We have a 2003 Kia Rio RX-V (Cinco for you Americans). It has 80,000 km on it. It has 4 newish tires. 2 were purchased in the spring, 1 in June and 1 in July after flat tires.
In the past week I’ve noticed a lot of road noise. It started off quietly, but now, at between 40-60 km/hr it is really bad. At 110 km it is deafening!! It doesn’t get worse or diminish when braking.
Aside from tire problems, is there anything else that could cause the loud humming I’m hearing? I’m assuming that it is road noise/tires.
A worn wheel bearing can produce a humming sound. Usually it’s mitigated by braking, but I wouldn’t rule it out. Should be easy to test for if it’s loud. That said, a faulty tire is a definite possibility.
Wheel bearing was my first guess. Luckily I’m still under warranty on the car (and the tires) so I guess I’ll be taking it in to the dealership at lunch.
It seems to be coming from the passenger side rear area. I don’t think it’s an alignment issue. If it was a balancing issue, wouldn’t there be a shimmy or vibration?
I hope it isn’t the wheel bearing - they can be a bugger to fix. But if you are under warrantee I wouldn’t worry too much. Bring it down to the dealership and they should be able to give you a loaner whist it’s being repaired…
We have this problem on our Trans Am. It uses higher performance tires, which, in my opinion, make more racket than our little Ranger and it’s cheapo tires. I think it’s the tread.
Loaner?! BAHHAHAAA!! Oh, sorry, you were serious. heh They don’t do loaners here in the city. Unless the repair is going to take 3 days, I get shuttled to work, and they pick me up at 5:00. After 3 days, then you get a loaner.
We’ve been fortunate with our car. Nothing major so far. It’s been a great little car.