Road Noise - Tyres can make a difference
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,445
Likes: 0
From: MS
Street performance tires make more noise that all-seasons. Who woulddda thunk??
I'm surprised that some of you guys went with the 18" summer wheel package instead of the all-season package. Or an ES350 for that matter. And I'm surprised at how big a deal people make about hearing noise from inside the cabin. Like the car needs to be some sort of sound- and feeling-proof cocoon. I don't get it. I'd sooner take the bus to work, than commute in something like that.
Just my opinion.
I'm surprised that some of you guys went with the 18" summer wheel package instead of the all-season package. Or an ES350 for that matter. And I'm surprised at how big a deal people make about hearing noise from inside the cabin. Like the car needs to be some sort of sound- and feeling-proof cocoon. I don't get it. I'd sooner take the bus to work, than commute in something like that.
Just my opinion.
I think you should park your car and take a bus to work.. you might be a happier person but then we would get your local bus authority vs. greyhound arguments from ya. :P
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 0
From: FL
Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Victoria
Street performance tires make more noise that all-seasons. Who woulddda thunk??
I'm surprised that some of you guys went with the 18" summer wheel package instead of the all-season package. Or an ES350 for that matter. And I'm surprised at how big a deal people make about hearing noise from inside the cabin. Like the car needs to be some sort of sound- and feeling-proof cocoon. I don't get it. I'd sooner take the bus to work, than commute in something like that.
Just my opinion.
I'm surprised that some of you guys went with the 18" summer wheel package instead of the all-season package. Or an ES350 for that matter. And I'm surprised at how big a deal people make about hearing noise from inside the cabin. Like the car needs to be some sort of sound- and feeling-proof cocoon. I don't get it. I'd sooner take the bus to work, than commute in something like that.
Just my opinion.
Some ppl enjoy the refinement and quietness of their cars while there are also some that like like to personalize their cars. I am trying to minimise the compromise between comfort and performance by looking for a quiet tyre. This isnt about expecting the car to be completely silent, but to maintain the status quo on that aspect.
Coming from a MKIV Supra TT, i am acutely aware of performance and effect of tires on audible road noise. Why does it concern you so much that there are people that have different priorities and requirements from a car?
Interestingly enough, I found US tyres underperformed when I was stationed in Greece. Something about their road compound and the US rubber compound did not agree, and even the stickiest of US spec tyres did not stick well there. The locally available compounds seemed to work much better.
Unless I am terribly mistaken, manufacturers do optimise their compounds for the region of the world the expect to sell the tyres. What works in Oz may not work well in the US and vice a versa.
Unless I am terribly mistaken, manufacturers do optimise their compounds for the region of the world the expect to sell the tyres. What works in Oz may not work well in the US and vice a versa.
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: AL
In the 12 months I have owned my IS250, it has managed to have 4 different sets of tyres. I only paid for the last set though.
Set 1 - OEM Bridgestone RE050A - nothing special about these tyres, were too noisy.
Set 2 - Pirelli P7 - fitted by Lexus after road noise complaint - Awful tyres, rough ride and whine like a 4wd.
Set 3 - Falken ST115 - claimed to be a very quiet tyre which is why I got them. Unfortunately while they were noticeably quieter than the Pirelli tyres, they did whine as you slowed below 60kmph, almost right down to a full stop. Was really starting to get on my nerves. This whine was also evident on the Bridgestones but not the Pirellis. However, if you are looking for a performance tyre then this one is for you. Sticks like glue.
Once Lexus reimbursed me for the Falkens I gave them the Pirellis back. Was talking to the service guys yesterday and they said they put the Pirellis on the car of another IS250 customer who had complained about road noise. I asked if he was happy with the Pirellis, they said they thought not. No surprises there.
Set 4 - Did more research and found that the newly released Goodyear Excellence was making claims about road noise suppression. Had considered the Bridgestone ER50 but the Goodyear was a much newer tyre so thought it should have better technology. Also being a much newer tyre that was claimed to meet new EUC noise regulations so I thought I would bite the bullet and give it a go.
What a difference! If you want to reduce road noise then this is the tyre for you. Noticeably quieter on medium texture and smooth roads. Only noisy on coarse chip bitumen, but even then still quieter than the other 3 brands.
They have a firm ride, but no more so than the other 3 brands, and seem to absorb road imperfections better. To top it all off they were the least expensive.
Set 1 - OEM Bridgestone RE050A - nothing special about these tyres, were too noisy.
Set 2 - Pirelli P7 - fitted by Lexus after road noise complaint - Awful tyres, rough ride and whine like a 4wd.
Set 3 - Falken ST115 - claimed to be a very quiet tyre which is why I got them. Unfortunately while they were noticeably quieter than the Pirelli tyres, they did whine as you slowed below 60kmph, almost right down to a full stop. Was really starting to get on my nerves. This whine was also evident on the Bridgestones but not the Pirellis. However, if you are looking for a performance tyre then this one is for you. Sticks like glue.
Once Lexus reimbursed me for the Falkens I gave them the Pirellis back. Was talking to the service guys yesterday and they said they put the Pirellis on the car of another IS250 customer who had complained about road noise. I asked if he was happy with the Pirellis, they said they thought not. No surprises there.
