A car tyre is the only component of your vehicle that comes into direct contact with the road and keeps you moving. While safety is a key consideration when choosing tyres, comfort is equally important.
When it comes to comfort, a good set of tyres can reduce vibrations and road noise, especially when driving over uneven or coarse road surfaces commonly found in Malaysia. This is why tyre manufacturers have invested heavily in technologies designed to make tyres quieter.
Below, we have compiled 14 tyre models from different brands that feature technologies designed to reduce road noise. The models selected are generally positioned at reasonable price points and are suitable for everyday drivers.
Quiet tyres in Malaysia from different brands
1. Michelin Primacy 5 & Primacy 5 Energy
The Michelin Primacy 5 sits above the XM2+ in Michelin's passenger car tyre lineup, while the Primacy 5 Energy places greater emphasis on energy efficiency.
The Primacy 5 Energy uses technologies such as Energy Passive 2.0 and Slim Belt to reduce rolling resistance. Both models feature Michelin Acoustic Technology and Silent Rib Gen 3 to help deliver a quieter driving experience. For EV owners, the Primacy 5 Energy is worth considering as Michelin claims up to 6% greater energy efficiency or up to 10% more driving range, depending on the comparison.
2. Continental PremiumContact 6 & MaxContact 6
The Continental PremiumContact 6 (PC6) is designed as an everyday tyre, using a silica-rich compound formulated to provide strong wet-road performance without compromising braking ability. It also offers longer mileage and 5% lower rolling resistance compared with its predecessor. The PC6 sits above the ComfortContact 6 (CC6) in Continental's range.
The MaxContact 6 (MC6), meanwhile, is designed for drivers who want a more performance-oriented tyre, including SUV owners. It features Xtreme-Force technology, which helps prevent excessive tyre deformation during cornering. The MC6 is positioned at a higher price point than the PC6, reflecting its stronger dry and wet-road performance.
3. Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred, Eagle EfficientGrip & EfficientGrip SUV
The Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred is one of the more affordable options for drivers looking for a quieter tyre. It is designed for everyday driving across a variety of road conditions. Its additional layer using ANX Technology not only helps reduce cabin noise but also absorbs road vibrations before they reach the vehicle and its occupants.
For those with a larger budget, the Eagle EfficientGrip and EfficientGrip SUV are alternatives, with the latter designed for larger vehicles. Both offer similar comfort benefits to the ComfortTred, while their specialised tread designs help further reduce road noise through Goodyear's QuietTred technology.
4. Pirelli Cinturato P7
Pirelli offers noise-reduction technology across several of its tyre lines. Among its more accessible options is the Pirelli Cinturato P7, designed for everyday driving. In addition to Pirelli Noise Cancelling System (PNCS), selected versions of the tyre can also feature technologies such as Run Flat and Seal Inside, which can provide additional support during a puncture.
Pirelli's Run Flat technology allows a vehicle to continue driving for a limited distance even after the tyre loses air pressure, giving the driver time to reach a safe location or tyre service centre. Seal Inside, meanwhile, uses a special sealant material inside the tyre that can seal punctures caused by certain objects, helping to prevent sudden loss of tyre pressure.
5. Hankook Kinergy Eco2 & Kinergy EX H308
The Kinergy series is positioned among Hankook's more affordable passenger car tyres. Two options worth considering are the Kinergy Eco2 and Kinergy EX H308.
The Kinergy EX H308 is the more basic option and is commonly used on popular compact and entry-level cars such as the Perodua Bezza and Proton Saga. For buyers with a slightly larger budget, the Kinergy Eco2 offers an upgrade, particularly for drivers looking for stronger wet-road performance while retaining the everyday comfort characteristics of the Kinergy range.
6. Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601 & ADVAN Fleva V701
Within Yokohama's range, the ADVAN Apex V601 and ADVAN Fleva V701 feature characteristics designed to reduce road noise.
For a more accessible option, the ADVAN Fleva V701 sits in the upper mid-range category and is suitable for everyday driving. Its tread pattern is designed to reduce the generation of road noise as the tyre rolls across the road surface. The ADVAN Apex V601, meanwhile, sits higher in Yokohama's performance range and is aimed at high-performance vehicles. It uses a high-grade silica compound to achieve low rolling resistance while maintaining strong road grip.
7. Toyo NanoEnergy 3 & Proxes CR1
The Toyo NanoEnergy 3 is part of Toyo Tyres' range of more affordable passenger car tyres. It is designed for compact and mid-sized cars, with an emphasis on mileage and fuel efficiency. Now in its third generation, the NanoEnergy 3 uses a new rubber compound designed to provide improved grip.
For drivers looking for a more premium option, the Proxes CR1 is a step up. It features technologies designed to reduce road noise while remaining positioned at a reasonable price point. Technologies such as T-Mode, Nano Balance Technology, Silent Wall and Noise Protection work together to improve ride comfort and reduce noise while driving.
How do tyre manufacturers reduce road noise?
Tyre manufacturers use various techniques to reduce the noise generated when tyres roll across the road. These typically involve a combination of specialised compounds, tread patterns and tyre construction.
Michelin: Acoustic Technology and Silent Rib Gen 3
Michelin uses Acoustic Technology and Silent Rib Gen 3 on selected tyres designed for a quieter driving experience.
These technologies work to reduce vibrations and absorb or suppress sound generated within the tyre, helping to reduce the amount of road noise entering the cabin.
Continental: ContiSilent
Continental's ContiSilent technology uses a special polyurethane foam layer inside the tyre to reduce the transmission of sound generated within the tyre.
This allows Continental to retain the tyre's fundamental construction and performance characteristics while reducing cabin noise.
Goodyear: ANX Technology
Similar to Continental's approach, Goodyear's ANX Technology uses a specialised material inside the tyre to dampen noise generated as the tyre rolls.
It also helps absorb road vibrations, reducing the amount of vibration transmitted to the vehicle and its occupants.
Pirelli: Noise Cancelling System
Pirelli is another manufacturer that uses foam inside selected tyres to reduce noise.
Its Pirelli Noise Cancelling System (PNCS) uses a sound-absorbing foam material to reduce noise and vibrations caused by cavity noise inside the tyre.
This technology is particularly useful for EVs, where the absence of engine noise can make tyre and road noise more noticeable in the cabin.
Hankook: Optimised Tread Design
Hankook does not rely on a single trademarked acoustic technology for its noise-reduction approach. Instead, it focuses on optimising the tread design.
The arrangement of individual tread blocks, grooves and channels is carefully designed to influence the frequency and amplitude of sound generated when the tyre comes into contact with the road.
Toyo: Silent Technology
Toyo's Silent Technology combines research into materials, tyre construction, vibration and the interaction between the tyre and road surface.
Rather than simply using softer rubber to absorb sound and vibrations, Toyo takes a broader approach to reducing noise throughout the tyre's construction and tread design.
Choosing the right tyre is only the first step
Just as you should be careful when choosing tyres, you should also pay attention to the battery powering your car. Always choose a battery that matches the specifications recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
It is also worth considering a battery that can withstand demanding conditions, including Malaysia's hot weather and challenging road conditions. Additional benefits such as group takaful protection and nationwide warranty coverage can also provide extra peace of mind.
These are among the features offered with ASTRA batteries. All 28 ASTRA battery SKUs are SIRIM certified, while more than one million ASTRA batteries have been sold to Malaysian motorists.
This extensive usage reflects ASTRA's focus on delivering reliable performance for drivers across Malaysia. For more information, refer to the ASTRA battery catalogue.
