Uncomfortable Road Noise

[KillaWhat]

When I installed my speaker upgrade, I installed a lot of dynamat.
it made the sound of the door closing much more solid.
But "upgrading" my tires really reduced the road noise.
If you lived closer I'd let you test drive it.

[emsik1001]

Hi KillaWhat,

Are you using Michelin MXM4 Tires?

It seems UK has different tyre models, I've spent half a day today doing research and most important factor I learnt is that noise level that is displayed (EU tyre label regulations) can be very misleading, as often the lower it is, the higher the interior/cabin noise, probably because the noise is directed inside the car, to make it score better outside. I'll try to blog my research results later.

In my case I've just ordered Continental "Conti.eContact Electric" tyres (replacing Michelin Energy Saver Plus), and I must admit my curiosity is the main reason why I decided to buy it (£305 with fitting, 4 tyres), and I will update my blog post with interior noise in 2-3 weeks time. I'm a bit skeptical, but reducing noise just by 3 to 5 dBs should be noticeable and maybe I will get a bit better range, I'm hoping for 3 to 5 miles extra (3-5%) per full charge. Will see how it goes.

[BEV4EVer]

Hi KillaWhat,

Are you using Michelin MXM4 Tires?

It seems UK has different tyre models, I've spent half a day today doing research and most important factor I learnt is that noise level that is displayed (EU tyre label regulations) can be very misleading, as often the lower it is, the higher the interior/cabin noise, probably because the noise is directed inside the car, to make it score better outside. I'll try to blog my research results later.

In my case I've just ordered Continental "Conti.eContact Electric" tyres (replacing Michelin Energy Saver Plus), and I must admit my curiosity is the main reason why I decided to buy it (£305 with fitting, 4 tyres), and I will update my blog post with interior noise in 2-3 weeks time. I'm a bit skeptical, but reducing noise just by 3 to 5 dBs should be noticeable and maybe I will get a bit better range, I'm hoping for 3 to 5 miles extra (3-5%) per full charge. Will see how it goes.

So, how did it go? Was the cabin noise on rough asfalt roads redused by the new tires?

My Leaf 2015 has Michelin Energy Saver+, 205/55 R16, tires which has a annoying singing resonance noise already from 20 mph and up on the typical rough asfalt roads of north europe.

[emsik1001]

Hi

I didn't have my locking nut key, and Nissan didn't have this one in the warehouse, so after 2 weeks of trying to sort it out (eventually removed it with master key, and replaced with new set), I finally got the tyres changed yesterday, and the result is disappointing.

There is no difference in noise, it's practically the same (I've used decibel meter in the same spots (x4), with the same speed and the same tyre pressure)

I though it is rolling more, but I've just checked carwings and almost the same (5.5 to 6.0 miles/kWh during weekends without motorway driving)

I emailed continental today, to double check if I my tyres is "conti silent" (I think econtact electric vs econtact hybrid might be different?) as I don't see the print on the tyres, and their website says all econtact tyres should have it, but I suspect the website statement might be inaccurate.

I'm very disappointed. I particularly dislike this kind of marketing, so I will complain a bit to continental customer service team and see what I will achieve, not hoping for much here, so I might do a review on my blog with real life test results and at least warn other buyers.

Take care

[emsik1001]

I got a reply from continental and decided to take out my frustrations in a blog post (ContiSilent Review)

[BEV4EVer]

I got a reply from continental and decided to take out my frustrations in a blog post (ContiSilent Review)

Thanks for the warning!
No meaning to switch to those Continentals then.

From what I've heard Tekna suffers less from road noise compared to Acenta, but I haven't compared them yet myself.
Leaf Tekna (in Europe) has Dunlop Enasave tires (Dunlop EnaSave 215/50 R17).
I can't find them in 16" but mayby Dunlop Sport BluResponse 205/55 R16 94V XL also is ok.

Another alternative could be Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 205/55 R16 94W XL.

But I guess you don't really know which one is best on your Leaf Acenta until you've tested them all, and who can afford to do that..

[gsleaf]

Does dynamat installation help remove road vibration in addition to noise reduction?

[BEV4EVer]

Hi KillaWhat,

Are you using Michelin MXM4 Tires?

It seems UK has different tyre models, I've spent half a day today doing research and most important factor I learnt is that noise level that is displayed (EU tyre label regulations) can be very misleading, as often the lower it is, the higher the interior/cabin noise, probably because the noise is directed inside the car, to make it score better outside. I'll try to blog my research results later.

In my case I've just ordered Continental "Conti.eContact Electric" tyres (replacing Michelin Energy Saver Plus), and I must admit my curiosity is the main reason why I decided to buy it (£305 with fitting, 4 tyres), and I will update my blog post with interior noise in 2-3 weeks time. I'm a bit skeptical, but reducing noise just by 3 to 5 dBs should be noticeable and maybe I will get a bit better range, I'm hoping for 3 to 5 miles extra (3-5%) per full charge. Will see how it goes.

So, how did it go? Was the cabin noise on rough asfalt roads redused by the new tires?

My Leaf 2015 has Michelin Energy Saver+, 205/55 R16, tires which has a annoying singing resonance noise already from 20 mph and up on the typical rough asfalt roads of north europe.

Fyi, just switched to winter tires but the resonance noise is still exactly the same.
So, the tires are most probably not the cause in my case.
The Nissan garage has no idea.

[powersurge]

I think that anyone who complains that they hear "noise" when they go FAST on COBBLESTONE STREETS has answered their own question. Don't do that, or don't complain. That's like complaining that when I cross the stream with my car, the insides gets wet... Not the fault of the car. I have owned dozens of cars in the past 40 years, and the Leaf is the quietest, and most stable car I have every owned. It just doesn't handle like my Mazda Miata....

[BEV4EVer]

I think that anyone who complains that they hear "noise" when they go FAST on COBBLESTONE STREETS has answered their own question. Don't do that, or don't complain. That's like complaining that when I cross the stream with my car, the insides gets wet... Not the fault of the car. I have owned dozens of cars in the past 40 years, and the Leaf is the quietest, and most stable car I have every owned. It just doesn't handle like my Mazda Miata....

Sorry but it wasn't a general complaint, the resonance noise we (including a Nissan mechanic) hear in my Leaf isn't there on any other Leaf's I've used.