I currently have a 2002 TL-S, owned it for about 3 months. And was in my car with a friend who drives a 2002 TL-P and he made a comment that I had a lot of road noise. Is there a normal difference between the TL-S and the TL-P when it comes to road noise or should I get this looked into?

 

Not that it actually applies...I had a 2003 TL-S which my dealership says is exactly the same car as the 2002, and the road noise level was incredible quiet, in comparison to other cars. As for my experience, the only thing that affected the road noise levels was what tires I was running. This affected how it sounded, yet was still not a lot.

My

 

I use the stock 17" Michelin HX MXM4 OEM tires for summer and a set of Accord 16" rims with Michelin Energy OEM tires (TL-P size) on them for winter use. I too noticed that the road noise is definitely evident as the MXM4s are high performance all-season tires but the Michelin Energys are somewhat of a A/S touring tire. Although the tread pattern is relatively similar, the TL-P tires I'm sure, are made to provide a much comfortable ride as opposed to the MXM4s having a bit of a bite on the sidewall.

I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

So I guess if I want less road noise I should look into more luxury tires? And less sport tires... I guess I should go look and see what kind of tires came with the car

 

good god, man, nooOO!

don't get floppy tires so you don't hear the road!

Replace the stereo and turn it up.

 

WHAT DID YOU SAY...HUH. WAIT A SEC. ok, I had to turn down the stereo to hear you I agree. Turn it up and deal with the road noise, which BTW is nothing compared to my old Jeep. I used to wear ear plugs when driving on the hiway.

 

If you have a Type-S, you have a few choices. The more popular ones are the Sumitomo HTR, the Yokohama Avid V4s and the Continental. I heard that the Yoko's and the Conti's are very quiet and has better handling characteristics than the stock Michelins.

You can also go down to an H-rated tire which has a lower speed rating but a much quieter ride. Stock sizes on these are harder to find.