Noise and Rolling Resistance Properties of Various Types of Winter Tyres Compared to Normal Car Tyres

To cope with winter weather conditions, potentially including snow and ice, it is common to use winter tyres, or "all-seasons" tyres assumed to be safe both in summer and winter. In some northern countries, winter tyres are mandatory. Traditionally, it has been assumed that winter tyres are noisier than normal tyres (here called summer tyres) and winter tyres equipped with studs are assumed to be very noisy. This paper presents a study where noise and rolling resistance properties of tyres for winter conditions are compared to summer and all-season tyres. The winter tyres include types optimized for central-European climate, tyres optimized for Nordic climate and tyres with studs. In total, approximately 35 car tyres in new condition have been tested. Noise properties have been measured with the CPX method and rolling resistance has been measured with a trailer method; all measurements made on two in-service road surfaces; an SMA 8 and a DAC 16 pavement. Tyres were loaded with loads and inflation as required in ECE Regulation R117. Results indicate that winter tyres are somewhat quieter than summer tyres; except studded tyres which are much noisier. Rolling resistance is approximately similar among the main types; surprisingly including also studded tyres.