Why is my new Volkswagen Passat so noisy?

A few months ago I bought a new Volkswagen Passat GT estate. The car drives well enough, but emits a loud drone on all but the smoothest of roads. It is on 18-inch alloys and the dealer cannot find any faults.

Asked on 10 July 2016 by gordon somerville

Answered by Honest John
Must be the 18-inch 45 profile tyres. If you want it to be quieter, switch to 16-inch wheels, fit them with Michelin Cross Climate 55 profile tyres and run them at a lower pressure.
Similar questions
I have a 2015 Focus and recently noticed a slight ticking noise from the front right tyre whilst driving. It is very faint and doesn't always manifest itself, especially at higher speeds. I thought it...
I have a 2002 Honda Civic Type R with 62k miles on the clock, which I have owned since new. Over the past year or so it has developed a rumbling thunder type noise when driving at low speeds. I recently...
I have had a Ford C-MAX 1.8 TDI. It now has 62,000 miles on the clock and recently I have noticed excessive road noise from the front tyres. My local Ford dealer says that the "alloy wheels may be slightly...
Related models
Neat styling inside and out, fine quality, strong performance even from the entry-level engines, spacious interior and capacious boot for a saloon.