Set 4 - Did more research and found that the newly released Goodyear Excellence was making claims about road noise suppression. Had considered the Bridgestone ER50 but the Goodyear was a much newer tyre so thought it should have better technology. Also being a much newer tyre that was claimed to meet new EUC noise regulations so I thought I would bite the bullet and give it a go.
What a difference! If you want to reduce road noise then this is the tyre for you. Noticeably quieter on medium texture and smooth roads. Only noisy on coarse chip bitumen, but even then still quieter than the other 3 brands.They have a firm ride, but no more so than the other 3 brands, and seem to absorb road imperfections better. To top it all off they were the least expensive.
James
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 0
From: FL
I don't think you read this thread very carefully. You're complaining about tire noise while riding on street performance tires. Think about that for a second.
Seriously, maybe you should've gone with a set of all-seasons, since you evidently care a lot more about maintaining the Lexus cocoon, than you do about performance (which is fine).
I'm not saying that you can't put a premium on keeping the cabin quiet. Just saying that you could be a little more intelligent about the situation.
That being said, here's a nice set of Goodyear Invicta GL's that you might like...
Seriously, maybe you should've gone with a set of all-seasons, since you evidently care a lot more about maintaining the Lexus cocoon, than you do about performance (which is fine).
I'm not saying that you can't put a premium on keeping the cabin quiet. Just saying that you could be a little more intelligent about the situation.
That being said, here's a nice set of Goodyear Invicta GL's that you might like...
Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Victoria
I don't think you read this thread very carefully. You're complaining about tire noise while riding on street performance tires. Think about that for a second.
Seriously, maybe you should've gone with a set of all-seasons, since you evidently care a lot more about maintaining the Lexus cocoon, than you do about performance (which is fine).
I'm not saying that you can't put a premium on keeping the cabin quiet. Just saying that you could be a little more intelligent about the situation.
That being said, here's a nice set of Goodyear Invicta GL's that you might like...
Seriously, maybe you should've gone with a set of all-seasons, since you evidently care a lot more about maintaining the Lexus cocoon, than you do about performance (which is fine).
I'm not saying that you can't put a premium on keeping the cabin quiet. Just saying that you could be a little more intelligent about the situation.
That being said, here's a nice set of Goodyear Invicta GL's that you might like...
I am seeking feedback about tires that can still provide performance without sacrificing comfort by too much. The thread starter posted his experience with various brands, which had quietness and comfort as desired characteristics. This thread is not about ultimate performance tires. 
Perhaps you should advise the thread starter in this link to buy a camry?Seriously, I think you need to pull your head in. Your snide and condescending comments really does not add to this thread topic at all. Now perhaps you should think about that for a few moments. Comments such as yours really does detract users from this forum.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 31,944
Likes: 2,737
From: North Carolina
Street performance tires make more noise that all-seasons. Who woulddda thunk??
I'm surprised that some of you guys went with the 18" summer wheel package instead of the all-season package. Or an ES350 for that matter. And I'm surprised at how big a deal people make about hearing noise from inside the cabin. Like the car needs to be some sort of sound- and feeling-proof cocoon. I don't get it. I'd sooner take the bus to work, than commute in something like that.
Just my opinion.
I'm surprised that some of you guys went with the 18" summer wheel package instead of the all-season package. Or an ES350 for that matter. And I'm surprised at how big a deal people make about hearing noise from inside the cabin. Like the car needs to be some sort of sound- and feeling-proof cocoon. I don't get it. I'd sooner take the bus to work, than commute in something like that.
Just my opinion.
FF, here is a different way you could have approached this making your (valid) point without alienating other members. I'm again requesting you consider the sense of community communications I have brought to your attention in the past.
Guys, one important point that you need to consider is that street performance tires make a whole lot more noise than all-seasons tires do.
You might want to consider going with some all season wheel /tires to reduce the noise, can put the summer ones back on if you want some performance.
Let's face it, the IS350 isn't an isolated family-oriented car like the ES350 and even with a luxury-minded performance car it will be designed to have more feedback through both sound and suspension.
Just my opinion.
FF_ if you want to discuss this or other alternative communication approaches, PM me. The rudeness has to stop as you can see in subsequent posts it takes the thread in a negative direction, as many others have.
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 0
From: FL
You mean like this?
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 31,944
Likes: 2,737
From: North Carolina
Guys back on topic please, FF_ is taking a couple weeks off and I have high hopes he can be more accountable for his own actions when he returns rather than pointing the finger at others.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,680
Likes: 8
From: Oregon
Back on topic:
FWIW, I switched to PS2's and they are noticeably quieter than the stock Dunlops. I was going to put some dynamat in the front wheel wells to quell some of the road noise but I'm actually good with how quiet it is now.
In terms of the Tirerack ratings, give it a few months before accepting the fact that the Bridgestones are #1. They just don't have enough miles/feedback. After more surveys are completed, they'll probably drop down below the PS2's and GS-D3's just like the Dunlops did.
Last edited by al503; Dec 21, 2006 at 03:00 PM.