This is a sponsored article from our partners at ERANGE EV.
One of the most noticeable benefits of electric vehicles is their relaxing, almost silent electric motors. Without the hundreds of moving parts and combustion required for gas engines to run, electric motors don’t produce the sound levels of their fossil fuel-burning counterparts, but that silence can uncover unexpected noises from other parts of the car. Road and wind noise are particularly noticeable in EVs, especially at highway speeds. Thankfully, many tire manufacturers have developed EV-specific tires with a focus on noise reduction and ride quality, which helps preserve their often serene driving experience.
That said, finding the right noise-fighting tire for your EV can be challenging. You’ll need to consider the tire size, type, and other qualities, and it’s important to look for tires that also help preserve the car’s range, such as Sailun’s ERange tires. This overview will detail some of the best practices for EV tire shopping with a focus on finding the best tire to preserve your EV’s quiet operation.
What Are EV-Specific Tires?
Before going too far, it’s a good idea to detail how EV tires differ from the everyday tires other vehicles wear. Tire manufacturers focus on a few key characteristics when designing EV-specific tires:
- Rolling resistance and friction
- Sound levels
- Tread pattern
- Comfort and handling
EV tires are generally rated for higher air pressures than their counterparts, which improves the vehicle’s handling characteristics and boosts efficiency. They also usually have stiffer sidewalls that add to the effect, and the design also helps the tires manage EVs’ heavier curb weights.
How EV Tires Reduce Sound Levels
At the same time, their tread patterns are designed to provide the best grip and water evacuation while maintaining reasonable sound levels. Without the gas engine and other mechanical components providing background noise, passengers are more likely to hear the tires as they claw into the pavement. Unique tread patterns, such as the Sailun ERange’s SilentTread technology, help create sound frequencies that minimize road noise.
Some tire manufacturers rely on other technologies to deal with EV tire noise, such as an inner foam lining that helps absorb sound. The best foam-lined tires promise up to a 20 percent reduction in noise levels, a significant improvement. That said, foam-lined tires can be more expensive than traditional products, and time has shown them to be less durable. They are also heavier and can complicate the repair process, such as patching a flat tire. Sailun ERange tires offer many of the same benefits as foam-lined tires without the added cost or repair issues.
Gallery: Sailun eRange Tires On A Tesla
How to Shop for EV Tires That Reduce Road Noise
The first and most important thing to do when shopping for EV tires with the goal of cutting sound levels is to make sure that you’re focusing on tires designed specifically for electric vehicles. While there is likely a traditional tire size that fits your EV, you’ll miss out on all of the benefits that come with focused tires, which include lower noise levels. Tire companies don’t always label their products as being for EVs, but some of the most popular online retailers offer the ability to filter for EV-focused products.
Match Tire Sizes
Any tire replacement, EV-specific or not, should be with a like-for-like size. Moving up or down in tire size without an equal and opposite adjustment in wheel size can throw off the vehicle’s suspension geometry and interfere with vehicle sensors, such as ones that monitor its speed. The good news is that EV tires come in a wide range of sizes, so it’s easy to find a suitable replacement for most vehicles.
Consider Your Driving Style and Environment
Drivers in South Florida don’t have to worry about snow, but people living in New England need a tire that can handle the elements when things go sideways. Some manufacturers offer dedicated winter tires for EVs that deliver the best traction and performance in poor conditions, but people in places with only occasional snow may find that a solid all-season EV tire does the job just fine. The Sailun ERange tire offers good traction in light snow, which is more than good enough in areas with lighter snowfall.
In general, there’s a tradeoff between sound levels, comfort, and performance. Winter tires can be noisier than all-season models due to their more robust tread patterns, and that can also be true for summer performance tires. You might need a dedicated tire for one of those scenarios, but understand that getting an EV tire with a specific focus and robust sound deadening properties is not always possible.
Maximize Tread Life
While several factors impact tire life, looking for the tire with the longest advertised tread life is essential. Tire companies back their products with warranties that protect buyers against defects and premature wear. Sailun ERange tires come with a 50,000-mile warranty, so you’re covered for a significant amount of time.
Finally, it’s important to keep your budget in mind. It can be tempting to spring for the most expensive tire with the most elaborately named features, but you don’t have to break the bank to get a tire that meets your sound level and comfort expectations. Take your time and do your research, and you’ll end up with a quiet tire that keeps your EV range, comfort, and performance as you expect.
If you want to learn more about how Sailun’s ERange tires can make a difference for your EV, please visit erangetires.com.
