Yes, all-terrain tires are typically louder than regular all-season tires.
This increased noise level is primarily due to their tread design. According to the provided reference, all-terrain tires, along with mud and off-road tires, feature block tread patterns that generate a louder noise compared to other tire types.
Regular all-season tires and best touring tires often have different tread patterns designed for quieter operation on pavement. While all-terrain tires frequently utilize symmetrical grooves, touring tires may incorporate many varied patterns to minimize road noise and enhance comfort.
Why the Difference in Noise?
The distinctive design of all-terrain tires, optimized for varied surfaces including off-road conditions, directly impacts their sound profile on pavement.
- Aggressive Tread Blocks: The large, chunky blocks and deep voids in all-terrain tread patterns are essential for grip on loose or uneven surfaces like dirt, mud, or rocks.
- Air Circulation: As the tire rolls over the road, air gets trapped within these large voids and is then expelled as the blocks make contact with the surface. This rapid trapping and releasing of air creates the characteristic humming or droning sound associated with AT tires.
- Tread Void Ratio: All-terrain tires generally have a higher tread void ratio (more space between the tread blocks) than street-oriented tires, contributing further to noise generation.
While the noise level can vary between specific models and manufacturers, the fundamental design elements required for all-terrain capability inherently make them louder than tires designed purely for quiet on-road performance.
