1. (Units) a unit of heat in the fps system equal to the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1Â°F. 1 British thermal unit is equivalent to 1055.06 joules or 251.997 calories.
Quick Answer. A major factor that usually causes tire noise is the air chamber inside the tire. The large void that is filled with air acts as a giant resonance chamber. Thus, the tires are something like donut-shaped drums that generate a low-frequency hum when tires are rolling.
The sound of the tread contacting the road also causes tire noise. Another factor that causes tire noise is the sound of air that is compressed inside the tread grooves. Diverse tread compounds and tread styles cause different levels of noise.