When the road noise annoys

Demand has doubled in a year for quieter tyres.

That’s according to Pirelli which says its PNCS (Pirelli Noise Cancelling System) tyres reduce road noise by 25%, especially handy for quieter EVs where outside noise often becomes more apparent.

It had 78 homologations of such tyres by the end of 2017, increasing by 100% to more than 150 by the end of 2018.

“This system created by Pirelli has been on sale since 2013 and is increasingly requested by the world’s best-known carmakers, especially those in the premium and prestige sectors, to offer greater comfort to drivers and passengers,” the company says.

A specific sound absorbing material is placed within the tyre, which absorbs vibrations in the air that would otherwise be transmitted to the inside of the vehicle, creating annoying background noise, Pirelli says.

”This ‘sponge’ is made from foam consisting of open cells that maximise the working surface of the material, intensifying the deadening of vibration, and therefore reducing noise.”

Tyre sidewall markings depicting a speaker and soundwaves with a bar through them are shown next to the PNCS symbol.

“Owners of vehicles equipped with PNCS technology are advised to always buy appropriately marked tyres specifically made for their cars,” Pirelli says. “It’s also important to look after the tyres properly: maintaining the correct tyre pressures as advised by the manufacturer also helps to contain road noise.”