Stuart's Volkswagen Golf Mk 5/V Forum

Hi Stuart,

Found your site accidently, and enjoyed reading all of your articles, well done. I have a 2006 Golf 2.0 FSI Comfortline, and just love it. It's not my first VW, years ago I ran around in a 1964 beatle. Thought that was great at the time.

Getting back to my Golf, the only complaint I have is the road noise. Some say "just turn up the radio", it's quite intrusive. I'm guessing it's the tyres. Factory fitted are Dunlop Eagles. 195 65 15".

I was hoping you would have covered the subject of tyre noise, but couldn't find anything.

I'm not up for new tyres yet, but have been looking at Michelin XM2's. In Australia, they are $149 each which seems reasonable. The tyre dealer reckons they are much quieter than the Dunlops, but who really knows. Dealers will say anything to clinch a deal.

What experience have you had with tyres?

Kind regards,

Ken

Oops, in my last post, I stated the wrong brand of tyre that's on my Golf. I mentioned the tyres were Dunlop, incorrect, they are Goodyear. Since my last email, I did find some info you put up re tyres.

Regards,

Ken

Hi Ken,

Thanks for your email. It's nice to hear when people enjoy visiting my web site.

I think tyre noise is a characteristic of the Mk V Golf. I suspect it is just down to how the suspension is designed on the car. Also, I have found that the tyre noise is less apparent at highway speeds and so I can live with it.

It is true that some makes of tyre are quieter than others but I don't think they make a big difference on the Golf. As I mention on my web site, I have now tried 3 different makes of tyre:

1) Goodyear NCT5
2) Michelin Pilot Primacy
3) Goodyear Excellence

I chose #2 because it was supposed to last longer (it did). I didn't notice any difference in road noise. I chose #3 specifically because it was supposed to be quieter. It was, but only a little bit.

My only recommendation would be to do a little internet research from the tyre manufacturers and tyre review sites (like I did). They usually provide an indication of noise generation. Choose a tyre which is supposed to be quieter, but don't expect a big difference.

Hope that helps,
Stuart