Ambient noise

[Bwana]

Is it just me or is it actually louder on the road these days as compared to the '60's and '70's? I remember riding around in El Lay in my mom's wagon with the windows rolled down and we could still talk and hear the radio. I live a mile or so from the freeway and there are some dense woods in between the house and the freeway. When we moved in ten years ago, we couldn't hear it, now it's like it's down the street. Driving around in the Coupe with the window down, I can't hear myself think.

Old biased ply vs. radials? Is everybody running M&S rated tires so they all howl now? And I'm not talking about exhaust noise, just road noise.

I know my hearing hasn't gotten better :lol:

 

[JFENG]

Is it just me or is it actually louder on the road these days as compared to the '60's and '70's? I remember riding around in El Lay in my mom's wagon with the windows rolled down and we could still talk and hear the radio. I live a mile or so from the freeway and there are some dense woods in between the house and the freeway. When we moved in ten years ago, we couldn't hear it, now it's like it's down the street. Driving around in the Coupe with the window down, I can't hear myself think.

Old biased ply vs. radials? Is everybody running M&S rated tires so they all howl now? And I'm not talking about exhaust noise, just road noise.

I know my hearing hasn't gotten better :lol:

Tire noise has changed in the last 10 years. Gone from more tonal to more "white"
But, you're problem sounds like the one I have. As we get older our ability to have a conversation in a noisy environment degrades. Plus I'll bet the traffic density on that road is much higher than when you moved 10 years ago. Are you running original 195/70-14's or low profile wider tires on larger diameter rims. That'll add to the noise too.