Tyre straits

We have a 2009 Ford Fiesta Titanium auto on 15 x 6 alloy wheels. with 195/50 Hancook tyres. This wretched car, which could be so nice, gives no pleasure to driver or passenger because of the incessant tyre roar, which varies from intrusive to deafening, such that conversation is impossible. I have spent £200 on a noisekiller kit that has proved to be totally ineffective. Is there anything else I can do apart from scrapping the tyres and trying different ones, and if I do this, what improvement can I expect? Ford's disinterest in this matter is total. I cannot understand how a reputable manufacturer can produce an otherwise good car with such a glaring defect. After all, noise is pollution.

Asked on 28 August 2010 by MB, Durley

Answered by Honest John
The tyres aren't a crazy size. Check first, but I think you can probably
swap them for slightly narrower, deeper, profile 185/55 Michelin Energy Saver. That's what I've got and they're quiet. I should add that the Fiesta is even worse on 205/40 R17s on which it feels as if it’s running on solid tyres.
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