Why Do We Hear Noise in the Cabin
To fully understand the effectiveness of our solution, it is useful to explain the source of the perceived noise. The noise you hear in the cabin is not generated by the tires. It's actually the indentations of the road that beat against the tire tread, generating vibrations of varying degrees depending on the quality of the road, the speed and the vehicle.
Because a tire is hollow and contains compressed air, it acts as a resonance chamber, somewhat like a drum with a stretched skin. As a result, the sound of vibrations is amplified and people inside the car hear an unpleasant buzzing noise, especially when the vehicle is electric, as the engine is silent.
A Special Technology for Quiet Tires
We have developed a solution to design quiet tires in order to improve acoustic comfort in the cabin. The solution, Michelin Acoustic Technology which effectively reduces noise in the car caused by the road.
The result is a significant reduction of interior noise by approximately 20%(3)
A Foam Solution to Muffle Noise
A custom-designed polyurethane foam solution reduces noise in the car by muffling its resonance, which allows the drivers and passengers to benefit fully from hands-free communication devices while lessening driver fatigue on long drives. Michelin Acoustic Technology even dampens interior noise when driving on changing road conditions.
A Tread Pattern to Make Tires Quieter
Not only does this special foam muffle road noise, but the tread pattern is also designed to make tires quieter. To do this, we use a simulation tool (Piano Noise Reduction), prior to development, which enables us to study the correct arrangement of the structural blocks of the tire tread pattern.
Why? Because a tread pattern with blocks of the same width generates a frequency, and therefore noise, when rolling. So, to avoid noise generated by the repetition of the tread pattern, we make sure that the blocks of the tread pattern are of different widths without compromising the tire’s performance.
Which Michelin Tires Have Acoustic Technology?
The quantity of foam varies according to the type of frequencies to be suppressed. And these are closely linked to the vehicle. That's why this technology is designed in co-development with vehicle manufacturers. In other words, tires equipped with Michelin Acoustic Technology are exclusively designed as OE (Original Equipment), i.e. they are already fitted to vehicles at the time of purchase, to ensure optimum efficiency for the related frequencies. All to make your journeys more enjoyable and less tiring.
Shop Featured Tires with Michelin Acoustic Technology
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The Michelin Primacy MXM4 is the best in EV range and noise ⁽¹⁾ ⁽²⁾.
Michelin PRIMACY MXM4
Michelin PRIMACY TOUR A/S
Michelin PILOT SPORT EV
Legal Notices
(1) Based on internal rolling resistance testing using the standard ISO 28580 method in tire size 235/45R18 XL comparing the Michelin Primacy MXM4 T1 tire (6.59 kg/ton) versus the Goodyear ElectricDrive GT tire (8.94 kg/ton) and Pirelli P ZERO ALL SEASON Plus ELECT tire (8.28 kg/ton). Considering a 2022 Tesla Model 3 RWD fitted with size 235/45R18 tires, a battery capacity of 57.5kWh, and an autonomy of 438km (272mi), under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) test conditions, this gap of 2.35 kg/ton (for Goodyear) and 1.69 kg/ton (for Pirelli) equates to a gain of autonomy of more than 8% of the initial range. Actual on-road results may vary. Third-party trademarks owned by Goodyear and Pirelli.
(2) Based on internal on-vehicle noise testing in tire size 235/45R18 XL using a 2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance comparing the Michelin Primacy MXM4 T1 versus the Goodyear ElectricDrive GT and Pirelli P ZERO ALL SEASON Plus ELECT. Actual on-road results may vary. Third-party trademarks owned by Goodyear and Pirelli.
(3) Michelin Pilot Sport EV is a quiet tire thanks to Michelin Acoustic technology which contributes to reduce the perceived noise in the cabin by 20%*
*Internal noise measurement, done in 2016 on size 245/45 R19 on KIA Cadenza. Noise level measured on the range "170-230Hz". Results may vary according to vehicle, tire range and size, speed, and road conditions.