Quiet Tyres



Quiet tyres work to reduce the noise level within the vehicle cabin to make your driving experience more enjoyable. Dunlop tyres featuring the NST marking contain an innovative Noise Shield technology designed to quieten tyre noise inside the cabin. As the noise rating on a label measures the noise outside the vehicle rather than inside the cabin, the label grade may still be a guide but does not show the benefits of this technology.



WHAT IS DUNLOP’S NOISE SHIELD TECHNOLOGY?

Dunlop Noise Shield technology works by bonding an advanced polyurethane foam layer to the inner surface of the tyre to reduce interior vehicle noise – all without compromising on performance capabilities. Noise Shield technology reduces interior sound levels by up to 50%*, leaving you to enjoy the roar of your engine on comfortable quiet tyres.

Look for the Noise Shield technology icon when browsing the Dunlop range: 



What Are The Quietest Tyres For Road Noise?

Opposite to interior cabin noise, tyres also produce external noise into the environment. The quietest tyres for road noise are tyres with an A rating for road noise on the new EU Tyre Label. Within the Dunlop range, the latest Sport Maxx RT 2 achieves a low external noise rating. 



Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2

A champion in grip and steering precision

The latest summer pattern from Dunlop, featuring Noise Shield technology on selected sizes and also rated low on external noise, as well as the following benefits:

  • Enhanced cornering grip on wet and dry roads*
  • Increased road feedback and steering precision*
  • Shorter braking distance, especially at high speeds*




Tyre Noise Ratings Chart

The new EU tyre label measures various performance criteria for tyres, such as fuel efficiency and wet grip, as well as noise rating. External noise rating for tyres is measured in decibels – tyres with a low noise level (A class rated) measure between 67 and 71 dB. The highest level shows sound waves in between 72 and 77 dB. An increase of just a few decibels represents a big difference in noise levels. In fact, a difference of 3dB doubles the amount of external noise the tyre produces. Look out for the symbol below to review the noise rating on the EU tyre label: 

External Rolling Noise icon on tyre label


What Causes Tyre Noise?

There will always be some noise from air compression under the tyres and through your tyre tread as you drive, but Noise Shield technology helps to minimise these noises inside the vehicle. It is recommended to listen out for other noises distinct from the standard hum of your tyres making contact with the road:

  • Driving style – Taking corners too quickly, over-accelerating or braking too hard will increase tyre noise and could even cause your tyres to squeak
  • Uneven tread wear – If your tread has worn unevenly, your tyres won’t make contact with the road evenly and may cause some disruption to the smooth quiet hum of your tyres
  • Wheel alignment issues – Similar to uneven tread wear, misaligned tyres will cause disruption to the smooth and quiet hum of your tyres
  • Damaged tyres – Whether it’s a whomping sound from a failure or a nail has lodged itself in the tread, you’ll need to get the tyre replaced or repaired by a tyre professional
Dunlop tyre on Mercedes rim




How to Reduce Tyre Noise?

When it comes to reducing cabin noise, look out for tyres in the Dunlop range with Noise Shield technology which are actively designed to be quiet tyres to create a quieter, more comfortable cabin environment. A great way of reducing external tyre noise is to invest in premium quality tyres that are highly rated on the EU Tyre Label for noise. Carrying out the following checks regularly can help keep your tyres performing optimally:

  • Driving style – Avoid bad driving habits such as braking and accelerating harshly that can impact upon tyre wear
  • Maintain optimal tyre pressure – Incorrect tyre pressure for your vehicle can increase tyre wear and can impact noise
  • Keep wheels aligned – Ensure tyres wear evenly and avoiding the risk of damage and potential noise from damaged tyres




The Right Tyre For You

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Technology and Innovation

*Depending on the type of vehicle, its speed and road surface. Based on internal vehicle road measurements, tested February 2018, January 2018, November 2017 and October 2011 by Goodyear engineers in Luxembourg. Tyre size: 225/55R17 on VW Passat Alltrack and Ford Kuga and 255/45R18 on Audi A7.