Causes When Humming Noise in Car Getting Louder with Speed

Sounds can be hard to locate in a vehicle when driving, but if possible, try to find the side of the car the noise is coming from.

If the location of the sound can be heard left, right, and front-back, it will be easier to find the source.

Why Do I Hear Humming While Driving?

Humming from a vehicle when driving usually indicates a component has failed.

The main components that make noise as a vehicle speeds up are the running gear, such as the tires, bearings, and anything that may come into contact with them.

Other causes include tires needing balance or something stuck in the tires and rubbing on the body of the vehicle.

Trying to locate the side of the car where the noise is coming from will help to narrow down the cause.

Causes When Humming Noise in Car Getting Louder with Speed

1. Bad Tire


A bad tire with a damaged tread can cause a noise in a vehicle when it speeds up.

Go around the car and examine each tire to see if there is any missing tread or other damaged.

If you can locate the side of the car where the noise is coming from, the tires can be swapped around to see if the sound follows.

For example, if the noise is coming from the front right, the front right tire can be swapped out with a back tire to see if the sound follows the tire.

2. Tire Needs Balanced


If a tire needs to be balanced, it can sometimes cause a noise.

Usually, an unbalanced tire will also have a vibration.

If the car has a noise and also a vibration, then it likely needs to be taken to a tire shop and the tire balanced.

3. Loose Brake Pad


A loose brake pad that is no longer held in place with the clips can also cause an issue.

Brake pads have small clips that hold them in place when the brake is let off.

If clips no longer hold the brake pad, it may rub against the disc and cause a noise.

There will usually be a burning smell around the tire if the brake pad is loose and rubbing on the disc.

4. Bad Wheel Bearing


A bad wheel bearing is a common issue with a sound that gets louder as the vehicle speeds up.

Often it is a problem when everything else has been checked.

A bad wheel bearing will sound like a hum or buzzing and can, in many cases, be hard to hear where the sound is coming from.

Jacking the car up and spinning the tire will help to see if it has a bad bearing.

When jacked up, the tire should spin freely without much resistance.

If it has a lot of resistance, it likely has a bad wheel bearing.

When driven, the center of the tire will often get hot since the bearing is rubbing metal to metal.

5. Failing Transmission


If the transmission fails, it may, in some cases, make a noise.

Usually, there will be other problems also, such as bad shifting or the warring light coming on.

If the car has a transmission dipstick, it can be checked to see if any metal shaving is in the transmission, which is a sign it has internal damage.

Does Wheel Bearing Noise Get Louder With Speed?

Yes, a wheel bearing noise will get louder as a vehicle speeds up and then reach a high constant noise.

If the wheel bearing is failing, it must be replaced since; if it fails completely, the tire may seize up or become very hot.

Can a Transmission Make a Humming Noise?

Yes, a transmission can make a humming noise which usually indicates it has started to fail.

Usually, when a transmission is making any noise, there is a failing component that will need to be replaced.

Summary
A humming noise in a car that gets louder with speed can be caused by different things.

Trying to locate where the sound is coming from can help significantly in finding the source.

The most common cause of a humming noise that becomes louder with speed is a bad tire, loose brake pad, and a bad wheel bearing.

Each component should be examined to see if the source can be found.

Have you had an issue with a humming noise in a vehicle that gets louder as you speed up? Let us know your thoughts below.