Yokohama Advan dB V552

Our resident tyre reviewer gives his verdict on Yokohama’s latest “silent” tyre.

- Dr Andre Lam

YOKOHAMA makes a multitude of tyres from racing slicks to comfortable passenger car tyres.

However, they have also been focussing on specially designed low-noise tyres. These tyres carry the initials “dB”, which stands for “decibel”.

The first time I tested Yokohama’s dB was in 1999. In 2004, it became the AVS dB. Back then, the focus was on tread pattern noise and optimising the carcass.

Yokohama’s latest quiet tyre is known as Advan dB. For the uninitiated, Advan is the brand’s flagship line of tyres.

The Advan dB’s tread design bears some resemblance to the tread pattern of the AVS dB, but the former has a slightly more asymmetrical style, with unbroken tread bands placed on both the outer and inner tread.

There are plenty of drainage sipings that divide the tread bands into smaller individual blocks. The blocks are chamfered to reduce the feathering wear pattern and noise. The tyre’s tread belting is fairly stiff. It has rounded shoulders and no rim protector.

Dry Performance: 7/10

In terms of dry performance, the Advan dB didn’t really need any bedding-in. Oncentre steering feel seemed unusually good and almost felt like a sportier tyre thanks to the positive and meaty feel.