Decibel (dB)
The decibel (dB) is the unit used to measure sound levels, such as tyre noise, exhaust noise and cabin noise.
What is Decibel (dB)?
The EU tyre label shows external rolling noise in dB. An increase of about 10 dB sounds roughly twice as loud. Exhaust systems must meet legal noise limits. Quieter tyres can make long motorway trips noticeably less tiring.
How it works
It is a logarithmic scale comparing sound pressure with a reference level.
Why it matters for your car
Small differences in dB can be clearly audible. Long exposure to high noise levels can damage hearing.
Other terms
- Apple CarPlay
- Charcoal Canister (EVAP Canister)
- Child Lock (Child Safety Lock)
- Cylinder Deactivation (Cylinder On Demand)
- Dual Injection (Port And Direct)
- Engine Bearing (Plain Bearing)
- Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)
- Fuse
- Kit Car
- Lowering Springs
- OBD Port (Diagnostic Connector)
- Plug & Charge (ISO 15118)
- Rinseless Wash
- Split-folding Rear Seats
- Swirl Marks
- Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)
- Tyre Flat Spot
- Valve Spring
- Wheel Horsepower (WHP)
- Window Tint (Tinted Glass)