I’ve had to make this 80mile trip consistently that is 90% on interstate highways. I will listen to a podcast with my volume around 25. Then once I get on the interstate I will raise to 28-30 because I’ll be doing 70. I noticed there are some portions of road that I just dont hear the podcast anymore. Lasting 2-3 miles, sounding like when on a plane that is taxiing and getting ready to lift off. Then the next chunk is smooth and quiet.
In: Physics
It depends on how well the topmost surface is finished. If they get the concrete super smooth all you hear is a swoosh from your tires (but this road is hazardous in the rain) . If it’s rough you get a rumble. If they put little drainage lines in it you get a hum, if it’s poorly finished asphalt the rumble can be overwhelming.
Depends on the material of the road. Asphalt is much softer, and therefore more absorbant of pressure and sound than concrete. So if you’re driving along on asphalt and you suddenly switch to concrete it’s going to get a lot louder. You can experiment yourself. Take a basketball, or something similar, and roll it across a hardwood floor, then roll it across carpet. Because the carpet is softer it makes much less noise.
The topography of the road changes, and what you hear are your wheels against the surface of the road.
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