Road Noise-Are Smaller Non-Low Profile Tires Helpful? '14 Legacy

[CarolW]

Hi, There!  

 

I bought a 2014 Subaru Legacy Premium with the 17" low profile tires.  Too much road noise!

 

I believe the tires already on my car are considered to help minimize road noise.  I have:

• Turanze EL400 
• P215/50R17 90V M+S
• Tubeless Radial EL4PRZ
• DOT OBPC PM14113

So I'm wondering if it's worth putting smaller 16" non-low profile tires to reduce the road noise.

 

I know there are other ways of alleviating road noise, am wondering about this one in particular.

 

Thanks for any input that can be provided.

 

Carol

[keith3267]

It's more about tread pattern than profile.  Try a different tire.  I have the same model and it came with the same tires as yours.  Due to a rock hazard, I had to replace all four tires so I went with Michelin Premier 215-55 17.  The slightly higher profile fits just fine and have a slightly better ride but the noise is about the same.  I did not know at the time that the MXV-4 Michelin is available in that size (215-55 17) or I would have bought those.  They are about the quietest tire I've experienced.  They are OEM on new Honda Accords and are only available in that size now.

[Numbchux]

Yea, in the description for the Turanza, they talk about reducing road noise.

 

But in Tire Racks ratings, they're rated as a 5.1/10 for noise.....dead last overall for all 19 standard touring all seasons.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Turanza+EL400-02&partnum=15VR7EL40002#RatingsReviews

 

 

 

Yes, a taller sidewall would probably help, but then you need to buy new wheels and tires. Just try some different tires, we've had really good luck with the Yokohama Avid Ascend for comfort (and not costing a fortune, something like a Michelin Premier would be better, but cost half again as much...).

[forester2002s]

You say that the original tires are labelled 'M+S'.

So they are 'All-Seasons', and would therefore have a slightly more aggressive tread pattern.

 

You could replace them with a NON M+S tire, which should be quieter and smoother.

But those would not be suitable for winter/snow conditions (I see that you are in Boston MA).

So you would also need snow-tires for the winter months, and run the smoother tires in the summer.

[CarolW]

Keith3267, Numbchux, forester 2002s:

 

Thanks for your input.  I appreciate it.  :-)  

 

I'm going to look into getting the Michelins or Yokohama tires.  My mechanic said I'll be needing new tires in spring, but I may spring for new tires before then.  I'll try to post back again with how things work out with the new tires.

 

Side note:  I just bought the Legacy several months ago.  Had to finally retire my 1997 Saturn SL2 (207,000 miles).  I'm surprised that with all of the advances over the years that the cabin of my 2014 Legacy is noiser than my '97 Saturn, which the auto industry also reported was noiser than average!  The noise level  of the Legacy is not horrible, just enough to be annoying.  

 

Noise canceling technology:  I think I heard that Honda's which are noted for a quiet ride have noise canceling electronic technology.  Too bad that's not a generic component we can install into any car on the road!     

 

Thanks again for your input.

 

Carol

Edited November 11, 2017 by CarolW

[Fairtax4me]

Never had or driven on a Bridgestone tire that I was happy with, and Turanzas wear out in no time.

 

Michelin you almost can't go wrong with. If low noise is your concern make sure you get an all season style and not a performance type tire.

[Bushwick]

Compare the tires you are looking at on tirerack for a general reference, and aim for some type of touring tire or whatever has an excellent noise rating, and decide if it's something you can run. One benefit to TR is people comment on the tires they purchase/use and they'll be brutally honest. Pay attention to the tread life expectancy, summer/winter/all season, etc.

[CarolW]

Fairtax4me, Bushwick:

 

Thank you for your input.  :--)

 

Carol