from the brakes and not your tires? A metal tab (brake wear indicator) attached to the brake pad backing plate will rub against the rotor while driving, making an unpleasant squeaking noise and alerting the driver that it’s time for new pads. If the wear indicator is causing the squeak, the noise should stop when stepping on the brakes. Worn, missing, or broken brake caliper hardware can cause the caliper to drag and rub on the rotor, which can also produce a squeaking noise. Replacing brake pads and rotors can be a DIY project.
Loose Wheel Covers or Lug Nuts
Although uncommon, loose or rusted wheel covers, or loose or overtightened lug nuts can cause tires to squeak while driving. Have a trusted mechanic check your vehicle’s wheels for any physical damage. Never just re-tighten lug nuts. Lug nuts should be loosened, then re-torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Your tires, brakes, and suspension system make up your car’s most essential safety systems. Squeaking tires while driving should be checked by your mechanic before a more serious problem arises. Don’t ignore that squeak.